Should I Use Low-VOC Paints on my Home Exterior?

As our society grows more environmentally conscious, most of us want to consider the impact our exterior painting will have on the world around us. We want to protect our families, our pets, our landscaping and our air quality. That is why every major paint manufacturer and distributor now has low-VOC and zero-VOC products. The hesitation for many people, however, is whether these eco-friendly paints are as good as traditional paints.

Volatile Organic Compounds, commonly shortened to VOC’s, are produced by a myriad of sources, from photocopiers to human breathing to “new car smell.” Some are more damaging than others, and paint has traditionally contained many of these substances. Typical paints use VOC’s in the solvents, which keep the paint in its liquid form. When the paint is applied to a wall, the solvents evaporate and the paint dries, releasing the VOC’s into the atmosphere.

As a response to a growing demand for “green” products, paint manufacturers have been producing low-VOC and zero-VOC products for several years now. By varying the formulas in the solvents, many companies have managed to produce very high-performance paint products that are also environmentally friendly. Brennan’s Custom Painting can recommend a number of great eco-friendly paints that will provide premium color and longevity, without the VOC’s. Even for the demanding job of protecting a home exterior against the forces of nature, these paints deliver!

One area where some companies try to appear more environmentally conscious than they actually are is in the area of colorants. They may have a low-VOC or zero-VOC formula in the paint base, but the pigments that are added to actually create your color do contain VOC’s. If you are looking for a truly eco-friendly paint, make sure to go with a brand that has no VOC’s in the colorants.

One of the leaders in the eco-friendly paint market is Benjamin Moore. With their eco-spec, Natura and Aura lines, they provide brilliant color in a durable, high-quality paint that is great for home interiors and exteriors.

If you have additional questions regarding eco-friendly paint, we would be happy to help. As a painting contractor that takes our commitment to excellence seriously, we are always looking for the best products that will meet and surpass our customers’ expectations. We are always delighted when our painting customers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey request that we use eco-friendly paint on their home exteriors.