Affordable Low VOC Paint?

October 27, 2005

A reader asks: "Are there any good organic or low VOC paints that those of us in the lower income brackets can afford? I'd rather not sacrifice great color, either, though I'm open to unusual alternatives!"

Answer: The best non-toxic paints are Zero VOC paints but these will usually cost around $30 a gallon. See a list of these paints here. For a low cost alternative you can opt for low VOC paints, which are comparable in price to regular paint. If you go to a specialty paint store like Benjamin Moore or Duron, you can usually get any color you desire (the links go to their store locator pages). I've used the Duron low VOC Genesis Odor-Free paint in my home. See a complete list of retailers over the fold:Low- and No-VOC Paints

AFM (American Formulating and Manufacturing)
www.afmsafecoat.com

Benjamin Moore & Co. (Pristine® Eco-Spec® )
www.benjaminmoore.com

BioShield Paints
www.bioshieldpaint.com

Devoe Paint
www.devoe.com

Duron Paints and Wallcoverings (Genesis Odor-Free products)
www.duron.com

ICI Dulux Paints
www.iciduluxpaints.com

Kelly Moore

www.kellymoore.com

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company
www.milkpaint.com

Sherwin-Williams (HealthSpec® paints)
www.sherwin.com