I hear you on the “ultra low-VOC” claims—tried a couple brands myself, and even if the label says low, my nose says otherwise. The smell just lingers, especially in smaller rooms. I bit the bullet on mineral paint for our bedroom last year. Yeah, it’s pricey, but honestly, zero stink and it covered better than I expected. Not sure I’d do the whole house at that price, though... maybe just high-traffic areas or bedrooms where air quality matters most. Mainstream brands have a ways to go before they really nail it.
Totally get what you mean about the “low-VOC” labels—sometimes I wonder if my nose is just extra sensitive or if those standards are a bit too generous. The last time I painted our bathroom, I swear the smell stuck around for days, even with the window open and a fan running.
Mineral paint’s been on my radar, but yeah, that price tag is no joke. Did you notice any difference in how it held up over time? I’ve heard it’s more durable, but haven’t tried it myself yet. Also, did you have to do any special prep before using it, or was it pretty much like regular paint?
I’m with you on picking and choosing where to splurge—bedrooms and nurseries seem worth it, but the laundry room? Not so much. Still, I wish the big brands would step up their game. Sometimes I feel like “green” is just a marketing buzzword for them... anyone else feel that way?
Title: Building Green? Watch Out For Those Sneaky VOCs
Sometimes I feel like “green” is just a marketing buzzword for them... anyone else feel that way?
Yeah, I totally get what you mean. It’s like, you try to do the right thing and then end up with a headache from the “eco” paint anyway. I painted our guest room with one of those big brand low-VOC paints and honestly, it still reeked for days. Makes me wonder if the standards are really that strict or if my nose is just picky.
I haven’t tried mineral paint yet—was curious about prep too. Did it need a special primer or anything weird? I’d love to hear how it actually holds up compared to the regular stuff. The cost is tough to swallow, but if it really lasts longer, maybe it’s worth it for high-traffic spots? Bedrooms and nurseries make sense to splurge on, but yeah, laundry room... not so much.
Honestly, I’m starting to think “low-VOC” is just code for “still kinda stinks but maybe less?” I had the same issue with a supposedly green primer—smelled weird for a week. I’m curious if anyone’s actually tested air quality after using these paints, or if it’s just marketing hype. Has anyone tried those clay-based paints? Wondering if they’re any better or just another expensive experiment...
Title: Building Green? Watch Out For Those Sneaky VOCs
“low-VOC” is just code for “still kinda stinks but maybe less?”
That’s not far off, honestly. Low-VOC doesn’t mean zero smell, just fewer of the worst offenders. I’ve used a few “eco” paints that still lingered for days—sometimes it’s the additives or binders, not just the solvents, that cause the odor. Clay-based paints are interesting though. Tried them once in a client’s nursery; they went on a bit thick but the room aired out fast and had almost no scent. Downside: price and limited color choices. Not a miracle cure, but definitely less stinky than most “green” options I’ve seen.
