There have recently been many products released with little or no VOCs. They have a Green Seal on the can to help consumers identify these products. Eartheasy has a great directory of companies and products as well as the many benefits of using greener paints in your home. It also has tips for painters to ensure that no paint is unnecessarily wasted.
In comparison to traditional paint products, there are also completely natural alternatives that contain no VOCs or heavy metals commonly found in paints. These include clay paint, lime wash, and milk paint. Although these items are sometimes a bit more costly than other types of paint, they are completely natural and won't harm your family or the environment due to their use.
And when disposing of your paint-related items, here are some tips from Eartheasy:
~Avoid Cleaning Brushes and Rollers: Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job. (This works for water and oil-based paints and stains. It does not work for varnishes or lacquers.)
~ Clean Your Brushes Naturally: Turpentine, made from the resin of coniferous trees, is an environmentally-friendly solvent. It is excellent for cleaning brushes used with oil-based paints, and for cleaning up small drips. Use a short glass jar, filled no higher than the bristles. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After cleaning the brush, rinse with water.
~ Store partially full cans upside down: Leftover paint can be saved for months if stored properly. Make sure the lids are well sealed, then store the cans upside down. This prevents air from getting insed the can and causing the paint to thicken and dry.
~ Remember the BUD rule: Buy no more product than you need. Ask your retailer for help in assessing the quantity you need. Use up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a neighbor or community organization. Dispose of leftovers in a safe, responsible manner.
Hopefully you have some fun painting projects that you can complete with these great products. Let me know of any green painting experiences you have had and I will let you know how my projects turn out!
Let The Painting Begin!
GB
2 comments:
I wanted to make you aware of myperfectcolor.com untill now if someone wanted to sample a color they would have to either buy a quart or choose from limited color choices available in jars or pouches. MyPerfectColor invented a pint size can for any color and you can browse all the colors on the web. They also can make any color from any brand using Benjamin Moore paints. They ship all samples to your door fast. when you get a chance please check them out. https://www.myperfectcolor.com/ all this for about half the price of any store.
Environmentally Friendly Paints:
http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Benjamin-Moore-Aura-Paint-Myperfectcolor-com-s/3342.htm
Demo Video of Aura
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGyWNRxZpiQ
My favorite is the color combination page
http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Color-Combinations-Myperfectcolor-com-s/3254.htm
I picked colors form each of these brands, how great is that
Benjamin Moore
Ralph Lauren
C2
Sherwin Williams
Martha Stewart
Donald kaufman
Valspar
Pottery barn
Restoration Hardware
Great info, thanks for the resources. Hopefully these greener options will catch on and become the standard for painters!
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