ECO FAQs

Looking for ways to make your space look beautiful without sacrificing your commitment to green living?
It’s easy with these eco-friendly tips from SHUR-LINE.

What are volatile organic compounds (VOC)?

What paint type is right for me?

Natural Paints

How can I use leftover paint?

Tips for Storing Paint

How can I dispose of water-based paint?

How can I dispose of oil-based paint?

Other Green Painting Tips

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What are volatile organic compounds (VOC)?
Organic volatile compounds, also know as VOCs, are airborne chemicals that are released during painting, after the paint is dry and as paint is removed. VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution. These solvents can cause headaches, dizziness and other acute symptoms.

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What paint type is right for me?
With hundreds of options available, picking the right paint type can be confusing. Here is a look at the eco options available:

Low VOC Paint – Paint companies are responding to environmental regulations and increased consumer demand with new paints that emit little or no VOCs. These paints must meet EPA standards of a maximum 200 grams volatile compound per liter of paint, however some manufacturers comply with tougher VOC limits of 50 g/L. These paints are water based alternatives to their petroleum based counterparts and contain no, or very low, levels of formaldehyde and heavy metals. Low VOC paints may still emit an odor until completely dry.

No VOC Paint – Any paint in the range of 5 g/L or less can be called No VOC or Zero VOC. Make sure to check that these products contain little or no formaldehyde, ammonia or acetone. Some manufacturers that claim Zero VOC may actually use tints of biocides and fungicides that prevent mildew growth and extend the self life of the paint.

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Natural Paints – Natural paints do not contain heavy metal or VOCs and are often composed of natural ingredients such as water, plant oils and resin, plant dyes and essential oils. Water based natural paints generally give almost no odor while the oil based varieties make take on the essential oil’s fragrance. Manufacturers produce natural paints, primer, finish, sealers, stains and waxes, but these options are often expensive. Here are some natural options:

Clay Paint – One of the most common natural paints, clay paint is composed of earth-based minerals and uses water as a solvent. This paint will provide an earthy, adobe look with colors range from natural earth tones to blue, white and orange tints. Clay paint adheres to most surfaces, requires only two coats and functions as an odor-absorber in the home. These paints are generally more expensive, aren’t available in a wide variety of colors and cannot be scrubbed, washed or wiped down when dirty.
Lime wash – A calcium-based mineral, limestone is combined with water to form a simple, natural paint that is the basis of all whitewashes. Used inside or out, a lime wash finish often seems to provide a slight glow in light. Since lime wash contains small calcite crystals that sink into the subsurface, it can only be used with porous materials such as brick, wood, plaster and concrete. Drywall and painted surfaces don’t take the wash well. Although 100% natural, gloves and goggles should be used during application because limestone is corrosive to both eyes and skin.
Milk paint –Intended as an interior paint only, milk paint is ideal for antique furniture, floors and walls. Casein, a protein found in milk products, is separated for the milk with water, clay and earth pigments to form a thick, environmentally friendly paint. This paint is purchased in a dry, powdered form that must be mixed with water and used with a few days to prevent the paint from clumping.

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How can I use leftover paint?
The greenest way to dispose of paint is to use it all. Consider other projects that could use a coat of paint. For instance, does your garage need a new coat of paint? Do you have an old piece of furniture that could use freshening up? Can you add an extra coat to your walls or paint the dog house?

Local organizations are always looking for donated paint. Check with a local school, church, town office or shelter to see if they could use the leftover paint.

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Tips for Storing Paint

Make sure there is no dried or wet paint in the threads of the can or on the lid.
Using a plastic bag, cut a circle 1” larger than the diameter of the paint can. This plastic will prevent moisture in the paint from corroding the can lid.
Place the plastic over the top of the can. Place the lid over the can and gently tap the lid closed using a rubber mallet. Tap the lid flush with the rim of the paint can.
Store the paint can upside down to keep air from seeping into the can and to prevent a skin from forming. Store 18” off the floor in a room that doesn’t have large temperature fluctuations.

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How can I dispose of water-based paint?
To properly and safely dispose latex paint, the container needs to be completely emptied. To do this, you can use paint hardener, kitty litter, mulch or shredded paper. Get a paper bag or cardboard box and fill it with your paint hardener or kitty litter. Slowly pour the leftover paint over the absorbent material. Pour slowly, giving it time to absorb the paint. Let the paint dry completely in a well ventilated area away from a direct heat source. Once it is dry, you can throw he paint away in an outside garbage. The metal paint can can be recycled if completely emptied.

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How can I dispose of oil-based paint?
Oil-based paints and solvents are considered hazardous waste material and special precautions must be taken for proper disposal. Never dispose of oil-based paints in the regular garbage or by pouring them down the sink. Every region is different, so check to see if your community has a hazardous waste collection for these types of materials. Check your local regulations to determine the best method of dispose or visit www.paint.org for more information.

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Other Green Painting Tips:

Only buy as much paint as you need. Check out the SHUR-LINE Paint Calculator to determine how much your project requires.
To clean your brushes after painting, swish brushes in a bucket of water rather than running the faucet. See our video ___________
If your paint container is almost empty, remove the lid and let it dry out completely before disposing.
Instead of using tape to create perfect edges, try using a edging tool instead. Edging tools eliminate the need for tape, saving you time and money.
Instead of using a plastic liner to protect your floors, try using a re-usable canvas drop cloth. Or check out a biodegradable liner. These liners are made from renewable and biodegradable vegetable based plastics.
When it comes to paint trays, a reusable metal type that can be used over and over again is ideal. However, for those that need a disposable option, look for a biodegradable tray made from recycled and renewable materials.
Paints that do not contain VOCs are often water-based. These paints can be damaged by freezing temperatures, so store you paint cans indoors.
To help remove odors and some chemicals from the air in your home, place houseplants in the room.

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