Low-VOC Paint vs. Conventional Paint
If you’ve ever walked into a freshly painted room and gotten a headache, you already know the issue—conventional paint is full of chemicals. That “new paint smell” is actually off-gassing from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can linger in a space long after the paint dries.
For real estate investors, remodelers, and conscious homeowners, this is more than just an air-quality issue—it's a sustainability and health concern.
❌ NOT THAT: Conventional Paint
Conventional interior paint might offer great coverage and come at a low price point, but here’s the catch:
Contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are harmful gases
Off-gasses for weeks or months, reducing indoor air quality
Can trigger allergies, asthma, and headaches
Many formulas are petroleum-based and energy-intensive to produce
Bad for you, your clients, and the planet
It's one of those hidden dangers that’s easy to overlook—but makes a big impact on your home's environmental footprint.
✅ USE THIS: Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paint
Low-VOC (or better yet, zero-VOC) paint is widely available, competitively priced, and performs just as well as traditional paint—without all the toxic baggage.
Why it's better:
Significantly reduces indoor air pollution
Safer for kids, pets, and people with sensitivities
Often made with more sustainable ingredients
Helps meet green building standards like LEED or WELL
Comes in every finish, sheen, and designer color you can imagine
Brands like ECOS, Benjamin Moore Natural, and Sherwin-Williams Harmony offer excellent options that are both healthy and high-performing.
🧠 Smart Paint. Healthier Homes.
Paint covers more surface area than almost any other finish in your home. So when you're remodeling or refreshing a property, that decision matters.
Swapping out conventional paint for low-VOC is a simple, low-cost upgrade that makes a major difference for your clients and for the planet.
Use this, not that. Your lungs (and your future buyers) will thank you.
Thoughtfully remaking homes for people and the planet,
Jake