If you’re like a lot of other Carolina homeowners, shopping for both interior and exterior paint can be somewhat overwhelming. There are all kinds of paint products on the market today and it can be challenging to know which ones are truly going to be best for any given project. If you have an exterior job coming up at your house, one question you’ve probably been asking yourself is, “Does it actually matter if I use no-VOC paint outside or not?” This is a good question that will be addressed in this guide.
First, you need to know what VOCs are. This acronym stands for “volatile organic compounds” and includes a wide variety of chemicals, such as formaldehyde and benzene. If you’ve ever walked into an interior room that has recently been painted and found yourself nearly bowled-over from the chemical smell, VOCs are to blame.
Many interior paints no longer contain this collection of chemicals because of their known connection to cancer and other ailments. As mentioned above, though, it can be tougher to know whether or not volatile organic compounds matter for outdoor use. Common questions and answers are featured below.
What impact can VOCs have outside?
Even though the smell of VOCs might not bother you nearly as much when you’re doing an outside project, it doesn’t mean they aren’t impacting both your health and the environment. As the paint is drying, it can release VOCs into the surrounding atmosphere. This can worsen smog in urban regions and cause poor air quality in even the most rural Carolina towns. In fact, when cities have “air quality alerts,” VOC chemicals are often largely to blame.
Furthermore, if you are painting an outdoor playset or something else small children and pets will be around, you need to consider their health. If, for example, a child touches tacky VOC paint and then puts his or her fingers in the mouth, it could result in health problems. Even one-time exposure to certain volatile organic compounds can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, and scratchy eyes.
What alternative options do I have?
If you don’t want to use paint that contains VOCs for your next exterior remodeling job, consider these alternatives instead:
- Safecoat – Safecoat’s line of no-VOC paint products is specifically designed for spaces in which occupants may not be able to be around harsh chemicals. Hospitals and clinics, for instance, frequently use Safecoat products. This makes them ideal for any Carolina homeowners who have particular chemical sensitivities.
- EarthSafe Finishes – EarthSafe is another paint line that is crafted with no-VOCs, no phthalates, no heavy metals, and no odor. EarthSafe’s products are versatile and can be used on a wide variety of materials, including canvas, metal, wood, plexiglass, plastic, tile, and even countertops.
- Behr Premium Plus – Although it is not completely free of VOCs, Behr’s Premium Plus line is a low-VOC option that is trusted by homeowners and professional painters alike. These paints are available at most major home improvement retailers, making them accessible to nearly everyone in North Carolina and South Carolina.
If you have an exterior painting project in mind, give the team at Hatch Homes a call to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We enjoy helping clients all over the Carolinas beautify their homes and transform the outsides of their houses. We are excited to hear more about your upcoming job and look forward to working with you both now and in the future.