Eco Friendly Paint

Most times, we never realize that many products that we come across and also use in our day-to-day lives, pose a threat to the environment and also to our own health. The same is the case of the ordinary or conventional paints, that are used in our homes. The basic threat or danger arises during the manufacture of these paints, as the process of manufacture itself creates a certain amount of environmental pollution, damaging the environment to a certain extent. Many methods and remedies have been introduced, in order to curb and reduce the pollution. These methods are however, not at all foolproof. The usage of these paints is also a threat, due to the presence of lead and related compounds in them. Some of the paints also contain chromium and organic toxins. The petroleum based paints release considerable pollutants during their manufacture, even though the final product is less toxic. Disorders occurring due to lead paint exposure, include headaches, dizziness, asthma, fatigue, heart diseases, lead poisoning and cancer.

Thus, in order to prevent pollution and curtail the health risk in the use of paints, manufacturers have started the production of eco friendly paint.

Eco Friendly Paint #1 - Clay Paint
Clay paints are conventional eco friendly paints and have been in use for a very long period of time. Even the paintings at the cave of Lascaux, were made with the help of clay paint. Clay paint, as the name suggests, is made up of clay and earth based minerals. The solvent that is used to make the paint, is water. Clay paint is always considered to be an eco friendly paint, as it does not have any poisonous particulates. The only draw back of clay paints is that, as compared to normal petroleum paint, these paints are pretty expensive. The shades that are available in this type of paint are also limited and intermediate shades and colors cannot be mixed. Clay paint is excellent for eco friendly interior painting, as it always tends to control the temperature within the house and also gives the room an authentic, vintage look.

Eco Friendly Paint #2 - Lime Wash
Another traditional method of painting is lime washing the surface. Lime wash paint is basically made from limestone, which is a mineral that is principally made from calcium. This paint is again dissolved in the best solvent - water. Lime wash is considered to be a unique eco friendly paint, as it tends to dissolve or merge on the surface on which it is being applied. Due to this characteristic, lime wash is often coated on surfaces that have porous features, like bricks, wooden surfaces and plaster. This eco friendly paint can also be used for outdoor applications as it has a very good resistance against natural weathering. The paint job is done with the help of several coats, so be mentally prepared for a physically tiring time, when giving a lime wash.

The conventional versions of lime wash had one drawback, that they required frequent touch ups. Unlike the conventional lime wash paints, the modern paints that are used, are durable and have a very good and lasting finish. In short, a lime wash is the best eco friendly house paint, as it can be used conveniently as an exterior paint, as well as an interior paint.

Eco Friendly Paint #3 - Milk Paint
Milk paint not only sounds funny and surprising, but also has unique results. Casein, which is a very common milk protein, is the basic ingredient of this eco friendly paint. This protein is directly mixed with water, clay and some natural pigments. Mixing it with egg yolks gives it a nice smooth finish. Don't worry, it won't stink. One must bear in mind, that milk paint is an eco friendly interior paint, as it cannot withstand very heavy wear and tear.

Though limited shades of these kinds of paints are available in the market, the eco friendly paints are highly durable and also give the house or the surface, a very beautiful get up. With the help of modern technology, eco friendly paints are being developed so as to make them more attractive and convenient for use.