Product Directory · Clear Coatings
Auro Finishes
Email This Page
PrintProduct Overview
Paints, lacquers and varnishes are among the chemical everyday products that have a particularly distinct effect on environment and health. Solvents, monomers, softening agents, and biocides are only some of the components of these products that present the potential for serious ecological and toxicological risks during their production, manufacture, application, use, and ultimate disposal.
Until now, eco paints were, to some extent, bound up with obvious compromises. Conventional water paints, for example, are not only based on binding agents from petrochemistry (acrylates), they also still contain considerable amounts of glycols that are injurious to health and environment. In spite of a scrupulous choice of consistently ecological raw materials , even ecological paints still contained relatively high amounts of solvents and, moreover, had inherent disadvantages relating to the painting practise (short renovation cycles, etc.) that did not fully correspond to the aims of sustainability.
Under the sponsorship of the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), AURO AG embarked on an ambitious research and development project with the goal of eliminating the disadvantages entirely. A new generation of natural paint products was developed that was optimized for its toxicological, ecological and technological performance.
These new paints, stains and sealers do not emit any solvent vapors into the air and, relating to their technical performance, show a quality so far unknown in the field of ecological paints. Since this was achieved without making any ecological compromises (the binding agents are made exclusively from regenerative raw materials), the new AURO paints constitute a milestone in the development of paint products. On account of this innovation, AURO is the first paint producer having an assortment of paint products coming very close to the aim of a sustainable development directed towards a more ecological future.
Objective testing has confirmed these achievements, with certification issued on compliance with EURO Norm (EN) 927, and there is also an unrestricted recommendation of these products from Germany.s best reputed eco magazine, Öko-Test.
Approved by Subject Editors on May 19, 2005
Reviewed by marycordaro
Unlike the raw materials for synthetic paints and finishes, the raw materials for Auro paints are derived from renewable resources from plants and minerals. Given the vast amount of paints and finishes used by consumers, these plant derived finishes contribute to lower dependency on resources from the petroleum industry. In addition, because certain plant ingredients preserve the products naturally, Auro paints and finishes do not contain synthetic chemical biocides, necessary in small amounts in most conventional paints and finishes. Auro finishes also do not contain glycols, a class of chemicals found particularly in polyurethane coatings. Both biocides and glycols escape the designation of "VOC", because they have much higher boiling points. However, these chemicals found in many low odor, synthetic finishes can nevertheless affect indoor air quality by introducing small amounts of pollutants over longer periods of time, often with no detectable odor. Auro paints and finishes do not pose the problem of long term pollution from glycols and biocides. During curing, Auro paints and finishes may introduce low aldehyde levels due to turpene containing ingredients, such as linseed oil. However, this is a short term problem until the product stabilizes, and is usually only a concern for those suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities. Regarding durability and maintenence, if the right product is carefully chosen for a given application as well as lifestyle, these products should perform well, and require little maintenence. Finally, like all natural surfaces, Auro paints and finishes do not create an "electrostatic charge" in the room, so surfaces stay cleaner longer, as dust does not stick to the same degree as to synthetic surfaces. They also promote a better "electro-biology" balance by promoting a better balance of negative and positive ions. Since all natural paints and finishes can be substantially more expensive than synthetic products, I recommend using Auro paints in the bedroom at a minimum, for a more healing environment in the most important room in the home.
GreenHomeGuide Community Reviews
Share your experience with the quality, aesthetics, installation, value, or maintenance of this product. Click here to add your review.
Manufacturer Information
Auro USA1340-G Industrial Avenue
Petaluma, CA 94952
Toll-free: 888-302-9352
Phone: 707-763-0662
Fax: 707-769-7342
Recommended Retailers
Green Fusion Design Center
14 Greenfield Avenue
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Phone: 415-454-0174
Retail Locations
California
Mail Order
AURO Natural Paints are manufactured according to the principles of “Gentle Chemistry.” A considerable part of the production does not take place inside the factory, but in the midst of the environment, that is: inside living plants. This is the place where natural synthesis processes happen, powered by solar energy ("photosynthesis"), leading to an overwhelming wealth of precious natural substances. Such renewable raw material is taken by AURO, ennobled by simple, surveyable techniques, with low energy input and without hazardous waste. Natural Paints from such manufacturing processes are parts of perfectly closed material cycles, leaving no persistent remains in our environment.
GreenHomeGuide does not sell or resell any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the use of these products.
