Low VOC paints

==Description==
Carbon-containing molecules that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature are referred to as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Low levels of VOCs in paints, adhesives, caulks, carpets, etc. normally makes one think that the material does not off-gas. This is not technically correct in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated a list of volatiles organics compounds that can can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, damage to the central nervous system, and cancer, but many compounds have received exemptions (see VOC page). To qualify as low-VOC under currently accepted standards, interior paints (or primers or other coatings) has to have fewer than 250 grams per liter, while non-VOC products have less than 5 grams per liter (California Air Resources Board 2022). Most paints that qualify as low-VOC (see table) are latex or water-based. Some smaller companies provide natural, non-toxic options that contain water, plant oils, plant dyes, milk protein, and minerals such as clay. 
Manufacturer 	Paint line 	VOC Emission level*	Paint base 	Description 	Applications and Working Properties 	Collection Risks 	Personal Risks	Notes:
Benjamin Moore 	Aura Interior 	1.7 	acrylic latex 	Designed for smooth, fast application with excellent hide 	greater durability so supports easy maintenance even thought price is a bit higher 	acetic acid emitter 	 	testing after 2 weeks of dry time
Benjamin Moore 	Eco Spec 	0 	acrylic latex 	Greenest interior paint; quick drying with low emissions 	can spray but mixture must be correct or get clumps; softer cure, does not dry completely but passes Oddy testing, fabricators hate using it in display cases, but on walls it may work well (may be harder to touch up in some applications), saturated colors (dark reds or blue/greens) finish tends to be much shiner than expected from gloss level (aesthetic concern since it shows any marring easily)	marketed as only emitting water 	 	
Benjamin Moore 	Natura 	0 	 	replaced March 2021 by Eco Spec 	 	marketed as only emitting water 	 	testing after 2 weeks dry time
Benjamin Moore 	Regal Select interior 	47.9 	acrylic latex 	Applies easily and smoothly for a uniform finish,; mildew resistant, low odor 	 	 	 	
Benjamin Moore 	Ultra Spec 500 	0 	acrylic copolymer	Professional quality, quick-drying, washable; less expensive 	requires frequent repainting, poor durability, may have less hide value 	acetic acid emitter 	 	testing after 2 weeks of dry time
Benjamin Moore 	Advance Interior Paint 	46.5 	waterborne alkyd 	Durable high-end finish for doors, trim and cabinetry 	 	 	 	
Benjamin Moore 	Super Spec p42 Waterborne Epoxy HC-80	 	 	 	application - reproduction corner cabinet used to store silver was coated 	coated silver objects in wooden cabinets have not corroded 	 	
Golden Paints 	Mural Paints 	< 50 	acrylic latex 	Artist grade coating for interior and exterior use with strong opaque colors; increased color vibrancy and workability; great for blending, hard edges or minute details	good opacity and coverage, sheen can be modified for specific surface aesthetics,can be used for inpainting mounts and/or objects 	should not have plasticizers, may need more testing prior to use in galleries	 	softer resin, traditional coalescent, more surfactant to keep things softer, but then use a solid - mineral solid to create durability, abrasion resistence, and hardness
Sherwin Williams	EcoSelect Zero 	0 	vinyl acrylic 	Uniform final appearance with washable surface 	 	 	 	
Sherwin Williams	Promar 200 Zero 	0 	vinyl acrylic 	Excellent durability, with anti-microbial agents 	 	 	 	
Benjamin Moore 	Floor and Patio 	45 	 	 	 	aldehydes that could react to degrade objects, acetic acid, too 	 	
Matthews 	 	 	 	two part system with a catalyst - automotive applications, but best for spray not painting, VOC are often higher with automotive paints 	 	 	 	
KBS Diamond 	clear topcoat 	 	 	one part system - isocyanate delivered in solvent 	High UV resistance, moisture cure so thin application to allow drying, sticky & stinky - hard to handle, when dried forms a very hard surface, very clear 	 	use PPE 	https://www.kbs-coatings.com/diamondfinish-clear.html
*Note: These numbers only apply to compounds that are federally designated as VOCs (i.e. harmful to humans). Some volatile compounds that can be harmful to objects (such as acetone) are not in the federal list.
==Synonyms and Related Terms==
Eco-friendly paints; no VOC; zero VOC
==Resources and Citations==
* Treehugger: Nine best Zero VOC of 2022 Paints
* California Air Resources Board: Coatings (Accessed April 2022)
* ChemSafety Pro: Federal register 1998
* EPA: Volatile Organic Compounds
Category:Materials databaseCategory:MWGCategory:CoatingsCategory:Comparisons