In the last issue of Care2 Ask Annie - The Healthy Home, Paints and Finshes Part I discussed a number of companies producing low- and no-VOC finishing products. Part II of this special report looks into reclaimed paint. Reclaimed paint is that which contains paint from hazardous waste pickup sites, is filtered, then mixed with virgin paint, and repackaged.

Safer stains and sealers are also discussed, and brands of products recommended.

The Green Paint Company in Manchaug, Massachusetts, manufacturers paint that contains 90 percent post-consumer waste - that is, it contains 90 percent reclaimed paint. Reclaimed paint isn’t stripped from walls with a putty knife, then reconstituted. No, it comes from local hazardous waste pickup sites operated by private companies and government agencies. Rather than be disposed of, “discarded” paint is filtered, then mixed with virgin paint, repackaged, and sold to willing customers.

The Green Paint Company offers a variety of reclaimed paints, including interiors and exterior latex and exterior oil-based primers and paints. although they only distribute in New England, you can order directly from the company. Even though this will increase the cost, the paint sells for 40 percent less than virgin paint. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, check out the recycled latex paints sold by Rasmussen Paint Company in Beaverton, Oregon. You may find a recycled paint manufacturer in your area, too.

Most interior and exterior paints are water-based. In some circumstances, however, builders prefer it use oil-based paints. When this is the case, select a product that is not formulated with formaldehyde, mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, or oxides of these metals. Select a low-VOC paint as well. (VOC levels should not exceed 380 grams per liter). Be sure the paint does not contain any halogenated solvents, either.

Another area of improvement in recent years has been in the production of stains, varnishes, and sealers. Although most products in use today contain a variety of toxic substances, including some pretty heavy hitters such as acetone, lead, and pentachlorophenol, those of us who prefer to minimize our exposure to toxic substances have a number of environmentally friendly stains and varnishes to choose from. Although they cost two to two and a half times more than over-the-counter products, they are extremely pleasant to work with.

Environmentally friendly stains and finishes can be purchased form some local retailers, such as Boulder, Colorado’s Planetary Solutions, or from distributors such as Eco Design/Natural Choice, which is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This company offers a complete line of wood finishes for allergy-prone and chemically sensitive individuals. One of my favorites is a Livos product known as Kaldet. Manufactured in Germany, this citrus-based finish is used in place of highly toxic varnishes. Although it is a lot trickier to work with and requires a long time to dry, Kaldet gives off a very pleasant odor as it dries and is a delight to work with, especially if you have ever applied any traditional finish products. I have used it to finish tables, wood trim, and doors. Another product that is also a bit tricky to use but safer than standard finishes is a water-based urethane.

An excellent resource list can be found on Austin, Texas’s ‘City of Austin’s Green Building Program’ website for their Sustainable Building Sourcebook.

Paints and Finshes Part I