As chemistry and medicine advance, consumers suffer a constant barrage of information about products that are potentially hazardous, from dye in our foods to lead in our toys to BPA in water bottles.  One such concern that has gained attention recently is VOC’s, and since many paints contain them, it is worth a minute to find out more about this topic.

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound, which is actually a generic term that covers thousands of different chemicals.  Many of these are naturally occurring and harmless, such as those produced breathing, and house plants.  Other VOC’s are created artificially as byproducts or ingredients in various manufactured goods, from formaldehyde to magic markers.  Many paints also contain VOC’s, which are used as solvents to achieve proper flow and spread in paint.  As the paint dries, these compounds evaporate and dissipate into the atmosphere, creating the familiar “new paint smell” for a few days.

While the health and environmental impact of these VOC’s has not been determined, many concerned and responsible homeowners throughout the Washington area are seeking ways to avoid using these chemicals.  Painting contractors and paint manufacturers agree, therefore many high-quality paint companies how have lines of premium low VOC or no-VOC paints available.  These environmentally friendly paints emit little-to-no odor, yet offer excellent performance in most painting applications and come in virtually any color.

We at NEW STAR PAINTING share your concern for environmental sustainability in house painting.  Our employees are experienced and knowledgeable in green painting practices, and can recommend appropriate products for any kind of paint job.  Call us or contact us online to find out more about how you can freshen up your house and your state at the same time.

Sometimes a specific painting job requires a paint with higher levels of VOC’s in order to achieve the best performance.  If this is the case, be careful to follow the instructions on the can about breathing protection and working in a ventilated area.  When painting indoors, open a window, use a fan, or take your family out for a few fun hours together to reduce your exposure.

NEW STAR PAINTING is a house painting contractor, based in Kitsap county WA. We have gladly serviced the whole Kitsapland area.