Most people have heard the term “VOC” at some point, but what does it mean? VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are substances that can harm your health. Most paint products contain VOCs, but today, many are available with low or no VOCs. It seems like an easy choice, right? Unfortunately, the situation is a lot more complicated than just less VOC equals good. Our Benjamin Moore paint specialists are here to explain the difference and help you choose between standard paint and low-VOC products.
Interior Air Quality
Environmental experts estimate indoor VOC levels are often between two and five times higher than average outdoor air. If you’ve recently used paint, stain, or any other product containing VOCs, that level can jump to 1,000 until the off-gassing (evaporation) is complete. A product containing less than 50 grams of VOC per liter is considered low VOC. Even items claiming no VOCs can have up to five grams per liter, so it’s best to always work with these things in a well-ventilated area.
Standard Paint vs. Low-VOC Paint: Which is Better?
No matter the scale of your painting project, you want to get the best results possible. We’re comparing standard and low/no-VOC paint in a few essential categories:
Overall Appearance
VOCs help standard paint glide smoothly, evenly, and dry with a streak-free finish. Removing VOCs from paint affects its consistency. Manufacturers continue to improve low and no-VOC formulas, but even premium brands, like Benjamin Moore, may require an additional coat or two for the best coverage.
Longevity
Even the most ambitious DIYers don’t want to paint more often than necessary. Standard and zero-VOC paints have similar durability, so either choice will stand up to scuff marks and be cleaned equally well.
Depth of Color
Do you know those VOCs that make paint long-lasting and easy to apply? It turns out they’re also responsible for delivering deep, rich color. If you use low or no-VOC paint but add colorants, you’re raising the number of VOCs in it. Adding tint to alter the shade of paint can also affect its overall appearance when applied. Benjamin Moore addressed this problem by creating Gennex® Color Technology for zero-VOC colorants.
The “Fresh Paint” Smell
The smell of paint is the active off-gassing of VOCs. When using standard color, we suggest wearing a mask, using an air purifier, and opening windows to help lessen their impact. One of the most popular perks of low and zero-VOC paint is the minimal odor these paints produce.
Options from Benjamin Moore
High VOC Paints:
- INSL-X® Specialty Coatings
- Lead Block
- Freezer Kote
- Regal® Select Exterior Paint
- Regal® Select Interior Paint - Semi-Gloss only
- ARBORCOAT® Exterior Stain
Low VOC Paints:
- AURA® Interior Paint
- AURA® Bath & Spa - Zero-VOC
- AURA® Exterior Paint
- ADVANCE® Interior Paint
- Eco Spec® - Zero-VOC and emissions
- ben® Interior Paint - Zero-VOC and low-odor
- Regal® Select Interior Paint - All sheens except semi-gloss
Contact Us
Red Star Paint & Decorating is the area’s leading supplier of Hunter Douglas window treatments and Benjamin Moore paint products. We have been family-owned and operated for nearly three decades, and our commitment to providing premium products and outstanding service has earned us a “Best of Essex” award. Visit us at 420 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair or send us a message.
We’re looking forward to helping you make your home the most beautiful version of itself. Red Star Paint & Decorating is happy to serve Montclair, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Bloomfield, NJ, and the surrounding areas.