Low VOC, No VOC, No Odor, or Stinky?

I recently started reading a Greenie blog called Green Living Q&A. The owner and editor, Debra, posts on a wide range of topics and although I had never commented before I have been an avid reader for the past couple of months since my sister introduced me to the site.

While catching up on blog reading, I came across a post where a reader had requested information regarding Acri Soy Grout Sealer and people’s impressions of it as a low VOC option. The reader went on to discuss a paint selection they had made long ago and how it had touted a no VOC claim but stunk to high heaven after it dried. (You can read the original question post here.)

As a decorative painter and Greenie this fueled me to post back a fairly lengthy comment with regards to the differences between VOC and odor as they are not the same.

“I don't have any familiarity with the grout sealer but am very curious to hear if anyone else does as tile is something we've considered doing and have looked into these types of grouts.

What I do know is that low VOC does not mean no odor when it comes to paint. VOC is the chemical gas that is released after or during the drying process, the odor is a separate beast all together and is not necessarily related to the environmental function of an item. An orange has an odor, a strong one at that, but it is pleasant & natural so it doesn't bother us. Just as an example.

As a painter & decorative finish artist my preference on paint (after trying MANY believe me!) has been either Benjamin Moore Eco-Spec or Sherwin Williams Harmony. They do still have an odor but the harmful chemicals will not linger as it dries. Benny just came out with Natura (no VOC even in the tints, no odor) that I haven't tried yet but plan to include in my arsenal. More expensive, true, but a far better quality paint and less harmful overall. Anyway, good luck with it!”

I imagine it is a common misconception in the world of building supplies, paint in particular, for consumers to think that reading ‘no VOC’ on the label means it won’t smell bad. That is not at all the case all the time.

Please also bear in mind that tinting paint will generally add VOCs to the latex base. So even if you are grabbing a 100% VOC free paint base off the shelf, the minute you ask the person at the counter to turn it into that beautiful color ‘Wildflower’, not only the colorants but, VOCs are added.

From all I’ve read, Home Depot sells an exclusive line called Freshaire Choice. A zero VOC paint, that apparently also makes use of 0% VOC in the tint as well, it is a considerable eco friendly option (recycled materials, soy based inks, even the paint chips can be recycled!). It is not a no odor paint however so bear that in mind when using it and ventilate properly while applying.

If I use Natura or Freshaire Choice to tint my ECOglaze, a truly safe finish will be applied. That’s kind of rad, I will definitely check it out.

I hope that my explanation helps to debunk the no VOC = no odor myth and that those interested in painting with no harmful gasses released (and also a less stinky environment) will shop wisely with a firm eye on the label of the item they’re buying.

Are there other paint options you love that are no VOC, low VOC, no odor or low odor that I may not have discussed here? Please share!

Faux Like A Pro ECOglaze Catching Up with Mark London

After my first article on this truly innovative product, Mark was gracious enough to send me out a sample to test it out for myself. Not only that but he was willing to take a few minutes to answer some of my questions regarding this glaze and the company as a whole. Thanks Mark!

A Professional Finisher’s Take

My initial reaction to this professional quality glaze was “awesome!!!”. I first used it to create a sample board of (my very favorite finish) tumbled tile. (Please note this is also a big part of why I’ve been so sparse of late but I promise to get back to posting full swing again!)

The glaze mixed into paint really smoothly and I had no issues tinting with universal pigments. It is a heavier base than a commercially sold version (Behr, Benjamin Moore, etc) and for us professionals that can be marvelous depending on the finish; it really resists sagging and running but it is important to note the open time (time it remains wet & workable) is reduced slightly. I can not wait for the full sizes to be available; this is a product that will be used for the vast majority of my finishes from now on!

The Skinny On FLAP Products Like ECOglaze

I asked a couple questions of the man in the know and here is what Mark had to say.

What got FLAP interested in moving in this Green direction?

Even though our "long open-time" glaze is still considered eco-friendly, we felt it was the only product in our line that needed a "green cousin" ... this is why we produced ECOglaze. All of our decorative plasters, pigments, waxes and varnishes have LOW VOC ratings. Our Venetian plasters are less than 50g. per liter.

When is the glaze going to be available to purchase in larger quantities?

We're shooting for an April, 2010 launch.

Will it come in both quart and gallon sizes?

Because this product is marketed to contractors and professionals, it will be sold in gallons. This will enable us to provide discount pricing. A 4-gallon case is only $49.95 per gallon. Most other glazes in this class sell for $55-$65/gallon.

Is this an item you intend to work into your classes?

Yes. We will use this glaze to teach marbleizing, wood graining and other conducive surfaces.

Based on the success of this product would you consider Greening up other products in your line?

Our line has been eco-friendly since 2001 when we produced the original formulas. We intend on keeping true to our Eco Mission.

How It Is Leaf Rated

How cool is that? I can personally attest to the stability and function of many of their other eco products; as a professional finisher I have to say there is nothing quite like using a product that not only does what it says its going to do but doesn’t make me feel yucky while using it. One of my all time favorites is their varnish top coats, specifically the dead flat. I haven’t stumbled across another that comes close to its equal in durability, low odor and performance.

Because they are so committed to keeping their impact as low as possible as well as the fact that the ECOglaze does exactly what it says it will do, I am granting it a Four Leaf Rating!

Faux Like A Pro is so committed to the planet as well as providing beautiful finishing materials and tools for the professional finisher at a price we can afford. You are way ahead of the curve! ♥love♥

Faux Like A Pro Goes Greener with ECOglaze

Many of you know that I run my own business, Chucka Stone Designs, as a professional Wall Artist installing specialty faux treatments using products such as paints, glazes and plasters. Wall finishing gained a bad rep after the ragging and sponging techniques of the 80’s and 90’s went out of fashion, but there are worlds of options for cool finishes aside from those old school ones that I couldn’t even begin to list them all here! I love my job and enjoy beautifying someone’s living or working environment but as a Greenie I have frequently asked myself, how do I justify working with paint?

For a long time I was conflicted about my abilities because some of the best materials presented potential environmental hazards such as harmful off gassing. So to ensure I was still being as environmentally responsible as possible I off set by reusing materials and searching out the most eco friendly selections on the market. So you can imagine my elation when just last week I read about one of my favorite suppliers, Faux Like A Pro, having introduced a brand new glaze to the market called ECOglaze.

The product is a water based, low-VOC glaze that is non-toxic and presents no odor. When they say low-VOC, the glaze presents at 200g per liter. As compared to their original low-VOC, water based glazing option, at only 150g per liter but which presents an odor and can be toxic, the new ECOglaze is a clear winner.

I have sent a request out to the company to get a little bit of additional information as to the difference between the two options, and if I receive a sample of ECOglaze to give it a go I will definitely be posting a follow up review here. But for now I just wanted to give a shout to one of my favorite faux products providers and say how excited I am to be back out there again, especially seeing innovative materials such as this so I can present even healthier options to my clients!

Thanks for keeping a solid eye on the planet Faux Like A Pro! ♥love♥