Eco Painting Tips

Painting in an environmentally friendly way isn't difficult, but it does require a little bit of planning. Nowadays, with an increased awareness of how what we do affects the environment, it's a lot easier to get environmentally friendly paint than it was before. And the costs have reduced considerably. But eco painting involves more than simply selecting the right paint.

The Type of Paint You Use

When most people think of eco-painting, the first thought that comes to mind is paint choice. Paints that are better for the environment are quality water-based acrylic paints that have low levels to zero levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or solvents. Eco friendly paints meet or exceed the environmental standards of organizations like Green Seal.

Buy Only What You Need

If possible, use all the paint you buy even if you're buying a greener paint choice. If you're not able to use the paint immediately, you can store it for future use if you seal the can lid tightly. Sometimes placing the can upside down can help make the seal tighter and reduce the chance of any fumes escaping. Check to see if family, friends or neighbors are interested in using any extra paint you have it you can't find a use for it. Sometimes simply putting an extra coat of paint on the walls is a good way to use up the material. An extra coat of paint will be good for your walls by providing an extra layer of protection.

If you can't find any use for the extra paint, never pour it down the drain or flush it down the toilet. Dispose of it properly. Check your area for recycling or disposal programs for paint. If you have no other options, pour the leftover paint into a paper bag filled with cat litter, saw dust or sand. Through the bag in the garbage once the paint has been absorbed.

To make sure you only buy what you need, measure the area you'd like to paint. A general guideline is to buy a gallon for 400 square feet to be painted, but this can vary by the type of surface painting and the brand.

Reuse Your Brushes

It's not necessary to buy new brushes for every paint job. If you're going to paint again soon using the same color, simply tightly seal the brushes in a plastic bag. This will prevent the paint from drying and hardening. This also works if you don't have time to thoroughly clean a brush and will keep everything soft until you have the time. Most latex acrylic paint can be washed off a paint brush with hot water and dish soap if the paint is still wet.