A Fresh Coat of Paint

I'm getting ready to embark on some little home improvement projects and one that I think is great to do in the autumn season is interior painting. The cool breeze makes it bearable to leave the windows open and get all of the fresh air running through the house. This way Harley -------------> doesn't end up with heat stroke! Unfortunately, there are some pretty nasty volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints that aren't good for us or the environment. And these damaging components are leached out from painted surfaces for years after application. Here is an some info about green painting options for the interior of your home.

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