If you want to change your decor without polluting the planet, solutions exist. Natural and ecological paintings are the perfect alternative to more traditional paintings.
If volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are unavoidable when repainting your home, whatever the paint you choose, you may prefer bios or eco-paints that are more natural than the usual paints.
The composition of a traditional painting
To understand the importance of choosing paintings bios or ecologists, it is necessary to understand the composition of the painting. It contains:
- The binder, which is the very heart of painting;
- The charges, which allow its opacification;
- Pigments, which give color;
- The additives, which allow a better drying, a better gloss, a better resistance to the time;
- The solvent, which is used for application.
In “usual” paints, the binder and the solvent contain petrochemical and toxic products, such as hydrocarbon and chromium. They have a high VOC content and are polluting both during manufacture and during their use.
Why choose an organic paint?
Organic paint is meant to be environmentally friendly. It thus contains natural components, vegetable or mineral, and very little, if any, of petrochemical components.
For a paint to be considered natural, it must contain at least 95% natural components. The binder can thus be made from rosin, linseed oil, castor oil or sunflower oil, beeswax … Chalk, talc or marble powder can be used for the loads, opacification of the paint. Vegetable salts and oils will be chosen as additives, while mineral spirits may be used as solvents. The colors are finally made with mineral pigments.
Another advantage of organic paint is that VOCs emitted are considerably less, since they are limited to 5 g / l, compared to 30 g / l for certain traditional paints.
These 100% natural paints are resistant to weather as well as others; they arise and wash themselves just as easily. Only downside: the drying time can be much longer.
To recognize an eco-friendly paint, carefully read the list of ingredients. A label can also help you find yourselves: the Ecolabel; NF Environment; Natureplus or Nature Painting.
Acrylic ecological paints
If you do not find your happiness in 100% natural paintings, try acrylic ecological paints. They do not contain heavy metals, such as mercury or lead, and few hydrocarbon solvents. Look for the European eco-label for less toxic certified paints.
These paintings are now easily found in all major DIY stores.