Painting:Reducing ecological impact

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Traditional Painting materials and processes can have harmful effects on the environment. Fortunately measures can be taken to reduce such environmental impact.

In general, environmental impact can be reduced by:

• Accurately estimating paint quantities so that wastage is minimized
• Use of paints and coatings that are environmentally preferred
• Use of painting accessories that are environmentally preferred
• Cleaning up using processes, products and technologies that are minimize environmental impact

In addition to the above procedural activities which individuals can undertake, authorities and professional bodies can also be proactive through the development and use of United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and Green Star ratings, as well as directly informing consumers and trade professionals of the benefits of using environmentally preferred painting practices and technologies.

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Planning paint jobs saves the environment

Using an environmentally preferred paints and technologies is part of green painting, but is not the only step.

Before painting is started there should be a painting plan which includes the goals to be achieved and a description of the means for achieving them. Poorly planned paint projects often result in over purchasing paint, thus increasing paint disposal into the environment. Other tips for the planning process are to prefer to use a low-VOC and durable paint to minimize VOC emissions and resources spent on upkeep. Also if the project area contains hazardous lead based paint, proper precautions in removal/disposal should be taken. Getting the paint job done right the first time will benefit the environment as well the budget.</br>

Low-VOC and other environmentally preferred paints

Paints that are low in volatile organic compounds or VOCs (which are typically found in high quantities in conventional paints) improve indoor air quality and reduce urban smog.

The beneficial characteristics such green paints include:

• low odor
• clean air formula
• safer technology
• excellent durability
• washable finish

Low-VOC paint types include:

• Latex (water based)
• Recycled latex (water based)
• Acrylic
• Milk Paint

Environmentally preferred paint labeling

When purchasing different types of paints, to determine if they are "green", you can check the labels for the following information:

• To be considered Low-VOC, the paint should consist of <50 grams per liter (g/l) of VOC.
• To be considered Zero-VOC, the paint should consist of <5 g/l of VOC.
• Solid content usually ranges from 25-45%, higher solid percentages ensures less VOC's.

Items containing toxic ingredients will have registration numbers with either the:

1. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
2. Occupational Safety and Health Agencies (OSHA)
3. United States Department of Transportation (DOT)

Cleaning up green

Paint brush and roller cleaning

The traditional paint brush cleaning process involves four stages:

1. Remove as much excess wet paint from the brush or roller as possible.
2. Massage the paint out of the bristles with a cleaning fluid.
3. Wash in soapy water.
4. Rinse and Dry.

There are a number of environmental issues with this process. Firstly, an adequate cleaning job requires significant amounts of cleaning fluid, either water, mineral turpentine or other chemical cleaners. The second is that this paint tainted cleaning liquid need to be disposed of. The third is that at the end of a painting day it's not something one looks forward to and hence there is a tendency not to clean up thoroughly; the quality of cleaning done in this way has a systematic disincentive as its dependent on the amount of time and money spent on it.

To clean paint brushes and rollers in an environmentally favored manner the main practices include:

• store brushes and rollers wet overnight during painting jobs to save on daily use of cleaning fluids
• use environmentally favored cleaning fluids, such as citrus based cleaners, instead of mineral turpentine or even harsher liquids
• in industrial sized jobs one can use a waste water recycling system to prevent paint tainted liquids entering waterways

See also

• Lead paint
• Milk paint, a non-toxic water based mixture

External links

• Green Painters Australia Assoc.