Green and Gorgeous Remodeling: Low-VOC Paints

Green and Gorgeous Eco Paints

What comes in thousands of different colors but is green all over? The latest in environmentally responsible paints of course.

Having recognized the harmful impact of petrochemical-based solvents (they off-gas volatile organic compounds and smell funny), major paint companies (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Olympic and AFM) now offer a rainbow of environmentally conscious options. With healthier coats in every color, texture and gloss, painting the town green is more than just a pigment of the imagination.

Freshaire Choice No VOCs

An exciting new line of paint is being launched this spring that releases no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- and it comes in 66 gorgeous colors! Available exclusively at the Home Depot, ICI Paints' Freshaire Choice paint is certified at the highest level for 'Children and Schools' by the Greenguard Environmental Institute.

Freshaire Choice was designed to be long lasting and durable, comes in recycled packaging and is backed with a lifetime warranty.

AFM Safecoat

Dress up your dry wall with a safe coat of AFM's Ayurveda Essence paint. Based on the ancient Indian medicinal art of Ayurveda, the line is toxin free, while boasting holistic health properties. Each palette is said to inspire a person's organic 'dosha' or energy.

Safecoat is available at a variety of green specialty retailers, including Green Depot and the Environmental Home Store. To find a dealer near you, search afmsafecoat.com.

Benjamin Moore Aura Paint

Decorate your world with Benjamin Moore's Eco Spec products. Used by some of the most respected green designers, Eco Spec is 100% acrylic, which means it sticks and lasts. That also means it's low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor.

Benjamin Moore's Eco Spec is therefore an excellent choice for interior projects requiring easy cleanup, fast turnaround and no headaches. Check out benjaminmoore.com.

Olympic Premium Interior Paint

For a true flat finish with a zero volatile organic compound formula, use Olympic's Premium Interior Paint line. Though available to the masses at more than 1,520 Lowe's superstores, Olympic's Premium Interior Line is far from commonplace.

Colors like Turquoise Mist, Blue Odyssey, Allspice and Burning Bush make walls original and equally organic. To learn more about the fresh selection, visit lowes.com.

Sherwin Williams Harmony Interior Latex

Completely VOC free, Harmony from Sherwin Williams is available in a wide range of textures, glosses and hues. Some colors are so natural they're even made from safe and sustainable materials like soy and sunflower oil.

Deliciously organic style doesn't have to come at a high price. The Harmony line stays true to Sherwin Williams's promise: quality at an affordable price. Find your color at sherwin-williams.com.

Sherwin Williams Duration Home Interior Latex

Stop being a wallflower. Sherwin Williams's Duration Home Interior Latex is specially formulated to be low in odor and volatile organic compounds. Best of all, the paint naturally resists mildew, and most stains wipe clean with mild soap and water.

With walls so easy to clean, you'll avoid harsh chemicals and frequent repaints. The Duration Home Line is available at all Sherwin Williams stores. Find one near you at sherwin-williams.com.