Paint is one of the most prevalent types of hazardous waste, and so the need for eco-friendly paint has increased throughout the years. As more people become aware of their carbon footprint and environmental impact, awareness and demand for environmentally responsible products and practices has gone up. Facility managers are aware that this is an ongoing issue that is constantly brought up by the public and at the government level.
That’s why commercial painting contractors and paint manufacturers have developed eco-friendly paint solutions. These help alleviate environmental damage by incorporating green products and workplace practices for commercial buildings and properties.
Eco-friendly paints have lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), meaning that fewer chemicals are being leaked into the air. That significantly reduces the ‘just-painted’ smell, which can be off-putting for customers and even cause you to lose business. It also means that your facility is a safer and healthier place to work and to visit.
How Does Eco-Friendly Paint work for Commercial Spaces?
Eco-friendly paints and coatings have a lower VOC content than traditional paints and coating. VOC’s are the chemicals that leak out or evaporate into the air, causing potential hazardous damage to the environment (and to people).
As concerns for health and the environment have risen, the pressure to lower VOC content has risen as well. That has resulted in low- or no VOC coatings being produced. These coatings will have a certification or seal of approval from government or non-profit green groups.
Myths About Eco-Friendly Paint
- Eco-friendly paints and coatings are expensive: That might have been the case in the past, but it has changed. The costs of green products are now competitive because of the demand – eco-friendly paints and coatings are being used regularly, and that has helped to bring down the cost.
- Eco-friendly paints and coatings don’t perform as well as traditional materials: Today, eco-friendly paints perform just as well if not better than traditional paints. The coverage you get is outstanding and requires fewer coats, saving you and your company on materials and labor. They also provide long-lasting durability, meaning they will hold up to cleaning and wear.
- Your options are limited with eco-friendly paint: Again, this is no longer the case. With demand for eco-friendly paint, manufacturers are producing a better array of paint options and colours for both residential and commercial use.
Best Practices for Eco-Friendly Painting
- Keep your paint covered. After paint is poured out, covering the can will prevent paint chemicals from spreading into the work area.
- Use biodegradable materials and tools, instead of plastic. Keeping the work area as clean as possible will also go a long way in ensuring a green building.
- Properly store and dispose of paints and coatings. Proper storage extends the usefulness of paint for future projects, and proper disposal ensures less waste contaminants are released to the environment.
- Use recycled paint as an alternative to ordinary paints. Recycled paint offers the same degree of performance as standard paint, while at the same time lessening the harm to the environment.
- Plan accordingly. It is also a viable practice to buy only the right amount of paint or coating for a particular project, to eliminate the cost of extra or unused paint.
Eco Friendly Commercial Painting California
If you have more questions about eco-friendly paint or want to explore what environmentally friendly options are available to you and your commercial project, please contact us. We are more than happy to help provide you with a economical and eco-friendly option for your next commercial building painting project.
