How to make sustainable choices in paint products?

Behind those bright colours and that smooth finish, there's a hidden side to traditional paints.

Have you ever stopped to really think about what goes into the paint that brings life to your walls? Behind those bright colours and that smooth finish, there's a hidden side to traditional paints – they're often packed with chemicals that aren't great for us or the Earth. Now, as more of us are waking up to the importance of looking after our planet, the idea of choosing paints that do good as well as look good is catching on. Opting for sustainable paints means we're choosing to do our bit for the environment while keeping our homes safe and healthy. So, let's look into how you can make those eco-friendly choices, ensuring that the paint you choose not only adds beauty to your home but also aligns with your values for a healthier planet.

Why Go Green with Your Paint?

Opting for eco-friendly paint products brings a palette of benefits to your doorstep. Here's why painting green is one of the best decisions you can make:

Healthier Living Spaces: Just like choosing a salad over fast food benefits your body, selecting sustainable paints promotes healthier indoor air quality. Traditional paints are notorious for their volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate and pollute your home's air, potentially leading to headaches, allergies, and more serious health issues over time. Eco-friendly paints, on the other hand, keep those VOCs to a minimum, ensuring the air in your home is as fresh as a daisy.

Environmental Care: Imagine if every paintbrush stroke was a vote for a healthier planet. Sustainable paint choices make this a reality. By reducing the chemical load we release into the environment, we're not just painting our walls; we're helping paint a brighter future for the earth.

Durability and Quality: Going green with your paint doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. In fact, many eco-friendly paints offer superior durability and coverage, meaning you'll need to repaint less often. It's the gift that keeps on giving: less paint used over time means less environmental impact and more savings in your pocket.

So, imagine our planet as a huge, beautiful home (because it is). Choosing sustainable paint is like picking the best care for its walls. When we choose options that are kind to our planet as well as our living spaces, we're all helping to keep our global home in tip-top shape for now and all the tomorrows to come.

Guide to Choosing Sustainable Paints

Navigating the world of eco-friendly paints doesn't have to be complex. Here's a simple guide to making informed, sustainable paint choices:

Read the Labels Carefully: Look out for keywords like "low-VOC" and "non-toxic." These labels indicate paints that release fewer harmful chemicals into your home and the environment.

Consider the Ingredients: Sustainable paints often boast natural ingredients, such as clay, minerals, or milk protein. These components offer a greener alternative to the synthetic chemicals found in conventional paints.

Check for Certifications: Certifications from reputable organizations can guide you to genuine eco-friendly products. Look for marks of approval from environmental or health safety groups, which verify that the paint meets strict sustainability standards.

Evaluate the Brand’s Commitment: A brand's overall dedication to sustainability matters. Research their practices beyond the paint can—consider their manufacturing processes, packaging, and community involvement.

Ask the Experts: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice at your local paint store. They can point you towards sustainable options that meet your needs.

Dulux’s Palette of Sustainability

Our dedication to a greener world is embodied in our product lines, designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability without compromising on quality or performance. The Dulux EasyCare range is a prime example of our approach:

High Coverage: Ensures that you get the most out of every can, reducing waste and the need for additional resources.

High Colour Durability: Our Colourguard Technology locks in colours, extending the life of your paintwork and maintaining its beauty for longer.

Comfortable Application: The water-based formula is not only easier to apply but also safer for the environment and your indoor air quality.

Low Odour: We understand that fresh paint smell can be unpleasant and potentially harmful, which is why our low odour formula is designed to make the painting experience more enjoyable and less impactful on your health.

Washable: Durability meets sustainability with our washable formula, allowing you to keep your walls looking fresh without frequent touch-ups.

At Dulux, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our products. From our manufacturing processes to our packaging, we're constantly seeking ways to reduce our environmental impact and promote a culture of sustainability. 

Applying Eco-Friendly Paints

When it comes to painting your space green (and we don't just mean the colour), a little preparation goes a long way. Eco-friendly paints are not only good for the planet but great for your indoor air quality too. Here's how you can get started on your eco-friendly painting journey:

Prep Your Space: Before you dip your brush into that eco-friendly paint, make sure your walls are clean and smooth. Wipe down your walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. If you spot any cracks or holes, now's the time to patch them up.

Test Samples First: Instead of buying full-sized cans, test with smaller samples to ensure you're happy with the colour and finish. This reduces waste and ensures you only buy what you need.

Choose the Right Tools: Go for high quality brushes and rollers that will give you a smooth finish and last longer. Sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic are a plus.

Ventilation is Key: Even with low or zero VOC paints, keeping your space well-ventilated is important. Open windows and doors to ensure a flow of fresh air. It's better for drying and keeps any paint smells to a minimum.

Recycle and Reuse: After you're done painting, clean your brushes and rollers for future use. For paint cans, many can be recycled; just make sure they're empty and dry.

Eco-Friendly Cleanup: When cleaning up, avoid pouring paint water down the drain. Instead, rinse brushes in a bucket and dispose of the water according to local regulations. This helps prevent chemicals from entering the water supply.

Remember, every step towards eco-friendly painting is a step towards a healthier home and planet. With these simple practices, you can ensure your next painting project is as green as can be, from preparation to cleanup.

As you look around your home, consider the impact of your paint choices. Not just on the aesthetics of your home, but on the air quality, on the environment, and on the world we all share. By choosing these eco-friendly options, you're contributing to a larger movement towards sustainability.

Join us on this colourful journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference.