What are VOC’s? Should I avoid them?

Posted by Bruce Watson on January 30, 2019

Ten years ago, acronyms were already getting out of hand. You needed to RSVP to every invitation that came your way; if you were missing from the Army, you were AWOL; and if you ignored the advice to get a DD then you were DUI. Now, with everyone texting, your BFF can give you TMI and make you ROTFL until you IDK what…

When it comes to paints, a new acronym has cropped up recently that is important to know. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are chemical mixtures that are produced and released from a huge variety of sources, from plant leaves to photocopiers. These chemical compounds are a bit like corn dogs: they´re not immediately toxic in most cases, but too much of them over the long run can do some serious damage!

One of the most common and prevalent uses of VOCs is in the solvents that are used to make paints flow evenly and bond properly. After the paint has been applied to a surface, it dries and the solvents evaporate out, releasing VOC’s into the environment. Not all paints are equal in this regard, however; some paints release more chemicals than others, and some of these chemicals are worse for your health and the environment than others.

In recent years the paint industry has taken significant steps to improve their products and limit the use of VOCs, and many governmental agencies have stepped in as well. As a result, there is a wide range of very good choices now for all kinds of painting needs.

One way to reduce VOCs when painting your home is to use latex/acrylic products. These are also sometimes called water-based paints, and they dry more quickly and with less odor and chemical release than oil-based paints. In the past these products were considered inferior in performance, but at this point they have been developed to premium levels.

All major paint companies have also produced low-VOC or no-VOC products within the last few years, which have been proven to perform excellently. The Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA if you’re a texter) and the paint industry have developed guides for certification of low VOC paints: look for the Green Seal on the can.

Though green paint technology has improved immensely, there are still some applications where oil-based paints are simply the superior choice because of their durability, stain resistance, and bonding capabilities. If you need to use an oil-based product, especially indoors, it is important that you provide good ventilation and breathing protection while applying the paint.

To find out more about “green” paints of any color, Jalapeno Paint Werx and many other painting contractors can provide you with knowledgeable, friendly advice. Jalapeno cares for your home environment and our world environment, and would be delighted to help you make a beautiful, low-impact transformation in your living space. We serve Naperville, Aurora, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and many more cities in the Chicago area.