WALL FINISHES
Paints, Coatings, Adhesives
There are a variety of paint, wood coating, and adhesive products available. Look for Green Seal or MPI products, and choose products with the lowest possible levels of VOCs. It is better to use water-based or latex paints. Plant-based paints are another option. While some plant-based paints contain terpenes, a VOC derived from plants, these paints will not contain toxic pigment products or use herbicides or fungicides during production. Use the following chart to verify that products contain less than the maximum grams per liter of VOCs. Products that meet these standards use fewer toxic solvents and have less potential of off gassing harmful chemicals into your home.
| Product | Maximum VOC limit (grams per liter) |
| Paints (including pigments) | 50 g/L |
| Floor sealants | 100 g/L |
| Anti-corrosive coatings | 250 g/L |
| general adhesives (for indoor use) | 50 g/L |
Navigating Product Labels
When purchasing paints and coatings, look for the Green Seal logo or the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified logo to ensure your product meets emissions standards.
These third-party organizations set and verify standards for finish products. Measured in grams per liter (g/L), maximum VOC limits are set by paint finish type. Many rating programs and standards exist for determining safe VOC limits for sealants and adhesives used in and around our home during construction practices.
The USGBC's LEED 2009 rating system recognizes multiple program standards to form their acceptable maximum VOC values:
If you cannot find a certified product, read the label for VOC quantity (which is the VOC for the base paint) and ask the paint dealer for the total VOC once pigment is added. Be aware that added colorants can increase VOC levels; if mixing your own colors, choose the lowest VOC content possible for your base and confirm the VOC impact of adding colorants. Consumers can ask a paint dealer to show them paint that remains low VOC once the pigment is added. There are more and more manufacturers that are converting to a no-VOC pigment system.
If you find something labeled "natural" or "organic," use caution when purchasing. "Natural" is an unregulated term that can be applied to anything and "organic" applies to food and agriculture practices only. Always use proper caution & protection when applying finishes. Follow manufacturer recommendations, allow proper drying time, and wear protective clothing.