When you paint your home, the type of paint you choose can have a big impact on both the final look and the future air quality of your home. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are found in many traditional paints, and they can be harmful to your health.
Thankfully, as our awareness of these compounds has grown, low-VOC paints have emerged as a safer alternative. But there are some differences in techniques when it comes to using low-VOC paints vs standard paints, and, as a Dulux-accredited painter here in Newcastle, George.Painting knows how to make the most of low-VOC paints to get rid of that paint smell and improve your air quality.
What is low VOC paint and why does it matter?
Understanding VOCs in paint
VOCs stand for volatile organic compounds, which are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. These compounds serve as solvents in paint formulations, helping the product apply smoothly and dry quickly. That distinct fresh paint odour you can smell is actually VOCs releasing into the air.
VOCs escape into your indoor air as paint dries, but the paint continues to off-gas VOCs for years after application, creating ongoing exposure risks. These emissions can have an impact on both your health and the environment. Indoor exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation and nausea.
What makes paint ‘low VOC’
Low VOC paint contains less than 50 grams of volatile organic compounds per litre. The paint industry in Australia has adopted these standards, with water-based paints now representing 89.7% of the architectural and decorative coating market.
The differences between low-VOC paint and standard paint
Indoor air quality
Standard paints release VOCs for days or weeks after application, and those paint fumes can linger even longer in poorly ventilated spaces. Low-VOC options allow painted areas to be occupied sooner with minimal odour disruption.
Health effects
Exposure to standard paint can trigger headaches, dizziness, and eye and throat irritation, but using low-VOC paint substantially reduces these risks. This makes it safer for homes with children, pets, or people with asthma and chemical sensitivities.
Application and drying properties
Low-VOC paints often dry faster than conventional options, but they require proper application techniques. The reduced solvent content in low-VOC formulations means less time for paint to flow out, which can result in rougher surfaces if not applied correctly. That’s why having an expert like us take care of your paintwork gives you peace of mind in more ways than one.
Durability and performance
Early versions of low-VOC paint weren’t as durable as traditional formulations, but current products have all but solved that problem. Quality low-VOC options now match the adhesion, washability, and scuff resistance that standard paints offered, without the health risks.
Environmental effect
As we all become increasingly aware of our environmental footprint, many manufacturers are promoting low-VOC alternatives that reduce pollutant emissions. Some are even employing environmentally responsible production methods to further minimise their impact.
When low-VOC paint is the better choice for your home
Bedrooms and nurseries
Young children are particularly vulnerable to airborne toxins. Their developing systems are more sensitive to chemical exposure, making the right paint selection critical for these spaces. Low-VOC paints will create a healthy, odour-free environment in your nursery that’s safe for play and sleep.
Living areas and high-traffic rooms
Low-VOC paint delivers cleaner air in the rooms where your family spend most of their time. These formulations give you the same style variety and colour options without compromising air quality. High-humidity areas like bathrooms also benefit from moisture-resistant, low-VOC products that prevent mould growth while avoiding harmful chemical emissions.
Homes with poor ventilation
If your home doesn’t have good air circulation to begin with, the fumes and VOC levels from standard paint could linger much longer than you’d like. Homes with smaller rooms or restricted window access require low-VOC solutions to prevent that chemical buildup.
Families with allergies or asthma
If you’re one of the approximately 2.8 million Australians affected by asthma, VOCs could trigger symptoms and increase the frequency of your attacks. Low-VOC paint not only solves that problem for asthma sufferers, but also helps people with allergies experience fewer headaches, itchy eyes, and throat irritation that they commonly experience with standard formulations.
Renovation projects in occupied homes
Thinking about painting while you’re renovating? Nothing freshens up your space quite like a fresh coat of paint, but standard paints might require you to evacuate the home for up to 72 hours. That’s an expensive and disruptive option. On the other hand, most families can remain home during painting if you use low-VOC products.
Why choosing a Dulux-accredited painter makes a difference
Being a Dulux-accredited painter isn’t just an empty stamp of approval. It makes a real difference to the end result of your paint job, and we’ll explain why.
Understanding low-VOC paint application techniques
Low-VOC formulations behave differently from standard paints. They dry faster and have less open time for working the surface. Poor technique results in visible brush marks or uneven coverage, especially when the paint sets up faster. As Dulux-accredited painters, we’ve adapted our techniques to work quickly while maintaining quality.
Access to quality Dulux low-VOC products
Being Dulux Accredited means we get access to some of their best paint products, giving you a better finish and a safer environment. That means using low-odour, low-VOC paints that are safer for your family, help reduce mould growth, and still give you a durable, easy-to-clean finish. In many cases, your rooms can even be used again just a few hours after painting.
Expert advice on paint selection
Not sure what you want? With the amount of options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We’ll guide you through product selection based on room function, occupancy and ventilation. As locals, we’ll also help you pick the right option to stand up to our coastal weather and resist blistering and flaking.
Keep Your Home Healthy With Low-VOC Paints
Choosing the right paint quality is important, but so is partnering up with an expert who knows the right application techniques to get you the best results.
George.Painting is the Dulux-accredited painter you want taking care of the painted spaces in your home. Our team knows how to ensure your low-VOC paint performs as intended, delivering lasting beauty while improving indoor air quality for your family.
If you’ve got a project in mind, or you want to learn more about low-VOC paints, we’re here to help.