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Why Low-VOC Paints?
Ever walked into a room that's just been painted and the chemical smell slaps you in the face? You're definitely not alone. Loads of us have been there shuttling open every window in the hopes that the stink doesn't hang around for too long. But the good news is that you don't have to put up with it anymore - not with low VOC paints on the market.
Here in Australia, people - homeowners, landlords and even painters in Sydney are increasingly opting for eco-friendly painting options that not only do a better job for the environment but also do a better job for our health too.
Let's get into it, shall we. We're going to be talking about what it is that makes a paint a "low VOC" - why you should be bothered, the best eco-friendly brands to look for here in Australia, and how to get a finish that's not bad for the planet.
What is Low VOC Paint?
VOC stands for those pesky Volatile Organic Compounds that give off fumes and are just wasted in the air. The old paints can have heaps of VOCs and that's why you get that overpowering stink in the air for days after you've painted.
And it's not just about having a headache from the smell. There are real health downsides to painting with high VOC paints. They can give you headaches and make you feel dizzy, or cause you breathing problems especially for kids an older blokes/gals. And the big picture is that all these fumes are contributing to air pollution indoors and outdoors - which, let's be honest, isn't exactly what we're after when we think of Australia and the great outdoors.
That's why low VOC and zero VOC paints are taking off. They contain so many fewer nasty chemicals so they're a lot safer and a lot better for the planet.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Painting Solutions?
Life's not getting any easier, and sometimes the cheapest paint tin from Bunnings seems like the obvious choice to get the job done quickly. But after years working alongside painters in Sydney and across Australia, I've seen - firsthand - the real difference that making the switch to eco-friendly painting solutions can make. Here's why it's worth giving it a think:
- A Healthier Home for You and Your Family: with lower chemical exposure, you get better air quality indoors - and less headaches and lingering chemical smells to boot. Plus, it's great news for owners with pets - it's basically the best pet friendly paint in Australia.
- Eco-Green Credentials: few emissions mean you can pat yourself on the back for doing your bit to look after Australia's amazing natural beauty - it might be a small thing, but every little helps.
- Less Stress on Clean-up Time: most low VOC paints are water-based, so not only do you get to avoid those harsh cleaning chemicals, but you'll also be done in no time and won't have to worry about clogging the drains.
- And the Best Bit is these paints are perfect for sensitive spaces like bedrooms, nurseries, schools & healthcare settings - anywhere you want peace of mind knowing the air is clean & safe.
A case study
A few years ago, I helped a young family in Marrickville in Sydney repaint their home before welcoming a new baby. They wanted a fresh look, but Mum was worried about “new paint smell” in the nursery. We chose a low VOC, eco-friendly paint, Not only did the room look great, but there were zero complaints about odours.
Best Low VOC Paints in Australia: Our Top Picks
Now for the practical bit: which paints are actually worth your money? There’s no shortage of options, but here are some tried-and-true favourites, recommended by pros and loved by Aussie homeowners.
Benjamin Moore Eco Spec
Eco Spec is Benjamin Moore’s zero-VOC interior latex paint line, and it’s often rated as one of the best environmentally friendly paint options available anywhere. Here’s why it’s loved by many:
- VOC Content: Zero VOCs, even after tinting (which is rare!).
- Certifications: Green Seal certified, and also meets LEED requirements for commercial green building.
- Odour: Virtually odourless, making it ideal for spaces where you can’t open all the windows, like offices or apartments.
- Application: Smooth and easy to apply, with great coverage and a classic Benjamin Moore finish.
- Durability: Washable and tough, suitable for high-traffic areas.
Dulux envirO2
Dulux as the largest paint company is a household name in Australia, and their envirO2 range is top-notch when it comes to environmentally friendly paint options.
- VOC Content: Less than 1g per litre, almost zero!
- Finish: Available in matt, low sheen, and semi-gloss.
- Features: Low odour, washable, and certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA).
- Perfect for: Living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries, anywhere indoors.
Tip: The Dulux envirO2 range is widely available, and their colour selection is huge. We’ve used it for clients in Bondi who were after a coastal feel, and it always delivers a crisp, clean finish.
Taubmans Pure Performance
Taubmans has stepped up the game with their Pure Performance range.
- VOC Content: Less than 16g per litre.
- Features: Washable, stain-resistant, and tough on marks, great for families with kids or pets.
- Eco Credentials: Endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program.
Real-World Use: A painter mate in Parramatta swears by Pure Performance for rental properties. He’s found it not only keeps walls looking fresh, but also appeals to eco-conscious tenants.
Wattyl I.D Advanced
Another strong contender is Wattyl I.D Advanced.
- VOC Content: Less than 1g per litre.
- Features: Low odour, anti-mould, and anti-bacterial.
- Eco Tick: GECA certified.
Opinion: Not every paint brand suits every job, but for kitchens and bathrooms, the anti-mould properties of Wattyl I.D make it a smart pick, especially in humid areas like the Northern Beaches or up in Queensland.
Resene Environmental Choice Paints
Resene offers a broad range of low and zero VOC paints, all GECA certified.
- VOC Content: From 2g to 10g per litre, depending on the finish.
- Eco Benefits: Resene is proactive in recycling and sustainable practices.
Why Consider Resene? Great option if you want a quirky colour range and extra environmental credentials.
Things to Look For in Low VOC Paints
Let’s not beat around the bush: not every “green” label means the same thing. If you’re serious about eco-friendly painting solutions, here’s what to check before you buy:
Eco-Friendly Painting Tips - Get the Best Results Without Hurting the Planet
- Prep With a Bit of Common Sense : Before you get started, don't just toss those drop sheets - give them a good reuse. Clean those old brushes instead of buying new ones, and make sure those paint tins are sealed up tight when you're not using them. This will help you cut down on waste and keep your paint in good nick for longer.
- Keep the Air Moving : Even with those 'eco-friendly' paints that claim to have low VOCs, there's still going to be a bit of a smell to deal with to begin with. So keep those doors and windows open, crank up the fans, and try to paint on a dry day - if you're in Sydney, spring or early autumn are ideal.
- Don't Ditch That Old Paint : Tipping old paint down the drain is a no-go. Most local councils in Australia will have some sort of paint recycling program going on - that's great for tins, brushes, and trays.
- Store & Reuse the Rest : If you've got leftover paint knocking around, keep it in an airtight container for touch-ups later. If you're really stuck with too much, why not share it with the neighbours, or donate to a community project that could make good use of it.
Are Low VOC Paints as Good as Regular Paints?
This is a question I get from customers all the time, especially those who remember the old days when eco-paints were a bit “wishy-washy.” The honest answer? These days, you can get the same, if not better, coverage, colour, and durability from low VOC paints, thank to technology. In fact, most professional painting services across Sydney and beyond now use these as standard.
We did a whole apartment block repaint in Surry Hills last winter using only low VOC paints, and the feedback was nothing but positive. Not a single complaint about odours, and no headaches for our tradies, even on a week of rainy days when windows had to stay shut.
FAQ for Low VOC Paints
A Final Word: Choose Low VOC paint with Confidence
Its not just in the makeover of a Newtown terrace or the renovation of an old Queenslander in Brisbane's suburbs that matters - choosing an eco-friendly painting solution is just one of those little tweaks that can make a huge difference.
Not only will your place look the goods but you'll actually be able to breathe a bit easier - the air in your home will be cleaner, but so will your conscience knowing you've made a decision that's not just good for your family, but for the planet as well.
If you're ever not sure - you don't have to go to the ends of the earth for an answer, simply ask your local painters or paint shop for their recommendation & they'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction. More & more pro painters in Sydney are jumping on board with low VOC paints, so you'll be in capable hands.
For us, a fresh coat of the right paint can genuinely change the whole vibe of a room. So why not make that change with a paint job that's as green as it is good looking?
Ready to Paint with Best Low VOC Paint?
If you're after some more advice or just want to hook up with some experienced painters in Sydney who use only the best eco-friendly products check out the Painters Link Group®. Whether you're a DIYer or want to hire a painter, now's the best time to make the switch to low VOC paints.
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