Written by Christi Thompson for Your Daily Thread
Take a whiff. That pungent smell of a freshly painted room is actually airborne chemicals evaporating from the walls. These potentially carcinogenic substances, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), linger in your room even after the paint dries emitting harmful fumes for months or even years. The EPA doesn’t like them and neither do we.
Here are our paint picks to beautify your home safely.
Goodbye VOCs
Benjamin Moore’s Aura Interior paint takes the cake thanks to gorgeous non-fading and mildew resistant colors. We love that the line has been certified under the GREENGUARD Standard for Low Emitting Products and the GREENGUARD for Children & Schools product certification programs.
Paint with Clay
You heard right. Clay paint is composed of earth-based minerals and primarily uses water as a solvent. Colors come in warm earth tones and a selection of blue, white, and orange tints. Added bonus: Clay paint is a natural odor-absorber! Try Bioshield Healthy Living Paints for beauty au naturel.
Lime Wash Time
Lime wash is relatively inexpensive and natural. Limestone is mixed with water to form a simple paint. Use it indoors or outdoors on porous materials such as concrete, plaster, brick, or wood (not effective on drywall or painted surfaces). The calcium crystals that wear with time create a classic antique look. We love the environmentally conscious Portola Paints & Glazes.
Milk Does a Wall Good
What could be safer than milk? Casein, a milk protein, is separated from the milk and mixed with clay, earth pigments, and water. Intended for interior painting, milk paint has a lovely matte finish for an old world look. We love The Real Milk Paint Company’s 100% organic formula.
Strip it Down
Need to remove a coat? Most paint strippers contain VOCs and carcinogens. Choose a non-toxic, biodegradable paint stripper that uses an organic solvent such as Citistrip.
Tip: Get a lead testing kit to check your walls for safety before removing old paint!
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