A newly fresh paint job has the power to completely change the look of your home for less money and in less time than any other house-remodeling project. There is only one question. How do you want to complete your job? In general, regardless of the type of paint used, there are two ways. There are a traditional way, with conventional tools and paints and other, an eco-friendly way with zero-VOC or low-VOC and tools from recyclable or biodegradable materials.
1| GREEN PAINT ALTERNATIVES
There are a huge range of zero-VOC green paint and low-VOC alternatives on the market today that have comparable prices with the regular paints. VOC or “Volatile Organic Compound” signifies the number of hazardous chemicals contained in your paint. A lower VOC means fewer unsafe chemicals in your paint.
2| PURCHASE ONLY THE NEEDED AMOUNT OF PAINT
Whether eco-friendly or traditional paint is chosen, purchase only the necessary amount of paint for your job. In this way, you will significantly reduce waste. It is a simple solution but will be indeed always a smart environmentally solution.
Determine exactly the needed amount of paint for your painting project:
a) Measure the width and height of each wall in part;
b) If you multiply the two dimensions will result wall area;
c) Find the total area by adding up the results.
d) Subtract the width and height (surface) of doors and windows in the room.
Take your measurements to any paint supply store and the merchant will be happy to assist you, calculating easily the amount of paint required for your project. Anyway, you can find also online the required amount of paint.
3| BUY ONLY ECO-FRIENDLY SUPPLIES
When purchasing the tools or the other painting supplies, think always reusable, recyclable and recycled, if you want to have a green painting project.
In all paint supply centers, you can easily find what you need. The only condition is to read carefully the product labels. Many painting supplies such as paint pans and drop clothes are made only from biodegradable materials or recycled materials. However, for a smaller project you can borrow the necessary tools from friends or relatives. This also applies in your case. When you have finished painting, you can help a friend, lending him the necessary tools.
Another wise idea is to invest only in a high quality paint-roller and paintbrush. In fact, both are reusable and your interest is to maintain them as long as possible. Therefore, after your painting job is done, wash your paint-roller and/or paintbrush to remove the paint and allow time to dry.
4| THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOUR PAINTING PROJECT IS DONE
Try to dispose of paint cans and paint in an eco-friendly way, not to endanger the environment. It is a good idea to keep some paint for future touch-ups. Store your leftover paint in jars or other airtight containers with a label on their lids.
However, if you still want to throw away your paint cans with some paint inside, first pour some sawdust or cat litter inside of the can, over the paint, then bag the absorbed paint before tossing in the trash bin. Call a local recycling center to see if they accept empty paint cans.
How to Paint in a Few Steps | How To Build A House (howtobuildahouseblog.com)
