greenliving

I still have paints on my mind. And the smell lingers on in my memory! So here’s something more to get you thinking when it comes to paints.

Synthetic paints contain all sorts of fungicides and emit high VOC’s. A better option would be to invest in natural paints made from vegetable or mineral compounds. Try shellac, which is a natural non toxic product that helps the wall to actually breathe. Shellac is also resistant to UV light rays, which translates into product longevity.

Try and avoid no-drip paints, which may contain polyurethane, a major environmental hazard.

When selecting your painting tool, go in for brushes made with natural fiber and apply small amounts of paint at a time to minimize the drip factor.

Glossy paints contain more VOC, so select less shiny finish paints.

Ceramic paints are a new alternative product with low VOC and high durability.

And finally, dispose of paint properly. Never throw it down the drain where it can cause chemical buildup in waterways. Instead, check with your local council as to how to dispose of it.

If you don’t want chemicals or plastics in your paint, you also can go far a casein (milk enzyme) emulsion or lime wash.

Lime wash is a great alternative to painting. It’s natural and toxic free and made by crushing limestone with water to make lime putty. This is then left to mature before being thinned with water to make the lime wash.

The use of caseins can be traced back to cave paintings over 9000 years ago and acts as a great base for oil colors.

If you are using wallpaper, then select one which needs no or low VOC glues. Regular wall paper is produced using PVC. Avoid them like the plague. Instead try a wood based lining paper. Wall covering options are endless- you could select PVC free silk screened paper, wallpaper made from recycled paper, textile wall coverings and coverings made from sisal, stone, straw, bark and wood pulp.

If you are looking at hard materials, fun options include cork, bamboo, recycled glass tiles and wooden paneling.

When looking at wall paper paste alternatives, I found this on care2.com

• 1 cup flour (wheat, corn, or rice)
• 3 teaspoons alum
• water
• 10 drops oil of cloves (natural preservative)

Combine the flour and alum in a double boiler. (If you don’t have a double boiler, set a smaller pan inside a bigger one that contains enough water that can be brought to a boil without overflowing). Add enough water to make a consistency of heavy cream; stir until blended. Heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened to a gravy texture. Let cool. Stir in the clove oil. Pour into a glass jar with a screw top. Apply with a glue brush.

Makes 1 cup. Shelf life: 2 weeks refrigerated.

Am back from a month long vacation in the Czech Republic, and part of what we did was paint some walls ( a very small part of the holiday, but I learnt something nonetheless.) And so, here goes:

When working with solvents, always make sure you wear gloves and a mask and that the area you’re working in is well ventilated. Solvents can be very dangerous if inhaled. Even natural paints and varnish contain some amount of solvents. Once finished, make sure you keep the doors and windows opened to allow the room to air out.

If you are using lubricants containing solvents, try castor oil and mineral based lubricants. They are less harmful.

As with paints, never throw any product containing solvents down the drain. Instead, check with your local council as to means of disposal.

Seems a bit brief I know, but am still collecting my thoughts (and unpacking and doing the laundry…. so more words of wisdom in a bit