|
Page 1 of 3 pages 1 2 3 >
|
|
Auro USA
|
marycordaro's Review
|
Natural
|
Approved by Subject Editors on August 11, 2004
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.
|
|
KEIM Mineral Systems
|
Mary Cordaro's Review
|
Natural
|
Approved by Subject Editors on October 19, 2005
Reviewed by Mary Cordaro
The Keim Mineral Systems paint line is one of the most sustainable, durable, protective, vapor permeable, and long lasting of all the natural paints on the market today. The product components of Keim paints are primarily a potassium silicate binder system with pure geologic mineral pigments. They are designed to penetrate and actually consolidate with substrates. (Only one of their many products contains a small amount of acrylic for better adhesion to exterior surfaces in highly humid areas.) The Keim products are also non-combustible, odorless and non allergenic, so they are great for the chemically sensitive, and an excellent, healthier option overall. Their impact to the environment from manufacturing is very low.
Because the Keim system was invented in 1878, there is actual proof that Keim paints last over 100 years, as seen on many building exteriors in extreme weather conditions in Europe. Designed for interior and exterior masonry surfaces, such as plaster, concrete, stucco, stone and other mineral substrates, they can also be applied to painted and unpainted paper covered drywall (with special prep, primer and application procedures). The colors are light reflective and colorfast, and the finishes create an attractive, flat, stone-like appearance. The finishes are 99% vapor permeable, even after a build-up of many coats, and including when used for exterior applications, yet their crystalline structure blocks wind driven rain, and protects against acid rain. The combination of water-resistance and vapor permeability also makes Keim an excellent paint for bathrooms and kitchens. (Excellent vapor permeability in finishes is highly desirable, so that moisture can easily and quickly move through and dry to either side of a wall, rather than becoming trapped and potentially causing finish failures and/or mold.) Because they are made with inorganic ingredients, the products are also mold resistant. Due to the absence of electrostatic charges from the painted surfaces, a benefit of natural finishes in general, the surfaces attract less dust, so they tend to stay cleaner. However, Keim paints are washable/scrubbable and easily cleaned.
The disadvantages of Keim paints are that they are not widely distributed, they are not appropriate for wood, metal or any flexible surfaces, and preparing existing painted surfaces, particularly on the exterior, may be extensive and expensive. In general, Keim paints are not ideally suited for surfaces that are already painted with multiple layers of other types of paints, whether water-based or oil-based. They should not be applied over finishes that act as vapor barriers, such as elastomeric, epoxy modified, or other paints designed to block or retard vapor transmission or chemical outgassing. Keim paints are much more expensive than conventional paints (about two and a half times the cost). However, since a Keim painted surface many only need a refresher coat every 20-30 years, for the right project, these paints are highly economical and sustainable over the long run.
Keim paints are most appropriate for new construction and/or previously unpainted interior or exterior substrates. For new interior drywall, the Keim company recommends first applying Ecosil Eco Dilution, which eliminates new drywall chalkiness, and then 2 coats of EcoSil finish coats. If painting over existing interior water-based paints, first apply EcoSil Grund (or base), then EcoSil finish coats. For previously painted oil-based surfaces, sanding to create a 'tooth' prior to priming is required. In either case, if there are already too many existing coats of paint, Keim may not be the right product, and the Keim technical expert can help make this determination over the phone. For exterior applications, it may be necessary to reduce layers of existing paint first, either by sanding, power washing or other means, to increase vapor permeability of the lower layers. (Before sanding any painted surface, always check first for lead-based paint. Do not disturb older layers of lead based paint, unless a trained professional implements proper lead-based paint abatement procedures.) The technical expert at Keim strongly recommends that the contractor or homeowner (whomever is actually performing the application) calls for detailed instructions, to first make sure that all particular considerations of the project are taken into account.
Keim paints are available in hundreds of colors. The company will also provide custom tinting. There are many types of products, each 'tweaked' for special situations and conditions. The Keim technical expert works closely with architects on specifications, as well as contractors, but will also work with the do-it-yourself homeowner to answer questions, and provide correct product recommendations and application procedures particular to the project.
|
|
KEIM Mineral Systems
|
marycordaro's Review
|
Natural
|
Approved by Subject Editors on July 22, 2005
Reviewed by marycordaro
The Keim Mineral Systems paint line is one of the most sustainable, durable, protective, vapor permeable, and long lasting of all the natural paints on the market today. The product components of Keim paints are primarily a potassium silicate binder system with pure geologic mineral pigments. They are designed to penetrate and actually consolidate with substrates. (Only one of their many products contains a small amount of acrylic for better adhesion to exterior surfaces in highly humid areas.) The Keim products are also non-combustible, odorless and non allergenic, so they are great for the chemically sensitive, and an excellent, healthier option overall. Their impact to the environment from manufacturing is very low.
Because the Keim system was invented in 1878, there is actual proof that Keim paints last over 100 years, as seen on many building exteriors in extreme weather conditions in Europe. Designed for interior and exterior masonry surfaces, such as plaster, concrete, stucco, stone and other mineral substrates, they can also be applied to painted and unpainted paper covered drywall (with special prep, primer and application procedures). The colors are light reflective and colorfast, and the finishes create an attractive, flat, stone-like appearance. The finishes are 99% vapor permeable, even after a build-up of many coats, and including when used for exterior applications, yet their crystalline structure blocks wind driven rain, and protects against acid rain. The combination of water-resistance and vapor permeability also makes Keim an excellent paint for bathrooms and kitchens. (Excellent vapor permeability in finishes is highly desirable, so that moisture can easily and quickly move through and dry to either side of a wall, rather than becoming trapped and potentially causing finish failures and/or mold.) Because they are made with inorganic ingredients, the products are also mold resistant. Due to the absence of electrostatic charges from the painted surfaces, a benefit of natural finishes in general, the surfaces attract less dust, so they tend to stay cleaner. However, Keim paints are washable/scrubbable and easily cleaned.
The disadvantages of Keim paints are that they are not widely distributed, they are not appropriate for wood, metal or any flexible surfaces, and preparing existing painted surfaces, particularly on the exterior, may be extensive and expensive. In general, Keim paints are not ideally suited for surfaces that are already painted with multiple layers of other types of paints, whether water-based or oil-based. They should not be applied over finishes that act as vapor barriers, such as elastomeric, epoxy modified, or other paints designed to block or retard vapor transmission or chemical outgassing. Keim paints are much more expensive than conventional paints (about two and a half times the cost). However, since a Keim painted surface many only need a refresher coat every 20-30 years, for the right project, these paints are highly economical and sustainable over the long run.
Keim paints are most appropriate for new construction and/or previously unpainted interior or exterior substrates. For new interior drywall, the Keim company recommends first applying Ecosil Eco Dilution, which eliminates new drywall chalkiness, and then 2 coats of EcoSil finish coats. If painting over existing interior water-based paints, first apply EcoSil Grund (or base), then EcoSil finish coats. For previously painted oil-based surfaces, sanding to create a 'tooth' prior to priming is required. In either case, if there are already too many existing coats of paint, Keim may not be the right product, and the Keim technical expert can help make this determination over the phone. For exterior applications, it may be necessary to reduce layers of existing paint first, either by sanding, power washing or other means, to increase vapor permeability of the lower layers. (Before sanding any painted surface, always check first for lead-based paint. Do not disturb older layers of lead based paint, unless a trained professional implements proper lead-based paint abatement procedures.) The technical expert at Keim strongly recommends that the contractor or homeowner (whomever is actually performing the application) calls for detailed instructions, to first make sure that all particular considerations of the project are taken into account.
Keim paints are available in hundreds of colors. The company will also provide custom tinting. There are many types of products, each 'tweaked' for special situations and conditions. The Keim technical expert works closely with architects on specifications, as well as contractors, but will also work with the do-it-yourself homeowner to answer questions, and provide correct product recommendations and application procedures particular to the project.
|
|
TransMineral USA, Inc.
|
John Swearingen's Review
|
Natural
|
Approved by Subject Editors on September 09, 2004
Reviewed by John Swearingen
Lime paint is simple whitewash--just lime and water put on the wall. Le Decor is a sophisticated version of Tom Sawyer's favorite paint. Le Decor's finely ground lime, is mixed with water to make CA(OH)3. Mineral pigments add color. Lime paints and plasters are alkaline and so are somewhat biocidal (think of the traditional whitewashed dairy barn), but otherwise inert. Although lime paints result in a slightly porus surface, the qualities of lime do not promote fungal and bacterial growth.
St. Astier is a French company that manufactures "natural hydraulic lime" (NHL) for mortars, plasters and paints.(http://www.transmineralusa.com/production_flash.html) NHL is no longer produced in America. NHL is generally easy to use and consistent in performance, and this is a high quality product with lots of testing and experience behind it.
Lime is baked in a kiln, a process that takes lots of energy and releases CO2 into the environment. However, lime cures by binding CO2 from the air, a process that mitigates the CO2 released in firing the lime. Lime is common and occurs widely in nature,, and so the impact of clean-up and disposal of lime paints is very small. Contact with the alkaline paint over the course of a day will burn skin, though, so gloves should be used.
In application, it's useful to think of Le Decor more as plaster applied with a brush than a paint. Like plaster, it should be applied to a porus, slightly dampened surface (which eliminates using over other paints or sealers). It should be allowed to dry slowly, protected from sun and rain for 48 hours.
Lime paint results in a relatively soft and porus surface (compared to tradition paint) that is subject to smudging and scratches. The wall can be sealed by using limestone and other sealers, but most sealers will still leave the wall soft and subject to abrasion. We've used clear or lightly pigmented casein paint over lime with good results.
Very rich, velvety colors can be produced using mineral pigments. The combination of natural lime and mineral pigments can result in a richness of colors and luminosity that can't be equaled in ordinary paint. All that and healthy, too!
|
|
AFM - American Formulating & Manufacturing
|
Miriam Landman's Review
|
Latex
|
Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004
Reviewed by Miriam Landman
AFM's manufacturing plant is in Los Angeles, which is relatively close to the Bay Area (compared to many other paint manufacturers), so this reduces the transportation distance to ship it to our region. AFM also strives to minimize the lifecycle impacts of its manufacturing process, and simply by virtue of using less toxic ingredients, its products are more ecological (in terms of manufacturing inputs and releases): better for public health, as well as occupant health.
AFM's paints and finishes were formulated for chemically sensitive people. They are not only very low-odor and low-VOC (zero-VOC options are also available) but are also free of other toxic ingredients and they are made to cure in a way that seals in offgassing. AFM's products may be the most healthful in the marketplace. They do not currently have any third-party certification of their low-VOC claims. However, it should be noted that third-party certification is expensive, so small companies like this one are rarely able to pay to have their products go through the certification process. AFM feels that their products have gone far beyond the Green Seal certification standards. Green Seal standards mostly cover governmentally 'regulated VOCs,' which were originally regulated for their photochemically reactive contribution to smog, not their effects on indoor air quality. Some of the regulated VOCs are fairly benign for indoor use, while there are a number of non-regulated VOCs (and other ingredients used in conventional paints) that are highly toxic.
|
|
Beecksche Farbwerke
|
Victoria Schomer's Review
|
Natural
|
Approved by Subject Editors on July 22, 2005
Reviewed by Victoria Schomer
Aglaia paints are plant and mineral based, containing no synthetic ingredients. These paint product have that unique more "comfortable" smell of the natural-ingredient-product paints. The flat wall paint is thick - like pudding - and because of its thick consistency, brush application can show the slightest of bush stokes, where roller application is "normal." Drying time is a bit slower. Coverage is excellent and, once dry, has a creamy organic feel and look. The wall paint contains thyme and lavender oil as biocides. The interior lacquer is citrus-based paint, and, on the other hand needs to be applied with two slightly thinner coats because it has no synthetic driers. One added bonus to working with Aglaia products is the transparency of the product information found at the web site, listing every ingredient that all its paint product contain, and explaining what these components are. Priced at about 25% higher than premium low VOC paints.
|
|
Southern Diversified Products
|
Miriam Landman's Review
|
Latex
|
Approved by Subject Editors on August 11, 2004
Reviewed by Miriam Landman
Green Seal certified that this product is very-low-VOC and low-toxic.
|
|
BioShield Paints
|
Miriam Landman's Review
|
Natural
|
Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004
Reviewed by Miriam Landman
Naturally derived, renewable raw materials with low environmental impacts.
|
|
KEIM Mineral Systems
|
Mary Cordaro's Review
|
Natural
|
Approved by Subject Editors on October 19, 2005
Reviewed by Mary Cordaro
The Keim Mineral Systems paint line is one of the most sustainable, durable, protective, vapor permeable, and long lasting of all the natural paints on the market today. The product components of Keim paints are primarily a potassium silicate binder system with pure geologic mineral pigments. They are designed to penetrate and actually consolidate with substrates. (Only one of their many products contains a small amount of acrylic for better adhesion to exterior surfaces in highly humid areas.) The Keim products are also non-combustible, odorless and non allergenic, so they are great for the chemically sensitive, and an excellent, healthier option overall. Their impact to the environment from manufacturing is very low.
Because the Keim system was invented in 1878, there is actual proof that Keim paints last over 100 years, as seen on many building exteriors in extreme weather conditions in Europe. Designed for interior and exterior masonry surfaces, such as plaster, concrete, stucco, stone and other mineral substrates, they can also be applied to painted and unpainted paper covered drywall (with special prep, primer and application procedures). The colors are light reflective and colorfast, and the finishes create an attractive, flat, stone-like appearance. The finishes are 99% vapor permeable, even after a build-up of many coats, and including when used for exterior applications, yet their crystalline structure blocks wind driven rain, and protects against acid rain. The combination of water-resistance and vapor permeability also makes Keim an excellent paint for bathrooms and kitchens. (Excellent vapor permeability in finishes is highly desirable, so that moisture can easily and quickly move through and dry to either side of a wall, rather than becoming trapped and potentially causing finish failures and/or mold.) Because they are made with inorganic ingredients, the products are also mold resistant. Due to the absence of electrostatic charges from the painted surfaces, a benefit of natural finishes in general, the surfaces attract less dust, so they tend to stay cleaner. However, Keim paints are washable/scrubbable and easily cleaned.
The disadvantages of Keim paints are that they are not widely distributed, they are not appropriate for wood, metal or any flexible surfaces, and preparing existing painted surfaces, particularly on the exterior, may be extensive and expensive. In general, Keim paints are not ideally suited for surfaces that are already painted with multiple layers of other types of paints, whether water-based or oil-based. They should not be applied over finishes that act as vapor barriers, such as elastomeric, epoxy modified, or other paints designed to block or retard vapor transmission or chemical outgassing. Keim paints are much more expensive than conventional paints (about two and a half times the cost). However, since a Keim painted surface many only need a refresher coat every 20-30 years, for the right project, these paints are highly economical and sustainable over the long run.
Keim paints are most appropriate for new construction and/or previously unpainted interior or exterior substrates. For new interior drywall, the Keim company recommends first applying Ecosil Eco Dilution, which eliminates new drywall chalkiness, and then 2 coats of EcoSil finish coats. If painting over existing interior water-based paints, first apply EcoSil Grund (or base), then EcoSil finish coats. For previously painted oil-based surfaces, sanding to create a 'tooth' prior to priming is required. In either case, if there are already too many existing coats of paint, Keim may not be the right product, and the Keim technical expert can help make this determination over the phone. For exterior applications, it may be necessary to reduce layers of existing paint first, either by sanding, power washing or other means, to increase vapor permeability of the lower layers. (Before sanding any painted surface, always check first for lead-based paint. Do not disturb older layers of lead based paint, unless a trained professional implements proper lead-based paint abatement procedures.) The technical expert at Keim strongly recommends that the contractor or homeowner (whomever is actually performing the application) calls for detailed instructions, to first make sure that all particular considerations of the project are taken into account.
Keim paints are available in hundreds of colors. The company will also provide custom tinting. There are many types of products, each 'tweaked' for special situations and conditions. The Keim technical expert works closely with architects on specifications, as well as contractors, but will also work with the do-it-yourself homeowner to answer questions, and provide correct product recommendations and application procedures particular to the project.
|
|
Kelly Moore
|
Miriam Landman's Review
|
Latex
|
Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004
Reviewed by Miriam Landman
Contains at least 50% post-consumer recovered/waste paint. Low-VOC, low-odor.
|
|
Page 1 of 3 pages 1 2 3 >
|
