Green Painting Techniques
Before you begin painting with our non-toxic paints, take a few minutes to read some of the green painting techniques listed below. These tips will teach you the best ways to apply paint and how to ensure you remain environmentally conscience when painting.
Oil-Based Paints VS Water-Based Paints
Our paints are water based paints rather than oil based paints. Water based paints do not glide on or cover the same thickness as conventional paints will. In addition, Low-VOC paints take longer to dry and cure than traditional paints. Because they are water based, you might need to apply multiple coats of paint where, previously, only one or two coats was needed. However, there are obviously many benefits to using low-VOC paints. Our paints are just as high in quality as traditional paints. When comparing Low-VOC paints to traditional paints the Low-VOC paints had more material that stayed on the applied surface after the product cured. The most important difference to remember is that with low-VOC paints you and your family will not be breathing in toxic chemicals that traditional paints off gas.
Painting over conventional paints
If your house already has traditional paints, have no fear, you can paint over these traditional paints with non-toxic paints! In order for the water-base paint to set and cure properly you will need to ensure that the paint can bind onto the existing surface. To create this surface the existing surface needs to be sanded and the sheen of the existing oil-based paint needs to be removed. Once removed, the water-based paint can set and cure for a finish comparable to its conventional counterpart.
Green tools and materials
Another way to ensure you are painting in a green fashion is by using tools that are made from renewable resources and have a reduced impact on the environment. These tools include brushes that are made from natural fibers and roller sleeves made from lamb’s wool. Both of which use rapidly renewable resources and depend less on the petrochemicals used in conventional supplies. In contrast, the manufacturing of steel and plastic buckets takes a lot of energy and is dependant upon resources that are finite. If used, try to reuse, and make sure they get recycled.
Disposing of paint
Before throwing out all your excess paint try to give it away to a friend, neighbor or organization that might have some need for the paint. If you cannot find anyone you can always bring it back to The Green Painter. Latex and water-based paints can also be recycled at the City of Houston’s Westpark Consumer Recycling Center. The center is located at 5815 SW Freeway and is open 9-5 Monday thru Saturday. However, the center requests that you limit your load to one 5 gallon and ten 1 gallon buckets of paint at a time.
To dispose of water-based paints wipe excess paint onto absorbent material, like newspaper, and let it dry in a well ventilated area. Once dry, dispose of the material in your waste bin. To get rid of excess paint on your tools, use two buckets to rinse your equipment well and let water sit until the paint settles at the bottom. Pour out the clear water in a grassy area away from storm water drains, sewers or natural waterways. Make sure the paint solids remain at the bottom and do not come out with the water. Let the solids dry and dispose of them in your trash bin. Remember that oil-based paints can only be disposed of at official dumpsites such as Environmental Service Centers.
