Interior design paint choices can be difficult. This article will look at each type of eco and natural paint, giving you the low down on each so that you can make an informed decision. Some paints and finishes claim to be natural, organic or non-toxic. As with all claims of eco-friendliness, be careful when choosing finishes as there are currently no legal requirements for manufacturers regarding toxic chemical content.
The following list looks at natural and eco interior paint ideas for your walls and ceilings:
Eco interior paint ideas – First choice
Linseed oil based paint
Linseed comes from the flax plant is an ideal resource that is renewable, sustainable and readily available. Some sources are found in by-products from the food industry. The content of linseed oil in paints can vary with some types that are made with 100%. Any pigments which are added do not contain solvents and are natural. The product lifetime can exceed synthetic paint types by up to one third. Suitable for interior and exterior applications. Paint will age and colours will fade over time. This can be restored with a coat of new linseed oil.
Eco interior paint ideas – Second choice
Wood and vegetable oil based paint
Made from natural elements such as soya bean oils, oak bark and madder root – readily available and renewable materials. Vegetable based pigments fade over time. Natural VOCs are released from natural resins like turpentine and citrus oils – these VOCs are not as toxic as traditional synthetic paint. Low levels of embodied energy.
Casein, protein, distemper, milk based paint
An old fashioned interior paint mix made from milk protein and lime. Materials are non chemical, renewable and readily available. The product comes in powder form, to be mixed when needed. The casein/milk acts as the binder. Raw materials are a non renewable resource extracted through quarrying, which destroys the surrounding natural environment. Application may cause skin and eyes sensitivity as lime is a known irritant. Some sources are found in by-products from the food industry. Suitable for interior and exterior applications. A breathable, water based and non toxic paint. Multiple coats are needed for an opaque finish. Milk paint is not appropriate for damp environments as this causes the paint to flake. The finish is washable, matt, soft and chalk like.
Clay based paint
Natural clay is a readily available and non toxic resource. Available in a small variety of colours. Finish is entirely breathable and has very good natural anti fungal and anti static properties. Entirely breathable finish which helps humidity and trapped moisture levels. Available in flat matt or textured wall effects. Good anti-static properties. A naturally non drip paint without polyurethane. Low levels of embodied energy.
Stone and mineral paint
A water based paint made from crushed stones and minerals such as limestone, soap stone, quartz sand and dolomite without the use of solvents. Materials are readily available. Mineral pigments are available in bold colours and do not fade as easily as vegetable based paints. Durability on porous surfaces is very high. Good light reflectivity. Interior paint finish is entirely breathable and has very good natural anti-fungal properties. These finishes create the same surface properties found in natural stone. Non combustible. Medium levels of embodied energy.
Lime, lime wash, whitewash, distemper paint
An alkaline powdered chalk or lime based paint which is suited to painting on top of a clay or lime plaster base. Raw materials are a non renewable resource extracted through quarrying, which destroys the surrounding natural environment. Quite a soft finish which can flake. Good anti-fungal properties. A breathable, water based and non toxic paint. Contains very low level of VOCs. Multiple coats are needed for an opaque finish. Application may cause skin and eyes sensitivity as materials are known irritants. Some paints contain acrylic polymers. Cannot be painted on gypsum plaster walls.
Eco interior paint ideas – Third choice
Low-odour, low VOCs or zero VOCs paints
There is some conflicting information surrounding these paints as low odour paints ’seem’ to be safe as they do not give off the typical paint smell – leading you into a false sense of security. This does not mean that they are safe, only that a different chemical process has been used. Interior paints which state zero VOCs may well be made with alternative chemical and toxic substances which are not classed as VOCs. Paint which states low VOCs offgas lower levels of chemical vapours than synthetic paints. Both zero and low VOCs paints could have as a negative effect on your health, wellbeing and to the natural environment as traditional synthetic paints do, even though the level of exposure might be reduced. It is important to note that low VOCs still offgas, however the level is lower than with traditional paint types. There are currently no legislations as to what a low or zero VOC paint can contain to be put into this class.
Shellac paint
An interior paint made from natural, renewable and sustainable insect resin which is a by product of the insects draining sap from tree bark. Lac is imported from overseas from regions such as Thailand and India. A quick drying timber varnish which releases low levels of VOC emissions after application. Can suffer from wear and tear easier than other timber finishes. Suitable for low traffic timber flooring areas. When sourcing shellac, check the label for added methanol as this chemical reduces the eco-friendly nature of the product.
Interior wood finish, both eco and natural alternatives to synthetic timber finishes, oils and Stains:
Natural wax
Herbal such as carnauba wax, candelilla plants and sunflower oils, soybean and safflower oil. All materials are renewable, sustainable and readily available. Lower levels of toxic elements and low odor solvents binding – natural low VOC are released. Important features of dirt. Microporous products are suitable for internal and external allows the wood to breathe. Versions are obviously transparentand oil-base makes it waterproof. Suitable for indoor use can be polished, splendid. Products must have a couple of days before full power and healing properties of water to take effect. Once the wood has been penetrated with wax, it will not flake, peel or blister.
Natural oils
This design is made from nuts and seeds such as linseed, soybean, tung oil and coumarone resin. All these renewable, sustainable materials are readily available. transparent surfacesbased natural oil that makes them resistant to water, but less water resistant to synthetic surfaces. Suitable for floors and wooden staircases and heavy wear areas, such oils are long lasting. Flooring oil contains no biocides or preservatives. Can be used including cork, and all wood surfaces and natural stone tiles. Natural oils are microporous allowing wood to breathe and to prevent the oils to dry wood. soybean oils are faster drying linseed oil. Someproducts contain carcinogens and naturally low levels of VOCs. Two to three times the number of coats needed as well as longer drying times. Low levels of embodied energy due to minimal manufacture. Reapplication is more often than synthetic finishes. Linseed oil alone can be used as a primer for applying wax and great as an eco furniture oil. Once the wood has been penetrated with oil, it will not flake, peel or blister.
Beeswax
A fragrant and abundant resource giving a golden toned finish on timber surfaces. Finishes are naturally oil-based making them water-repellent, however less durable and water resistant than synthetic finishes. Reapplication is more often than synthetic finishes. Once the wood has been penetrated with the wax, it will not flake, peel or blister.
Water based timber finish
Releases low levels of VOCs. The low VOCs content and water based name does not mean that chemical additives & binders have not been used. An odourless and clear finish. Not recommended for flooring applications where heavy wear will occur. Solvent is water based however may contain toxic elements. Lifespan is slightly less than synthetic varnish. No solvents necessary to clean.
Primer, under coat, primer, eggshell, gloss and varnish
Made from renewable and sustainable materials; natural linseed oil and soya. Both microporous materials allowing the timber beneath to breathe. Good moisture resistance and material Flexibility. Dresses applications in interior and exterior, available in different thicknesses. Available in glossy or matte finishes. Natural oil-based materials can still VOC emissions in your home.
Interior wood finishes, treatments, solvents, strippers and removers:
Borax
Treatment of wood with a good insect repellent properties and antifungal. Made from natural mineral derivatives.
Natural solvent
natural resin oils, citrus peel and aliphaticsolvents release allergens which you may be sensitive to. A fragrant additive which is used in strippers, thinners and paint.
Paint stripper & varnish remover
Water based without the use of solvents suitable for removing water and oil based paints or finishes whether natural or synthetic. Gel paint remover is biodegradable and doesn’t contain any corrosive elements.
Interior wood finish to avoid: solvent based such as oil or alkyd
Synthetic ingredients to avoid
The following list of chemical compounds are found in a variety of surface finishes from paints, stains, adhesives, strippers to cleaning agents:
Acrylic resin
Ammonia
Ashphalt chlorobenzene
Ethylene
Kerosene
Formaldehyde
Methylene chloride
Petrol
Polyurethane
Trichloroethylene
Toluene
Vinyl chloride
Xylene
My Links : Diamond Earrings Soy Protein Prudential Insurance Tile Refinishing Source Naturals Epson Glossy
superjumpz