HIGH QUALITY, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PAINT FINISHES There’s a growing interest in environmentally friendly paints, but you don’t have to sacrifice performance or looks for environmental benefits. Harmful ingredients Conventional, acrylic based paints contain two potentially harmful components: volatile or-ganic compounds (VOCs) and acrylic softeners. Both escape into the atmosphere during painting and for many years after application, contributing to greenhouse gases. These toxic ingredients can also find their way into drains and groundwater when washing out brushes and disposing of paint tins in landfill. As well as being harmful to the environment, they can cause chest complaints, aggravate allergies and cause sick building syndrome. Acrylic based paints can also adversely affect walls. It is now widely recognized that they prevent a wall from breathing, which can lead to moisture damage such as blown plaster. Sustainable specification High levels of VOCs generally are associated with oil based paints, but they are found to varying degrees even in water based paints. The EU limit for paints to be classed as mini-mal VOC is 30g/L. However, this is relatively high compared to the value that environmental-ists recommend and which can be found among a new breed of environmentally friendly paints. It is advisable to seek out those containing a maximum of just 0.5g/L VOC. The easiest way to ensure you’re creating a sustainable, environmentally sound specification is to check the paint is EU Ecolabel approved. This stringent standard covers every aspect of a product’s manufacture, use and disposal.

The environmentally aware specification for Overhill Cottage included Claypaint in Donkey Ride on the kitchen walls and Marbles on the ceiling.

Earthborn paints have achieved this demanding standard. Made without oils or acrylics, they are virtually VOC free and highly breathable. That means they do not give off any toxic emissions, so are much better for the environment as well as the health of building occupants. The breathability means moisture can permeate out through the paint, preventing damage to walls and significantly reducing their maintenance lifecycle. Aesthetics and performance You do not need to sacrifice quality or aesthetics for environmental benefits. Earthborn’s carefully selected ingredients and technologically advanced manufacturing processes create stylish, high performance products that are safer to use and sound for the environment. Claypaint, for example, is a unique, clay based emulsion that is highly breathable, covers exceptionally well and gives a distinctive, ultra matt finish. More commonly used on plastered walls, it works equally well on timber substrates.

Specifying for sustainability, Downs Merrifield chose Ecopro Matt Emulsion for this new build home. Here, white walls pick up a warm glow from the timber stairs, doors and flooring. (Photo courtesy: Rob Boltman Photography and Downs Merrifield architects)

The Ecopro trade paint range features matt and low sheen water based emulsions, and an eggshell. Their unique formulations cover well and are durable. Eggshell’s smooth, flexible finish allows wood to breathe and will not fade or discolour with time. The Ecopro Silicate Masonry System is a highly durable, long lasting alternative to limewash and conventional masonry paints. It bonds with underlying materials to create a water and weather resistant barrier that is also highly breathable. Ideal for stone, harling, brick, concrete or render, there are 24 standard colours, giving a classic matt finish that will not yellow with time. Ecopro emulsions and eggshell are available in the full BS4800 colour range, while Claypaint has a signature palette of 72 inspirational shades and 5 new additions in the Earth Collection. Earthborn can be ordered from the website and bespoke colours can be developed through Earthborn’s nationwide network of stockists earthbornpaints.co.uk

Winner of two Daily Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Awards, the restoration of two miners’ cottages by Design Storey called for Claypaint on the rough sawn timber panelling and Ecopro Matt Emulsion on plastered walls. (Photo courtesy: Design Storey)

Construction UK Magazine - November 2020 35