The paint manufacturing industry has created various compounds to improve the product’s durability, colour, texture, and other qualities. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) make up many of these and evaporate as soon as they come into contact with air.
A few appropriate and right compositions of chemicals are used to create these paints.
They also include heavy metals, including chromium, lead, and arsenic. Organic compounds called VOCs, such as acetone, glycol ethers, and ethyl acetate, are primarily utilised as solvents for traditional paints. These can pollute the air and harm the human body by penetrating the lungs. Also, these have an extremely overpowering smell compared to eco-friendly natural paints.
Depending on the exposure, these compounds can have various adverse consequences for those exposed. These side effects may be slight, causing a little burning sensation or minimal irritation of the eyes, throat, nose, or skin. Due to repeated exposure to the chemicals in traditional paints, VOCs from these paints can induce headaches, nausea, and dizziness in house interiors.
The synthetic chemical industry generates trash and byproducts that are harmful to the environment and have a significant carbon footprint, it is thus safer to use natural paints. Some long-term complications include damage to the liver and kidneys, lung problems, and possibly cancer which make them bad for the environment and the human body.
What are Eco-Friendly Paints?
The “eco-friendly natural paints” refers to paint, finish, or lacquer that doesn’t include airborne chemicals or gases that might harm your health. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are low-level hazardous emissions that seep into the air and induce symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, vision and respiratory impairment, and even memory loss.
Eco-friendly safe paints are non-toxic alternatives that do not include volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These products include natural ingredients like balsam, citrus, milk proteins, and lay. They have minimal to no odour and are incredibly healthy materials to utilise in construction. As a result, it is safe for those with allergies or respiratory disorders. Natural paints are often produced ecologically and sustainably, minimizing their carbon footprint.
Moreover, they are microporous, allowing walls to breathe. Natural paints are a superior alternative for enhancing air quality in clinics, academic institutions, or other structures.
Why Should Environmentally Safe Paint be Used while Painting a Space?
Natural paints have several benefits, some of which are listed below:
1. Being better for the environment and people
Eco-friendly natural paints are typically produced in a more ecologically responsible manner, such as with solar power. Natural paint is made with fewer fumes, which positively impacts air quality. Also, compared to conventional paint manufacture, it produces less harmful waste. Biodegradable materials make up eco-natural paint’s components. Moreover, it improves a building’s air quality. It can help reduce the risk of health-related adverse effects like respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and nausea since it releases fewer fumes when drying. Also, the natural paint doesn’t have a pungent smell.
2. Cost-effectiveness
Natural paint alternatives may seem pricier compared to standard paints. Yet they offer a greater return on investment and are of higher quality than conventional chemical-based paints. Moreover, they offer improved viscosity, paint coverage, colour retention, and abrasion resistance. As a little focus goes a long way, this implies that one can save some money. Also advantages are increased colour retention and health cost savings.
Finding anything from expensive solutions to less expensive options is possible, just as in any other sector. So, the cost will depend on the brand of eco-friendly natural paints, the rarity of the compounds, and whether or not VOCs are reduced or eliminated. Thus, the purchasing process will be made easier by researching and understanding the most important factors.
3. Better formulation using natural components
Only natural components, such as lemon peel extract, seed oil, and beeswax, produce eco-friendly natural paints. These paints are also safe paints as they don’t emit toxic gases during production. Hence there are no unfavourable environmental side effects.
4. Low environmental impact
Eco-friendly natural paints considerably minimise the carbon footprint and are biodegradable using water or other ecologically friendly ingredients.
Types of Eco-friendly Natural Paints Available in the Market
Choosing the best eco-friendly paint for new projects and upkeep might be challenging because the market has wide varieties. The numerous natural paint varieties must thus be understood, or a more accessible option would be to book painting services from providers that have budget-friendly options and EMI schemes that make painting services stress-free and easy. However, the possibilities for eco-friendly natural paint available in the market consist of the following:
1. Paint made of water
Water serves as the base for natural eco-friendly paints. Compared to commercially available non-water-based paints, it degrades more quickly. Most water-based items are manufactured with biodegradable materials and have fewer hazardous chemicals. They are, therefore, less harmful to the environment and have less impact on air quality. This paint is easy to breathe while applying it, making it ideal for both painters and residents of the home. Water-based paint is preferable for an external painting that is subject to diverse factors.
2. Plant-based paints
You can utilise plant-based items for interior decoration, skirting boards, and wood architraves in homes where residents suffer from allergies or skin rashes. They also go by the name “natural paints.” They are manufactured from non-toxic materials, including clay, beeswax, plant extracts, resins, and minerals. As a result, this product won’t release a strong odour. It also affects people and the environment negatively.
3. Low-VOC wall paint
Chemical vapours called VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are emitted while the paint dries. VOCs can have negative impacts on health and increase carbon emissions. Hence, a product with fewer VOCs is a better choice for the environment and air quality and is also considered a safe paint. Low VOC compounds provide the advantage of drying quickly. Traditional paints benefit from having VOCs because they stay wet longer. As a result, switch to VOC paints immediately. These materials are appropriate for facades and walls both indoors and outside. Hiring a skilled contractor like PaintMyWalls is essential since it requires a different application method.
4. VOC-free paints
Every product must contain fewer than five grams of VOCs per litre too and be considered zero VOC. Nevertheless, due to the tinting component typically requiring a higher amount of VOC than lighter paints, this is difficult to find, especially for deeper colours. It is important to be aware that some colourants may contain VOCs even if the base paint does not.
Companies that Supply Eco-friendly Natural Paints
Given that India lacks regulations on such non-toxic paints, one must consider the criteria established by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Green Seal Standard for Paints & Coatings (EPA). It’s crucial to remember that most green certifications refer to VOC in the paint base. The largest source of VOC in paint, the colouring chemicals, are frequently disregarded. Darker colours and glossier paints often have more volatile organic compounds.
Following the lead of the US and China, BIS recently lowered the limit for lead in regular paints from 1,000 ppm to 90 ppm. Paints in India can be certified by National Testing Houses, such as Nerolac Paints, Berger Paints, etc. It is obvious that environmentally friendly, safe paint that’s also non-toxic costs more than conventional paints but lasts longer. They are also good for the environment and the health of one’s family.
Hiring professional painters like PaintMyWalls gives several advantages, including EMIs, free texture and designer walls, and other special deals and offers that make painting enjoyable and lighten the financial load.
