Thanks, Steve! Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Yes. The Safecoat paint company specializes in paint and primer with almost no odor. They also have many products that are good for those with chemical sensitivities. I believe they're based in San Diego, CA.
Posted by dogmom2 (Member # 23822) on :
I haven't used it, but my brother painted his condo with a low VOC(volatile organic compound) paint and I did okay in his place after he used it.
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
I used Yolo paint. It does have a slight odor, but it aired out really fast.
Look for low/no VOC paint. There will be other chemicals in it though.
Milk paint is non-toxic, but I don't think it has the staying power.
AFM safecoat still has an odor. They have safe-seal to seal in paint to block out odor, but it will still smell until it's cured.
I'd call the companies for suggestions.
AFM had a whole procedure for airing out when I called them.
I went to the paint store and they sold me the wrong stuff for what I needed. The manufacturers can advise you well.
Posted by MichaelTampa (Member # 24868) on :
We recently repainted after mold remediation and used Harmony line from Sherwin Williams, which is Zero VOC.
This is the one I used to re-paint after mold remediation as well. It still has some other chemicals in it but I did okay with it. No major MCS reaction.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I used the Safecoat paint for renovation here a couple months ago. I wasn't around while it was drying. It has no smell now that I can detect, and I'm very chem sensitive.
I'm happy to see a thread on this topic, and that there are several product solutions being suggested!
Posted by Triple B (Member # 38746) on :
We've used Mythic to paint both the interior and exterior. I'm very chem sensitive (thak you, LD) but have never had a problem with it.
It's low odor, zero VOC. You can even get 16oz. samples to test out for your sensitivities.
My suggestion based on experience - test a few different paints. Everyone's sensitives are so unique to them and what works for one, might not work for someone else.
Posted by linky123 (Member # 19974) on :
Thanks everyone. I never knew there were so many choices.
Now to find a day when I have enough energy to follow through.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Ok, we'll start you with very simple exercises - begin with light can lifting and work up to some poundage lifting at your own pace. Then use two hands to pop off an imaginary paint can top, then dip and lift an imaginary brush and put it back down - start with a couple times. Then rest.
Posted by linky123 (Member # 19974) on :
It's not advertised as low odor or low VOC, but I didn't have any trouble with it and I'm usually sensitive to odors.
Posted by MichaelTampa (Member # 24868) on :
A few additional thoughts as we just bought a little more paint this weekend, actually to paint some picture frames, since we weren't happy with what we could find in the picture frame stores.
"Low VOC" seems now to be defined as less than 50 grams of VOC's per liter. I imagine here 100 capsules containing 500 mg each of herbs. That is the amount, by weight, of VOC's allowed per liter of paint, in order to be "low VOC". Considering many VOC's are damaging well beyond their weight (meaning, a little bit goes a long way), this feels like quite a lot to me.
While there was some temptation to buy "low VOC" as it was available in small quantities that we needed, we in the end went with "no VOC".
Another point I was reminded of, some stores have available "no VOC" paint in stock, but then when you mix colors in it, it no longer is "no VOC", as the coloring agents often contribute to the VOC's. Just something to be aware of, to not be fooled by.
For example, as I posted earlier, we used Harmony line of Sherwin Williams, which is "no VOC". However, that does limit one to certain colors. Basically about the mid-range darkness to the lightest are available, and then the other 40% or so on the dark side is not available in Harmony, meaning, they'll give you that color, but it will have VOC's, i.e., Sherwin Williams hasn't figured out a way to make those darker colors without VOC's.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Be sure to get some sample paint and paint some scraps, substantial size - even cardboard might work. Live with that for a while before making any decision, if possible.
Also plan to have windows open for a couple weeks as much as possible (when the weather allows, even if just at night).
If you could have someone else paint (who would not be bothered) and if you could go away for a while.
Even some of the best "safe" paints in a doctor's office years ago really clobbered me. With the best of that "safe" kind - It took about two months of before I'd not be clobbered - and about four more of just not being affected to a lesser degree - when I went to that office.
But all they had was air conditioning, no way to open any windows.
However, I about top out the sensitivity chart. You may do just fine. Hope so. New, fresh color in our home can really life our spirits and senses in such a good way.
I'm told that if you can "bake it" to "cure it" it will all dissipate more quickly, too. That would involve -- after painting is done -- turning up the heat -- or just not turning on AC on a very hot day. And it's best to have all humans and pets out during that time.
But the humidity would be a factor, too, if humid, the AC would be vital to help reduce moisture. -
Posted by linky123 (Member # 19974) on :
Good ideas. Thanks.
Posted by LisaK (Member # 41384) on :
I can't read above, but there is a new NO ODOR, no VOC paint by Benjamin Moore:
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