Paint the world cleaner with eco-friendly "green paint"

We all want to do our best for the environment, but it hasn't always been so easy when painting our homes. However, with a number of companies now producing eco-friendly "green paint", our homes can look great and be better for the environment too. 

Green paint is defined by its lack or low level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These are the toxic fumes emitted from most synthetic-based paints. VOCs can be harmful to people and the environment, in the manufacturing process and during and after application. It takes years for them to completely disappear and often, by then, it's time to repaint.

With low or no VOCs, green paint doesn't smell and mould and mildew are less likely to develop, making it much healthier for your family. "Green paints are a great choice for people with respiratory symptoms, allergies, chemical sensitivities and particularly for pregnant women and young children," says Graeme Hill of Eco At Home.

Types of green paint

The green paint range runs from low-VOC, which uses water instead of petroleum-based solvents, to zero-VOC paint, which has a VOC level of five grams per litre or less. Natural paints are also available, which are made from natural raw ingredients such as clay, and have the greatest health benefits.

Green paint can be used wherever standard paints are used, both inside and outside the home, depending on the brand. Most green paint types can be colour matched, so there are limitless colour choices. And with many green paints, the tints used to colour the paint are also VOC free.

Applying green paint

The coverage given by green paints varies in comparison to standard synthetic-based paints. "Depending on the surface and the preparation, the coverage is usually between eight and 12 square metres per litre per coat," says Graeme. "That's about 10 per cent less than standard synthetic paints."

The application of green paint is virtually the same as with synthetic varieties. "It's essentially the same; they dry at about the same rate and you use the same tools," says Graeme. "Although the glosses and enamels do tend to dry a little more slowly."

The downside of green paint

Besides their environmental benefits, green paints are also stain resistant, washable and have a high resistance to wear. But there are some disadvantages, says Graeme. "They're more expensive, and with the lower coverage rate that can be a disadvantage to some users," he says. "However, the health benefits for people and the environment tend to outweigh the cost."