An awful paint smell is the first thing you experience after opening a fresh can of paint or when you start painting your walls. Besides making you feel suffocated, the odor releases harmful fumes in the air. The fume causes various health hazards due to the quantity of toxic elements or VOCs it has, once it enters into the air you inhale.
The undesirable health effects of VOCs include dizziness, irritation in eyes, liver damage and even cancer. And the even shocking fact that harmful VOC continues to release even after your paint have dried.
HowStuffWorks warns, “Although the majority of VOCs leave the paint as the wall dries, not all of them do. In fact, paint can release VOCs into the air for years following the initial painting, putting your family at risk.”
According to Royal Society of Chemistry, water based “paints contain heavy metals that dry the alkyd (polyester) resin films that are used as binding agents by catalyzing the oxidative cross-linking of unsaturated fatty acid moieties in the films.”
The negative health effects of these paints have made paint manufacturers to come up with the safe products like eco-friendly paints.
What is Eco Friendly Paint?
Eco friendly paint is an umbrella term for all types of paints made from natural ingredients. They have less or no VOCs, making themsafer than the ordinary paints. Eco-friendly paints come with various finishes including emulsions, masonry paints, primers and interior and exterior eggshells. They are simple to use.
What They are Made From?
Eco friendly paints, as the name implies, are made from natural ingredients. To your surprise, their key ingredients are linseed, sunflower oil, egg yolk, beeswax, lavender and milk. All these ingredients are diluted with water, citrus or pine oil. Milk paint is one of the popular types and is made from milk, lime and earth.
Where Can Be They Used?
Eco friendly paint can be used like conventional paint. Generally, they are ideal for sensitive rooms like kitchen, bathroom, and children’s room. They are also good for older properties, which need a fresh lease of life.
Do They Cause Allergy?
Some eco paints affect those who have allergies to citrus or pine. In addition to this, whitewash can be problematic due to the chalk powder that risks both eyes and repertory system. But one thing is for sure that eco paints don’t cause serious health risks like an ordinary paint does. Make sure to read the labels to identify such “troublesome” ingredients. Besides, wear gloves and mask while applying paint.
How Much Time Do They Take?
Well, eco paints take little longer to dry than their conventional counterparts, requiring your time and patience. Generally, it can be anywhere fromsix hours to 12 hours between each layers. Make sure to follow the instructions before you start.Water based paint is a good choice if you are short on time.
Are They Costly?
Eco paints are slightly expensive than conventional paint. However, it can be justified as you are paying for a product made from natural ingredients that are safe for your family. They can cover a larger area than ordinary paints. One more benefit is that they maintain the freshness of your wall for longer.
Are They Durable?
Most eco-friendly paints are breathable and resist moisture, making them suitable for damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. However, they aren’t washable like ordinary paints, so you’ll require fine sandpaper or new paint to remove the stains from the wall.
Bottom Line:
Eco-friendly paints are healthier for your family, pets and the planet, though they are expensive and may lack in varieties. Using eco-friendly paint can be a different experience due to drying time and specific instructions. Therefore, consider a professional if you are using eco paints for the very first time. If you are looking for the same, you can contact experienced painters and home decors expert at NYC Handyman. They are specializing in all types of painting jobs.
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