Low-VOC paints still lagging

Low-VOC paints are supposed to be better for the environment, but they’re not necessarily best for your walls . . . yet. “You’re still paying more for less product,” says Randy Schuetz, general manager at Valspar, a large paint maker that supplies to Lowe’s. “[Low-VOC finishes] are still not as easy to apply and they aren’t as durable, but they cost more than regular paint,” he explains. Schuetz believes the chemistry of low-VOCs will progress in the next couple of years and the prices will drop as more companies offer the products and their sales increase. Consumer Reports will continue to test these paints and report on their performance.—Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman

Essential information: For expert advice on choosing an interior paint, read our buying guide.

Comments

[Andrew Gondzur]

Perhaps Mr. Schuetz's critical comments are a little self-serving and should be put into perspective, noting that none of Valspar's paints have received a GreenSeal for low VOC, his company does not offer ANY green products that consumers demand. On the other hand, instead of dragging their feet, his competitors have put their money where their mouth is. See the likes of Benjamin Moore, Olympic, Dutch Boy, PPG, etc.
http://www.greenseal.org/findaproduct/paints_coatings.cfm

[Sally R]

Freshaire from ICI Paints is totally VOC free even after the colorants have been added ( unlike other products on the market)

It is available at Home Depot and applies really nicely for a really nice finish. It is a great GREEN product

[Mark Henry]

No offense to Mr. Valspar. But his direct competitor at Lowe's (Olympic) offers a ZERO-VOC paint that is far less expensive than what Valspar offers at Lowe's and rates better than Valspar in half of the paint comparisons. So yeah, he would be quick to criticize what he doesn't have...

[Victoria Wakefield]

Just finished painting with a NO VOC paint. This was hard to find as most "low" or "zero" VOC paints are only in regard to their "base paint" but the added "colorant" has VOC's. I needed paint with NO VOC as I have a tropical bird. The Freshaire paint had no VOC and seemed to covered as well as any other paint. It was limited, however, to color selection. All in all, we were pleased with the product.