When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, the choices can seem endless. However, in the wake of increasing environmental consciousness, eco-friendly exterior paint is rising in popularity. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of environmentally friendly painting options so that you can make an informed decision for your home.
Understanding Eco-Friendly Exterior Paint
What is eco-friendly paint?
Eco-friendly paint is manufactured to minimize environmental impact. This typically means it contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can harm the environment and human health.
Why choose eco-friendly paint?
Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, many homeowners find that eco-friendly paints have less odor, dry faster, and offer comparable durability to traditional paints.
Non-Toxic Paint Choices
Zero VOC Paint:
Zero VOC paints are, as the name suggests, paints that contain zero volatile organic compounds. These paints are often recommended for those with allergies or sensitivities to strong odors.
Natural Paint:
Natural paint is often free of synthetic chemicals, derived from natural sources, like plants or minerals. Milk paint, an old-fashioned milk paint, is a popular natural paint choice.
Water-based Paint vs. Latex Paint:
Water-based paint is made primarily with water as its solvent, making it less harmful than its oil-based counterparts. Latex paint, while often mistaken for being similar, is a water-based paint made with a latex binder. Both are considered more eco-friendly than many paints on the market.
Types of Exterior House Paint
Flat Paint:
Typically used for exterior walls, flat paint offers a matte finish. The cost of this type of paint can vary, but if you’re considering eco-friendly options, you might see prices like ‘per liter for flat paint.’
Satin Wall Paint:
For those looking for a slight sheen, exterior satin wall paint is a good choice. This type of paint is especially durable and can resist mildew and dirt.
Exterior House Painting Cost:
While eco-friendly paints may be slightly pricier, the benefits often outweigh the costs of exterior house painting. Not only are you making an environmentally conscious choice, but you’re also opting for paints that are often more durable and require fewer coats.
Beware of Toxic Paints
Lead-based Paint:
Older homes might still have layers of lead-based paint, which is harmful if ingested or inhaled. Always take precautions if you suspect your home might have this type of paint.
Understanding VOC Levels:
Labels such as ‘paint and 100 grams per’ or ‘per liter for non-flat paints’ indicate the amount of VOCs in a particular paint product. Always opt for low- and zero-VOC paints when possible.
How to Paint the Exterior of a House:
Whether interior or exterior painting process, both remains the same. However, eco-friendly paints often require specific application techniques, so consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Paints Labeled Low-VOC:
These paints contain fewer VOCs than many on the market but are not entirely free of them. Always read the labels and ensure you get genuine low-VOC or zero-VOC options.
Conclusion
The world of paints and stains has evolved remarkably, with many choices for those keen on making eco-friendly decisions. This guide to eco-friendly paints should serve as a starting point in your painting projects. Make informed choices, protect the environment, and enjoy the beauty of your newly painted exterior walls!
