NewInterior AI
Sustainable Design

Low-VOC Paint

Low-VOC paint represents one of the most accessible and impactful sustainable design choices available to homeowners and designers. Volatile organic compounds are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate at room temperature, and conventional paints have historically contained significant quantities of these compounds as solvents and performance enhancers. Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, and long-term health effects. Recognizing these risks, paint manufacturers began developing low-VOC and zero-VOC formulations in the 1990s, and today these products have achieved performance parity with or even superiority over their conventional counterparts. The regulatory landscape defines low-VOC paint as containing fewer than 50 grams of VOCs per liter for flat finishes and fewer than 150 grams per liter for non-flat finishes, while zero-VOC formulations contain fewer than 5 grams per liter. Modern low-VOC paints are available in every finish, color, and performance level, making them a straightforward substitution in any project. Beyond the base paint, designers should also consider the VOC content of primers, colorants, and specialty coatings, as these can add significant VOC loads to an otherwise clean product. Specifying low-VOC throughout the entire coating system ensures the healthiest possible indoor air quality and aligns with green building certifications.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Contains fewer volatile organic compounds than conventional paint
  • ✓Significantly reduces off-gassing and indoor air pollution
  • ✓Available in full range of colors, finishes, and sheens
  • ✓Meets or exceeds performance of conventional formulations
  • ✓Lower odor during and after application
  • ✓Contributes to healthier indoor air quality for occupants

Types & Variations

Low-VOC latex and acrylic paints
Zero-VOC paint formulations
Natural and mineral-based paints
Low-VOC primers and sealers
Plant-based and clay paints

Common Materials

Water-based acrylic resinsNatural mineral pigmentsPlant-derived solventsClay and lime bindersMilk protein casein basesSilicate mineral compounds

Works Well With These Styles

ModernScandinavianContemporaryMinimalistTransitional

Placement & Usage Tips

Specify low-VOC paint for every painted surface in the home, but pay special attention to bedrooms, nurseries, and enclosed spaces with limited ventilation where occupants spend extended time. Even with low-VOC products, ensure adequate ventilation during application and the 48-hour curing period.

💡 Pro Tip

Be aware that tinting can add VOCs to an otherwise zero-VOC base. Ask your paint supplier whether the colorant system is also zero-VOC, as some retailers use conventional tints that can add 50 or more grams of VOCs per liter to the final product. Benjamin Moore Natura and Sherwin-Williams Harmony are examples of lines where both the base and tint system are zero-VOC.

Related Terms

Green Building

The practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency throughout the building's lifecycle.

LEED Certification

A globally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that evaluates environmental performance across categories including energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.

Organic Cotton

Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms, using farming methods that support soil health and reduce environmental impact.

← Back to Glossary