Page 56 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine
P. 56
The Homeowner’s Handbook SIXTH EDITION
Finishes11
54 What’s on the surface counts.
www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015 Make sourcing paints and Glossary of Terms
adhesives with no VOCs top Know the Lingo
priority, but don’t forget about ■■ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Toxic ingredients
common in paints, adhesives and many household items
proper application and that are released into the air.
maintenance of these products. ■■ Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs): These substances were
listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Here’s the
PAINTS AND ADHESIVES in the United States have EPA list: http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/187polls.html
come a long away. They no longer contain lead or other
heavy metals. Most contain only a fraction of the volatile ■■ Alkyd: Commonly referred to as “oil based,” this type of
organic compounds (VOCs) they did 10 years ago. Oil- coating is typically higher in VOCs than waterborne paint,
based (alkyd) paints have largely been replaced by containing a petroleum-based solvent and a binder of
water-based latex products. But the conversion hasn’t synthetic resin.
always been smooth, and it’s far too early to declare “mission
accomplished.” ■■ Acrylic Latex: This widely used finish uses water as a
Some of the first brands of ultra low-VOC products got a bad solvent, and tends to be lower in VOC content than alkyd
rap a few years ago. These new paints were not as stable, harder to products, although it may offgas more slowly.
apply and almost impossible to find. They set back the transition
to “green” paint, especially among contractors. ■■ Breathe: How well a paint allows water vapor to pass
But those quality problems have been solved. Most of the latest through it without blistering or failing.
generation of low-impact paints and adhesives perform almost as
well as their solvent counterparts. But beware of exaggerated green ■■ Back Priming: Coating the back or hidden face of siding or
claims. Some companies like to hint that their paint brands are trim prior to installation as an added measure of protection
eco-friendly, when they’re really just doing the bare minimum— from moisture.
meeting regulatory standards. The same consumer caution should
apply to adhesives. Remind yourself that the color of a product’s ■■ Colorants: These add color to paints, and are a potential
container or labeling may have nothing to do with what’s inside. source of added VOCs in paint products.
On the other hand, several manufacturers have developed zero-
VOC colorants—a common source of added VOCs in paint—and VOCS
can claim that their products are truly “zero VOC. They’re Not the Only Villains
As you consider low-VOC, no-VOC and other emissions claims, Just because a paint is low in volatile organic compounds doesn’t
here are some points to consider. mean it’s safe to apply it in your home without wearing property
safety gear—or that it won’t release other dangerous pollutants.
VOCs are just one category of paint ingredient. Even if a paint
contains no VOCs at all, it may contain hazardous airborne
pollutants (HAPs). These take the form of both gases and tiny
continued on page 57
Sherwin-Williams Harmony VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT
Interior Acrylic Paint
BEHR Premium Plus Interior Paint
GREENGUARD Gold-certified Harmony is
a zero-VOC formula tinted with ColorCast Behr Premium Plus interior paint is
Ecotoner colorants, which do not add VOCs. GREENGUARD Gold certified, and offers
The paint also includes technology that homeowners more than 4,000 color choices in
can potentially reduce odors and harmful semi-gloss, flat, eggshell and base finishes. The
VOCs such as formaldehyde from carpets, zero-VOC formula is a low-odor
furniture and finishes. and self-priming product.
http://bit.ly/1NBslVC www.behr.com/consumer/home
