These non-toxic paints won't have you sleeping on the couch.
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Paint is usually one of the first suggestions designers mention for updating a space and it's easy to see why. Whether you're refreshing your rental's white walls with a fresh coat or picking the perfect bold shade to cheat good light, there's plenty of spots in a home that could use a fresh coat. The only downside? After moving all your furniture, sanding, and finally painting the room, you've got to wait.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the chemicals that can permeate your space for up to three days after painting. According to the EPA, health effects from VOCs "may include eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination and nausea; and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system." These are what you're smelling when you smell wet paint, and the reason people tend to vacate a recently-painted space until the fumes subside. But that step is a bit tricky right now, under stay-at-home directives from local governments. So if you're concerned about updating your home safely while sheltering in place (or just concerned about the environmental impact of VOCs in general), some good news: There are VOC-free and non-toxic paints that make for a great paint job even when you're staying at home.
Note: Zero-VOC/non-toxic markings are for the base without color tint, which can include toxins themselves. Always consult the brand's color chart for a list of non-toxic paint colors.
Graphenstone's eco-friendly paints are all zero-VOC and non-toxic, but its Ecosphere breathable paints also absorb CO2, actively cleaning the air around you. The vegan, anti-mold formula retains the highest Gold rating from Cradle to Cradle for safety.
Behr's zero-VOC paint offers mildew and stain resistance, perfect for every room in your home, attic to basement. The washable paint has been awarded with the Gold standard by LEED and Greenguard, tieing for first place in JD Power's customer satisfaction awards.
Unlike similar zero-VOC paints, Behr's Premium Plus offers over 2,000 colors so you can color-match across brands that aren't as eco-friendly.
If it's good enough for the royal baby, it's good enough for you. Auro was chosen by Megan Markle for baby Archie's nursery. The non-toxic, zero-VOC paint company offers vegan options and infuses their paint with eucalyptus and rosemary to help with breathing.
The company also offers woodstains, waxes and cleaning materials to keep all the projects in your home non-toxic.
Benjamin Moore Asthma & Allergy certified paint offers a washable, primed surface with a one-hour dry time, for quick room refreshes. Like other paints on this list, it's acrylic-latex formula allows for a quick soap and water cleanup for drips and spills, making it worth a project for the whole family.
Lowe's paint brand, Valspar, also offers a Greenguard Gold zero-VOC paint, Simplicity. The paint doubles as a primer and comes in a variety of finishes. For a 100% non-toxic option from Valspar, go with Ultra White.
Kilz fans will recognize the Kilz Pro-X formula in this Behr Pro i300 paint. Kilz's parent company, Behr, co-opted the contractor favorite into their Pro series with the same Greenguard certified zero-VOC formula and durable finish consumers love.
Home Depot's PPG paint is not only recommended as a non-toxic, zero-VOC option, but its ultra-hide coverage means it covers wallboard, plaster, metal and brick, outlasting competitors in its finishes.
The paint is also branded as a go-to option for covering existing paint jobs, making it a great solution for pre-war apartments.
Sherwin Williams Harmony series is LEED- and Greenguard-certified to be zero-VOC and non-toxic, making it a safe eco-friendly choice. Its washable film protects walls from sticky fingers and the latex formula calls for easy soap and water clean-up for any spills or drips during painting.
Bonus: The paint is mixed with anti-mold, anti-mildew and formaldehyde absorbing properties to keep your home air clean.
AFM's Safecoat paint was formulated with doctors to combat the off-gassing of chemical paints in the 80s. The paints non-toxic barrier seals chemical leakage from previous paint jobs and their line even offers a clear base option for buildings that are looking to upgrade the health standards of their current paint job.
The company has received a Special Commendation for Environmental Achievement and an AMA Edison Award for Best Environmental Product.
On top of being zero-VOC and non-toxic, the brand boasts a tradition of being "prescribed" by doctors internationally to help with household allergies and asthma.
Milk paint is famous for its non-toxic mineral formula. Around for nearly a century, the matte paints are biodegradable, easily customizable, and can be applied on nearly any surface, including your walls.
The water-based paint is rich in casein (milk protein), and can be washed off prior to drying, making clean-up a breeze. DIYers love it for its rustic, farmhouse finish on vintage wood pieces, and the fact that it provides a similar scuff-resistance to chalk paint.
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