Going Green: Exterior Paint

If you are working to create a more environmentally-friendly home, one of the easiest changes is the paint that you use. There are green paints that are better for the environment that you can use to spruce up the exterior of your home. Professional painters can help you to identify the best options for your painting needs.

Ingredients in Paint to Avoid

 

When you start your search for a green paint, there are a few things you want to look for and avoid. The ingredient information will provide this information, so it is easy to do. First and foremost, avoid paints that contain volatile organic compounds. When these compounds are present, they can actually put out gas and fumes for weeks after you finish painting. This can cause problems like eye irritation, dizziness and nausea. You also want to look for biocides and fungicides since these can get into ground water and contaminate areas of your yard. Be careful about the pigments too since some are derived from potentially toxic chemicals.

 

What to Look for in an Exterior Paint

 

Now you know what to avoid, so it is time to know what to look for. Unfortunately, you will not find an exterior paint that is completely free of biocides and fungicides. However, you can choose the ones that have the least risk for being harmful. Look for paints that have zinc oxide as the fungicide since this does not have the toxic potential of other paint fungicides. Avoid paints that are oil-based to reduce the risk of using a paint that contains volatile organic compounds. Instead, look for paints that are water-based, latex or acrylic instead.

 

With exterior painting, you want to make sure that you are using a green paint that is meant for the outdoors. This will differ from the paint used for interior painting. Professional painters can help you to identify paints meant for the exterior of your home.