We've been recently discussing on the forum the importance of non-toxic pillows, mattresses, carpets, etc. But what about wall coverings? Are there certain types of paints that are less toxic and have less outgassing?
Also, does anyone happen to know if the protective sealers for linoleum floors are toxic? Should we be using something else to protect the linoleum? I thought we were supposed to add a new coat every year, but now I don't know what to apply.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Are you talking about old, true linoleum? Or vinyl flooring? I think old linoleum just gets wax, right?
I use regular paint. And, not only that, I LIKE the smell. I've been painting my daughter's room the past week (last week I did all the trim, 95 year old house, so there's lots of it, and got the priming, I'm finishing today). I used oil based on the trim, and it did smell quite toxic, but it's what was there, thanks to the previous owners. The walls I'm just using regular water based.
I do have to be careful in this house when I SCRAPE. It's an old house, so there's lead paint. All the lead paint has been covered at this point, but it's still underneath all the new paint.
I have limestone floors in my kitchen and marble in the bathroom. They have to be sealed sometimes. That sealer is also toxic .... any ideas for that? Flooring is a good point. I use non-toxic cleaners, but haven't extended that to sealers.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
I was unbelievably allergic to chemicals 3 years ago (got bit but didn't know it was lyme), so we emptied our house of everything scented, and painted with Mystic Paint (was worth it).
We had to drive about an hour to purchase it, and it was expensive, but it was the only paint that didn't bother me. The guy at the paint store said it was the only one that was non-toxic.
Fyi, paint can be low V.O.C., but still toxic, but Mystic's is fine.
Posted by jlp38 (Member # 27221) on :
Look for paints with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), available most everywhere these days.
Posted by jlp38 (Member # 27221) on :
Ok I'm re-reading.. Sounds like cat girl knows something I don't. I think no/low VOC would at leat be a step in the right direction.
catgirl, do you mean mythic? It looks like it is no VOC. I wonder if there are other advantages of it over other no VOC paints.
Posted by James1979 (Member # 31926) on :
quote:Originally posted by jlp38: catgirl, do you mean mythic? It looks like it is no VOC.
Yes, "Mythic Paint", the paint that doesn't exist!
Just kidding. I'm also very interested in learning more about this. It sounds too good to be true.
Posted by James1979 (Member # 31926) on :
Six - yes, I mean true linoleum, and not vinyl.
Wax? But wouldn't the wax be toxic also?
I'm very interested in learning about safe sealers. I was thinking about this on our carpets/rugs thread. What use is it if we get rid of the toxic carpets/rugs, and then we're covering our floors with toxic petroleum products?
Posted by NanaDubo (Member # 14794) on :
I've been using low and no VOC paints for the last 4 years and some of them (especially paint for bathrooms) smell far WORSE than regular latex paint.
I repainted my sons bathroom in the Spring with low odor, low VOC paint and had to run the air purifier in there for weeks to get the smell out.
James, check greenbuildingsupply.com they might have something for your floors.
Posted by Garden (Member # 31671) on :
We used Benjamin Moore Aura paint a few years ago (low VOC), and our painter was very thankful - it makes a huge impact on them! I noticed very little paint smell (and I'm very sensitive).
I would use Mythic paint the next time around if possible, though.
Posted by Fuel1212 (Member # 29312) on :
Hi guys, not sure this is the greatest choice, but seemed to be alright. It did not have the strong odor some paints do.
Also, the quality of this product is very good. Usually only one coat is needed unless you are covering a highly contrasting wall.
They also have a floor sealer page, but I couldn't figure out what would be best for linoleum. I might call them tomorrow.
Posted by James1979 (Member # 31926) on :
It says it's "petrochemical free", which is pretty amazing. I'd like to learn more about it, but so far this looks like the best. AND it works with multiple floor types!
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
Catgirl - thanks for your post on Mythic paint. I spoke with a paint store that carries it. Sounds like the right fit for me. Thank you:)
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