anything to worry about with zero voc paint?

[Nosy]

We'll be painting soon, and I'm worrying if there any toxicity issues to worry about when using zero voc paint. Will I have to worry about offgassing at all? I have a chemically sensitive child so I want to figure out how long for him to be out of the house.

[dinahx]

I just dealt with this: some say yes, depending on the brand. For example, we had to cover some dark paint, and I had a choice between Mythic & Kilz Clean Start. We chose the Kilz, because it was 1/2 the price, but I pulled the MSDS on both and Mythics was clearly better.

The Kilz did smell a tiny bit and we did not sleep in the same room that was painted for a while. Another company we have used is BioShield, again expensive but pristine ingredients.

[bigteamug]

Also, just because something is no-VOC doesn't mean it's completely safe. I've been using the Benjamin Moore no VOC stuff, but it still has some kind of a mildewcide in it, so not entirely healthy. I'd test before you use something.

AFM safecoat and Mythic/American Traditions ( I think that is the name of their other paint - something like it) are known for being safer. BUT don't dip your brush in the can. Pour the paint out - that is the compromise with no biocides - they will mold if you dip the brush in or pour unused paint back in the can.

[leaveit2beeker]

When we had a room repainted recently, we were informed that the no VOC paint needed a primer. And that there are currently no non-VOC primers available. So I would really do your research on the brands available in your area and def. ask a salesperson.

[annethcz]

Just because it's no-VOC doesn't mean that it's not going to smell. I recently painted my living areas using Sherwin Williams Harmony no-VOC paint. The smell was nothing like a normal paint, but there was still an odor. The odor disappated over the course of a few days. It didn't bother any of us, but no one in my family has allergies or is especially chemically sensitive.

[dinahx]

Kilz Clean Start is a no VOC primer and Mythic makes one too.