Eco-friendly paint and VOC: what they mean and how to choose

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are substances that pass from the paint into the air while it dries, and they cause the typical smell of painting. An eco-friendly, or low-VOC, paint releases less of these substances. To choose, read the label, where the VOC content should be shown.

What are VOCs

Many paints have solvents in their composition. Solvents help the paint spread and dry. As the paint dries, some of them evaporate and go into the air in the room.

These vapours are VOCs. Some have a strong smell. In enclosed spaces, they can cause headaches or irritation to the eyes or nose, especially in more sensitive people.

For this reason, the European Union limits the amount of VOC allowed in decorative paints. Paints sold in Portugal have to meet these limits, and the tin has to show the value.

What is eco-friendly paint

There is no single meaning for eco-friendly paint. It usually means the paint has fewer VOCs, fewer harmful substances or ingredients of more natural origin. But the word eco-friendly, on its own, proves nothing.

So do not rely on the name alone. Look at what is written on the label and whether there are recognised certifications. Some paints carry environmental labels, such as the EU Ecolabel. Check what each label requires before deciding.

How to read the label

The label on decorative paints normally shows the maximum VOC value allowed and the product's actual value. You may see something like low content, in grams per litre.

Water-based or solvent-based paint

Water-based paints usually have less smell and fewer VOCs than solvent-based ones. That is why they are the usual choice for the inside of the home.

Solvent-based paints still have their place, for example on some metal or wooden items that need great durability. If you use them, work with the windows open and protect yourself.

Precautions when painting

Even with low-VOC paints, it is wise to take simple precautions during and after painting.

  1. Open the windows and let the air circulate while you paint.
  2. Keep the room ventilated over the following days, until the smell goes away.
  3. Keep children, pregnant women and pets out of the room while you paint and while the paint dries.
  4. Close the tins tightly and store them away from heat.
  5. Do not put leftover paint in the normal bin or down the drain. Take it to a suitable recycling point or collection centre.

Drying time and smell depend on the paint, the temperature and the ventilation. Follow the instructions on the tin.

Is it worth choosing?

If you are going to paint a bedroom, a child's bedroom or a home with sensitive people, it is worth looking for a low-VOC paint. There is less smell and the room can be used again sooner.

For the rest, a good water-based paint with the VOC content shown on the label is already a sensible choice.

Tip: Ask in the shop for the paint with the least smell for bedrooms and ask to see the VOC figure on the packaging. That way you compare products using real data.

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