NO VOCs in Paint     NO VOCs in Colorant

NEW:  The Freshaire Choice Paint contains no volatile organic compounds — commonly known as VOCs — that give a room that "just painted" odor.

Freshaire is certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), a well-respected industry-independent, non-profit organization that provides verification for low-emitting products.

Natural Paints, Zero VOC, and Low VOC

Natural Paints- These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paints is uncommon. These paints are the safest for your health and for the environment.

Aglaia - Natural finishes for many applications, from high quality wall paints to specialty paints for plasters or glazing. (www.aglaiapaint.com)

Livos - Organic paint, stains, oils and waxes that are made using all natural ingredients. Coatings are linseed oil and citrus oil based, non toxic, low VOC and are designed primarily for wood. (www.livos.us) Livos

Australia:(www.lisp.com.au/~livos) Livos UK: (www.ecomerchant.co.uk)

Auro - A full line of solvent-free, water-based natural paints and primers, finishes, stains and adhesives. Auro products are distributed in North America and the UK. (www.aurousa.com)

EcoDesign's BioShield - Line of natural paints and finishes. (www.bioshieldpaint.com)

Tried & True Wood Finishes - Line of zero-VOC, all natural, food-safe, biodegradable wood finishes. Distribution is primarily through mail-order catalogs (www.calistawood.com).

Weather-Bos - Line of natural stains, finishes and paints. Blends of natural oils and resins designed to adhere to the wood, forming a monolithic bond. (www.weatherbos.com)

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company - non-toxic paint made with milk protein, lime, clay and earth pigments. (www.milkpaint.com)

Sawyer Finn Natural Milk Paint - non-toxic milk paint in powder form, wide choice of colors. (www.sawyerfinn.com)

Silacote - made from natural mineral compounds, for use on masonry, concrete and wallboard; interior/exterior. (www.silacote.com)
Anna Sova - Natural paints from milk casein, titanium dioxide and food-grade ingredients. (www.annasova.com)

Zero VOC

Any paint with VOC's in the range of 5 grams/litre or less can be called "Zero VOC", according to an EPA standard. Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOC's", but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOC's. Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter, which is still quite low.  

Alistagen CALIWEL (antimicrobial) - new interior, latex-based paints. Eradicates mold and fungus. Available through website. Zero VOC (www.caliwel.com 1 866 280-0001)

AFM Safecoat - Flat interior latex; semi-gloss interior enamel.

ICI Lifemaster 2000 - Flat, Eggshell, semi-gloss interior; primer

Best Paint Company - Zero-VOC Interior paints, primers and specialty products (faux glaze, varnish replacement, etc) and Low-VOC Exterior paints and primers. (www.bestpaintco.com)

ICI Decra-Shield - exterior zero-VOC paints. (1 800 984-5444)

Kelly-Moore Enviro-Cote - ENVIRO-COTE line of paints are zero-VOC. (916 921-0165)
Devoe Wonder Pure - see www.devoepaint.com

Ecos Organic Paints - broad line of paints and finishes, distributed throughout Europe, with plans to distribute in the US and Canada soon. (www.ecosorganicpaints.com)

American Pride - Zero-VOC interior latex paints. (www.environmentalhomecenter.com)

Sherwin Williams - new HARMONY line of zero-VOC low-odor latex interior paints. Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss and primer. (www.sherwin.com)

Frazee Paint EnviroKote -line of interior zero-VOC paints: semi-gloss, flat, and primer.

Allied PhotoChemical - supplies zero-VOC, UV-curable paints, inks and coatings to manufacturers. (www.alliedphotochemical.com)

Yolo Colorhouse - Zero-VOC, low-odor, premium interior paint (www.yolocolorhouse.com)  

Low VOC

Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions are lower than solvent-borne surface coatings. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. The amount of VOC's varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is listed on the paint can. Paints and stains must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per litre. Varnishes must not contain VOCs in excess of 300 grams per liter.
Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOC's.  

Benjamin Moore Pristine EcoSpec - Low VOC's, under 10 grams/liter. Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss finishes and a primer. ( I personally love this paint. I use it in painting children's rooms) Elaine
NOTE: Only comes in light to medium shades of color.

AFM Safecoat - Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss interior enamels; exterior satin; primer; deck coat.

Cloverdale EcoLogic - Low VOC's, under 10 grams/liter. Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss interior.

Carver Tripp Safe & Simple - Line of water-based stains and clear finishes that are low or free of toxics as well as low VOC's. Widely available at most hardware/home stores.