Focus on Green Building Materials -- Eco Friendly Paint

I’m sure you’ve been to the neighborhood Home Depot and seen the infinite collection of paint choices. Selecting the right kind of paint can seem daunting and it is important to remember all paint is not created equal when it comes to being eco-friendly.

Problems with Traditional Paint

According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants inside your home is several times that of the great outdoors. The reason is quite simple, lack of proper ventilation. Obviously, the most dangerous time for you, your children and your pets is during the painting process and the few weeks after the painting has been applied. Traditional paints contain airborne chemicals known as VOC’s. VOC’s can headaches, fatigue, dizziness and possibly even cancer or heart disease. These concentrations are strongest when paint is fresh, but can linger around your house for years.

Eco-Friendly Paint Solutions

1. Low VOC Paints — Due to environmental regulations and increasing consumer demand, paint companies have developed new house paints that emit little or no VOCs. This is achieved by using water as a base instead of traditional, petroleum-based oil solvents. Low VOC paint is now widely available at most hardware stores with prices comparable to more traditional paint.
2. Natural Paints — A natural paint does not contain heavy metal or any VOCs. Natural paints and wood finishes are often composed of natural plant dyes, oils, and waxes. There are various forms of natural paints on the market, including clay and milk based paints. These natural paints still have a ways to go as they tend to be more expensive and less durable than traditional paint.
3. Lime Wash — A reasonably inexpensive green alternative to traditional paint is lime wash. Limestone, a calcium-based mineral, is combined with water to form a simple, natural paint that is the basis of all whitewashes. Lime wash can be used indoors or outdoors and forms a unique, glowing finish that comes in a variety of colors.

As you start to tackle your next renvoation project consider all your paint options and how they fit into your plan. Eco-friendly paint is just one step in making your renovation green. I encourage you to read all of the “focus on green building materials” posts before you get started. Also visit our FHA 203K Renovation site to learn how to finance your next green renovation with 203K Financing or a FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage

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View my original article at:

http://www.gogreenwithfha.com/2008/12/focus-on-green-building-materials-eco-friendly-paint/

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