While many consumers may think that paint removal requires a chemical stripper and hours of work, there are plenty of options that are kind to the environment and your lungs as well as guaranteed to save you time.

Of course, if you plan on repainting, use a low or no VOC paint to finish the job in the greenest way possible.


 

I'm smack dab in the middle of yet another home improvement project. This time we're tackling the dining room and we've removed the old wallpaper, spackled, sanded and started to paint. One of the big differences from this project and the last one is the type of primer and paint I'm using. Low odor, low VOC paint is the way to go!

If you read my 3-part post on my DIY bathroom re-decorating project then you might remember that the fumes from the primer I used just about knocked me out. That was THE last time I'll ever use that exact type of primer. Moving forward I've decided not to use any type of paint or primer that isn't low or zero VOC or at the very least of the low odor variety.

VOC is an acronym for Volatile Organic Compounds.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing chemical compounds that readily evaporate into the atmosphere. Common examples of things that emit VOCs into the atmosphere include gasoline, mineral spirits, alcohol, nail polish, and paint. Source

What's the difference between low odor/odorless and low/zero VOC paint?

We recently completed removing old wallpaper and painting our master bathroom. Preparing the walls of our bathroom to paint and caulk was the hard part although the most important. Painting and caulking, to me, is the fun and easy part of this DIY home project in comparison to what it took to get to this point.

The best part of the whole ordeal is knowing that the final product looks as good, or better, than as if a professional had done the job and we saved ourselves a decent some of money in the process.

Here's how we did it.

Insuladd is a paint additive that is guaranteed to reduce your heating and cooling bills. Developed by NASA to protect buildings located in close proximity to launch sites, "Insuladd can be mixed into cement, stucco coating, adobe mix and interior or exterior oil or latex paints. It is inert and non-reactive, so there is no smell or dust when it's poured for mixing. And, it is made largely from recycled materials. The main component of the insulating additive is fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired electric generating plants." It can be used for interior or exterior applications and is considered safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It is the only paint insulating additive endorsed by NASA. Actually, a company called Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions, a 2003 NASA Technology Spinoff Company, is the original.

Here's a little background about the product direct from the Hy-Tech and here's how it originated with NASA .

Thanks for the tip from Amanda!