Wednesday, May 6, 2009

GREEN your paint?!?!

6 ways to Green Your Paint

Applying paint is an inexpensive way of revamping the look of a room. But conventional options can bring them them some unwelcome health and environmental problems. Choosing eco-friendly paints, like those with fewer VOCs, made from natural materials, or produced using recycled materials, can go a long way to improving the eco-value of your space. And don't forget to take measure to limit your paint use and properly dispose of what you've got left, too.

  1. Buy low- or no-VOC latex paint

    These paints contain fewer or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) so they do less harm to the environment as well as to human and animal health.

  2. Estimate paint coverage using a paint calculator

    Carefully estimating the amount of paint you need will prevent you from having a lot of leftover material when you're finished your home makeover.

  3. Choose natural paints

    These paints contain natural ingredients such as plant oils and milk protein that emit few to no VOCs, and some, such as clay plasters, even add a unique wall texture to your space.

  4. Choose recycled paint

    Using recycled paint conserves landfill space, saves raw materials and cuts down on paint disposal costs and mishaps.

  5. Use a safe paint recycling or paint disposal method

    Improperly disposing of paint by dumping it down drains, sewers, or in your garbage pollutes land, water, and air.

  6. Hire a certified lead specialist to remove lead-based paint

    If you have lead-based paint in an area you want to repaint, removing it yourself carries a considerable health risk.






    http://www.greenyour.com/home/home-improvement/paint/tips?category=9463