VOC content tells you how much volatile organic compound is present in wet paint. It is usually shown in grams per litre, written as g/L.
VOCs are chemicals that are released as gases into the air when paint dries. The process is known as “off gassing” and can release fumes into your home for several months after painting. Higher VOC paints usually create stronger fumes, more odour and greater impact on indoor air quality.
What is Low VOC Paint?
If you’ve been to a big box DIY store, you’ll have seen plenty of tins on the shelf marked “Low VOC” - those would be fine if you’ve got chemical sensitivities, right? Not necessarily. The rules on what can be labelled as low VOC are surprisingly broad.
Comparative ranges:-
- Conventional paints - 30 to 300 g/L VOCs, depending on the paint type.
- Standard low VOC paints - Below 30 g/L, which is lower, but compared to the levels in natural paints, they’re not ideal for people with chemical sensitivities.
- High quality natural and eco paints - Normally below 1 g/L, with many sitting in trace VOC territory.
Emissions Certifications
If you’re particularly sensitive to paint fumes, look for paints that have certifications relating to emissions testing.
Look for:-
Natural Paints and Trace VOCs
An important distinction about VOCs: Conventional synthetic paints can rely on petrochemical solvents, natural paints don’t.
Natural paints use natural, mineral or plant based raw materials as an effective alternative to petrochemicals and synthetics, removing exposure to harsh paint fumes.
Natural paints can still contain measurable VOCs from raw materials, pigments or necessary preservatives. A VOC count does not mean they contain the same types of substances as synthetic paints.
Under the British Coatings Federation VOC Globe scheme, “Trace VOC” means less than 0.1% VOC content. BCF VOC Globe scheme
