Why non-toxic paint?
1. The case against conventional synthetic paints
Conventional gloss paints AND emulsion paints contain horrible solvents which can cause irritation and serious health problems. Bad for you, bad for us too! Hence the mask, which may scare your children.
They can continue to ‘off gas’ for some time afterwards whereby the toxic ingredients given off can lead to Sick Building Syndrome!
Also the ingredients used in synthetic paint are derived from crude oil or mined from minerals which are non renewable, and hence unsustainable. Bad for our lovely planet!
Check out what the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have to say on the subject.
2. ECOS paints
ECOS paints are organic paints containing no solvents or any horrible stuff at all! They come in a wide range of products with a kaleidoscope of colour possibility. They smell like vanilla yoghurt, with no lasting ponginess – no sick-building syndrome, no need for scary masks, and good for the planet. They even do an ‘atmosphere purifying paint’ – we call it magic paint – that absorbs all the nasties from other off-gassing products in your home. How’s about that then?!
Find our more about ECOS paints
3. Comparison – finish and price
Non-toxic paints compare well with their toxic counterparts:
- FINISH AND DURABILITY - The finish is similar with wall paints although the matt finish doesn’t offer quite the same ‘wipability’ as a conventional vinyl paint. In this instance we recommend the ECOS soft sheen or eggshell finishes. For wood, the finish and durability is good providing it has been properly prepared, which of course, it will have been! It doesn’t give the same mirror-like finish you get with solvent-based glosses – it’s the oil content that gives it that. The finish is a perfectly satisfactory sheen though.
- PRICE – Using organic paints does work out more expensive, for two main reasons. Firstly the paints themselves are more expensive - just like organic carrots are more expensive than pesticided ones! And secondly, there is slightly more labour time required when using them – a bit more preparation, and an extra coat of gloss is recommended when using the ECOS paint system. How that translates to a job, we recently quoted for a house to be redecorated throughout – for organic paint it worked out at £3,900, using synthetic paint the cost was £3,200. That made the organic job about 22% more expensive – we think that’s excellent considering all the benefits.
Contact us
We're based near Glastonbury in Somerset. For free estimates and friendly advice, call Dan at Love Decorating on 07787 740100, or email us.