PAINTS
 

This page highlights key areas to consider when selecting paints, and their benefits.

Colour

Lighter colours reflect more light, allowing reduced use of artificial lighting. When artificial lighting is required, it can be through lower energy bulbs.

Non-toxic

No Volative Organic Compounds (VOCs), as opposed to low VOCs. No formaldehyde (increasingly rare in the UK since the 1980s).

Content

Natural materials (e.g. chalk and linseed oil) naturally occur within the environment (raw) or only require simple processes to form. They are often also biodegradable, produce less waste and are more energy efficient to manufacture. Solvents (other than water) are often petro-chemicals, can negatively affect health and produce odours.

Permeability

Some paints allow surfaces to breathe so that air and moisture can pass through, preventing problems such as humidity/damp. This should be considered in conjunction with insulation strategies as there are potential conflicting objectives!

Some paints can use UV light (from the sun or special light fittings in basements), oxygen and water to break down bacteria and pollutants, improving air quality.

Drying Time

Natural paints do not have complex chemicals in them to assist drying times, and may take longer to dry than conventional paints. As expected, adequate warmth, ventilation and low-humidity weather assist drying.

Supplier Location

A closer supplier will save time, money and impact on the environment.

Price

Naturally, price is also an important factor as you may be able to achieve a lower impact upon the environment or better improvements to health by investing elsewhere.


Sources
http://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk/np-health.php
http://www.ecopurer.com/pages/results.html

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