Is eco-friendly paint worth the money?
Not only is eco-friendly paint practically odourless, it is the perfect solution for use around pets and children due to the low VOC content. Protecting your health and the environment are only a few of the wonderful benefits eco-friendly paint has to offer.
What's wrong with conventional paints?
Conventional paints are typically made up of 3 main components: pigment, binder and solvents. The pigment provides colour and opacity, binder holds the pigment to the surface, and solvents maintain both the pigment and binder in liquid form. Thanks to developments in new technology, nasty toxins are no longer needed to ensure paint does its job. VOCs in particular have been proven to have a negative impact on both your health and the environment - especially without thorough ventilation if painting indoors. Luckily, new technology has allowed for carbon positive production processes using the purest, raw ingredients. This means an eco-friendly choice of paint does not have to compromise on quality! Eco-friendly, luxury paints are more popular than ever.
What are VOC's?
VOCs are volatile organic chemicals. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the VOC content, the stronger the 'paint' smell. Eco-friendly paint is specially designed to be far lower than conventional paints in these harmful chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, VOCs 'may have short- and longer-term adverse health effects'. Children, pets and the elderly are particularly susceptible to these harmful effects, or those suffering from asthma and/or allergies. VOCs are the main reason good ventilation is vital when applying interior paint. Inhaling paint fumes can exacerbate asthma and sinusitis as they are absorbed into the lungs. This enters the blood steam and can cause dizziness and headaches amongst even the most fighting fit of individuals. Painting for too long without opening a window can even cause blackouts! We strongly recommend choosing low VOC products as the ultimate solution to combatting any potential harmful consequences, both short-term and long-term.
What are the benefits of eco-friendly paint?
Eco-friendly paint can be made from an array of natural ingredients, including clay, milk, proteins, citrus and other minerals. Typically, these are only recommended for internal use as they won't weather well in exterior conditions.
Our top choice of eco-friendly paint is eicó. eicó by name, eco by nature. They produce a wide range of high-quality paints suitable for both interior and exterior uses.
eicó is:
- An intelligent, 100% pure acrylic with one of the lowest VOC ratings of any paint sold in the UK.
- Manufactured in Iceland and Sweden to exacting environmental standards using 100% geothermal or hydropower energy. This results in a carbon positive production process that is not harmful to the environment.
- Ideal for both residential and commercial uses.
- APEO free - therefore a real favourite amongst hospitals, schools and nurseries!
- Asthma/allergy friendly
- Durable and long-lasting - outstanding coverage and colour retention qualities.
It really isn't difficult to see why eicó has become such a popular, eco-friendly choice in recent years. The paint can even be tinted to almost any colour desired!
eicó Helmatt Emulsion
A beautifully smooth, extra Matt paint with the lowest VOC rating of all eicó products (0.1g/L). This is exceptionally low, and is ideal for use on interior walls and ceilings. Available in eicó's carefully designed colour assortment, or it can be tinted to most colours on request.
eicó Alterior Satin
A strong, durable paint with steam and condensation resistant properties. Perfect for use in kitchens, bathrooms & conservatories. Beautifully smooth. Being weatherproof, it is ideal for both interior and exterior use, especially in high traffic areas.
