Natural Paints - the Healthier Alternative to Decorating Your Home

Indoor air pollution is a growing health concern for many Americans. Even common practices like painting your home or installing a new carpet can expose you to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals. Painting your home with commercial paint may expose you and your family to dangerous organic gases know as VOCs.

VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds or gases that are released from materials like paints, adhesives and other common household products. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms that many health problems are linked to the off-gassing of VOCs. The EPA reports studies showing that indoor concentrations of VOCs are consistently up to 10 times higher than outdoor concentrations. According to the EPA conventional paints, paint thinners and other paint products are among the common household sources of VOCs. The EPA confirms that health problems related to VOC exposure include ear, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, and liver, kidney and central nervous system damage. Some VOCs are also known to be carcinogenic. Due to the known health problems associated with VOCs the EPA recommends only purchasing the paint supplies you need for a project and not storing unused products in the home due to off-gassing.

Unfortunately, off-gassing of VOCs is not the only concern with commercial paints. Paint thinners and aerosol spray paints may contain methylene chloride, a chemical that is carcinogenic and is converted to carbon monoxide in the body thus producing sypmtoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The carcinogen benzene is also found in paint supplies. According to the EPA no standards have been set for VOCs in non-industrial setting so homeowners are left on their own to monitor their VOC exposure risks.

Concern over VOCs released by many construction materials, including common, commercial paint products, has been increasing in recent years. Since regulatory agencies do not require paint manufacturers to disclose all ingredients used in their paints there is no way for consumers to truly evaluate paint products before purchasing them. Since dyes used in commercial paints also release VOCs even a zero-VOC paint base will still release VOCs if it has been tinted. Zero-VOC paints may also still contain many harmful, synthetic ingredients to facilitate setting.

Fortunately there is a growing market for alternatives to commercial paint products. Several companies are now producing and marketing natural paint products that are reported to compare favorably with commercial paints. Some of the natural paints may be more expensive than cheaper commercial paints but seem to be in line with the cost of better quality commercial paints. An Internet search for natural paint will turn up a number of companies from several countries that are selling natural paints and natural paint products.

There is even a company that makes and sells milk paint. Milk paint is about as authentic as it gets for antique restoration or an antique look. Milk paint has been made for several centuries. Many antiques originally painted with milk paint reportedly still have the original paint finish. Milk paint was originally made from old, curdled milk or cottage cheese, lime and a pigment for coloring. Milk paint provides an authentic, environmentally friendly alternative to commercial paint products. Milk paint can be applied indoors or outdoors but does require several weeks for complete curing time.

Several companies now sell natural paint supplies so do it yourselfers can actually make their own natural paints at home. Natural paints all have several basic ingredients: a thinner (water or oil), a binder (casein, glue or egg) and a load (chalk and/or pigment). Some natural paints may also contain a drying accelerant or a preservative like clove oil.

Natural flour paint is a popular choice among DIYers. Natural flour paint can be applied to most interior surfaces. Wheat flour is the most common type of binder used in flour paint.

Natural oil paint can be applied to exterior surfaces. The natural oil paint has the advantage of being able to be cleaned without damaging the finish. Natural oil paint may take a long time to harden with some mixes never fully hardening. The paint remains somewhat elastic. Natural oil paints are usually made with linseed oil and natural solvents like pure turpentine or citrus thinner.

With the variety of natural paint products on the market there has never been a better time to explore healthier, safer options for decorating your home. Natural paints are good for you and good for the environment. And if you are adventurous enough you can even have a go at making your own natural paints right at home. Making your own paint allows you to custom mix the colors you want and is certain to make for some great conversation when you entertain guests in your naturally decorated home.