Centuries ago humans painted caves with natural materials to express themselves, marking a historical milestone and the beginning of the art of decoration. The pigments and paints used evolved as they developed.
Organic components have been replaced by synthetic materials, which are stronger, more durable and easier to produce. The fact is that synthetic forms of paint have also brought with them aspects that are harmful to human health and the environment.
In a society increasingly committed to sustainability and respect for the environment, it has led to the creation of what we call eco-friendly paints that bring multiple benefits, and zero environmental impact.
We invite you to read this post about the generalities of ecological paints, and their advantages.
What are ecological paints?
They are paints produced on the basis of natural and biodegradable elements, free of toxic agents that are harmful to health, and to the environment. Whether they are of organic or vegetable and mineral origin, when applied or degraded, they are non-polluting.
While normal paints are produced on the basis of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOC - hydrocarbons), highly toxic components, ecological paints and varnishes are produced mainly on the basis of vegetable oils or metal oxides. These paints replace chemical elements with elements of vegetable or mineral origin, through recycling processes or organic farming, and composed of at least 95% of these natural components.
Ecological paints, besides being environmentally friendly, have the same beneficial conditions as synthetic paints; that is, they are resistant to the passage of time, withstand changes in temperature and humidity, have the same colour range, are as easy to apply as conventional paints and, best of all, have no harmful effects on our health.
Types of environmentally friendly paints
As science is constantly advancing and so are the demands for environmentally sustainable products, we can classify eco-friendly paints into five groups.
Mineral based inks
This is the largest group and is mainly composed of elements of mineral origin:
Lime based: they are produced through the combination of hydraulic lime and other organic additives. Due to their composition, they are generally of a high purity white colour, although a wide range of colours can be obtained with natural pigments. Recommended for indoor use due to their main characteristics, being aseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal and breathable.
Silicate-based: produced through the process of melting recycled glass, they are the most resistant, and are therefore recommended for both interior and exterior use. Their main property is impermeability, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Clay base: fused with marble powders and vegetable casein, they can be combined with natural mineral pigments to obtain a wide variety of colours. They are recommended for indoor use as they are breathable, improve the sound quality of the environment and are anti-static, i.e. they do not collect dust.
Vegetable-based or organic paints
Composed mainly of organic elements of vegetable origin, i.e. oils, starches, waxes, glues and resins. They are coloured by means of colouring pastes also produced from vegetable elements.
They have almost the same properties as ecological mineral paints, highlighting the ability to resist washing, are breathable with the aromas of the material from which they were made.
Mixed ecological paints: These are those that have a combination of mineral and vegetable elements. They are the most sought after and each brand creates its composition according to the characteristics they wish to offer.
Ecological graphene inks: This is the most innovative and best quality group, although it is not yet as popular as the other compounds. This type of paint stands out for being totally resistant to washing, does not lose pigmentation quality, high adherence to the surface, high resistance, has properties that prevent condensation, are more durable and perform better due to the fact that they cover surfaces better.
Eco-friendly silicate paints: they are very durable as they do not cover, but integrate with the surface material. They are suitable for painting on lime mortar outdoors and plaster indoors. They have a high level of resistance, but have disadvantages for painting on plastic paint and adhere only to mineral substrates.
Advantages of organic inks
Organic paints have many benefits and advantages that allow them to stand out from conventional paints.
● They are healthier: hazardous waste is minimised and, because they are not composed of VOCs or gases, they do not cause or aggravate health problems such as respiratory diseases or allergies.
● The raw materials used in the production of eco-friendly paints are found in nature in large proportions and are biodegradable.
● They are sustainable: their environmental impact is lower than other types of paints, they must comply with various rules during the design and packaging chain, such as limiting the use of water or the production of waste.
● Their variants can be applied on all types of surfaces.
● They have high durability and corrosion resistance.
● They are odourless as they are water-based and do not require synthetic solvents, with the exception of those of vegetable origin which may contain odours of their main components.
● Creates a porous layer that allows the wall to breathe, helping moisture to evaporate and walls to breathe better. This solves problems of bacteria, condensation, fungus and mould.
● They are fireproof and do not emit toxic gases as they do not contain harmful products and also do not release them, transferring this condition to the surface where the paint is applied.
● They stay cleaner for longer due to their energy-free properties.
● Natural or eco-friendly paints have been proven to have the same or better results than synthetic paints obtained through chemical processes.
● Painted walls and surfaces become less dirty and colours remain brighter for longer.
● The main benefits of using natural products are that the raw materials come from organic cultivation or recycling processes. Using these substances reduces ecological impact and the human footprint on the planet. The same applies to the energy costs of transporting and manufacturing the components.
More and more people are interested in the consumption of ecological paints. Nowadays, the origin and the way they are manufactured have more weight in the purchasing process and in the consumers' habits.
Considering all the benefits and advantages, their easy application like any other and the increase in their production, also professional painters and handymen reduce their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds.
Any space renovation is a great opportunity to make it more sustainable and ecological paints are an environmentally friendly, quality and safe solution that we advise you to use.
Do not hesitate and create a healthy and toxic-free space in your home!
Author: Amira Neme, Communication and Marketing from Habitium.pt