We all know that paint comes in a variety of types, colours, and ingredients, such as oil-based, water-based, or latex. Low VOC is another option, but what does it mean exactly? We explain what is meant by VOCs, their purpose, why high levels are harmful and how long VOCs last after you have finished painting a space.
If you are choosing paint for an interior project, it helps to understand what goes into it and what gets released into the air as it dries. VOC in paint is one of the main reasons rooms can continue to smell after decorating, which is why many homeowners now compare low VOC and zero VOC options more carefully.
What is VOC in paint?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are organic chemicals found in solvent-based and in many water-based liquids (and solids) such as paints and coatings that vaporise at room temperature and enter the atmosphere (an occurrence known as “outgassing” or “offgassing”). It is this process that is responsible for that unmistakable paint smell, commonly referred to as “paint fumes”, within a newly painted room.
When paint is applied inside a confined indoor space, the concentration of VOCs can be up to ten times higher than outdoors. VOCs emitted from paint do dissipate over time after the paint dries on the wall, but this process can take a while, with most dispelling within the first six months after application. Minimising the number of VOCs entering your home interior atmosphere is always recommended.
In simple terms, VOCs in paint refers to the gases released as paint dries and cures. Oil-based paints and primers usually contain more VOCs than water-based products, so the smell is often stronger and lasts longer.
It is also useful to understand low-VOC versus zero-VOC paint. Low VOC products still contain some compounds, just at lower levels. Zero VOC paints contain little to no VOCs in the base product, although tinting can sometimes raise the final figure slightly.
What is the purpose of VOCS?
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that can easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. In the context of paints, VOCs are used as solvents and additives to help with the application and drying process of the paint. They serve several purposes:
Application properties: VOCs help to control the viscosity and consistency of the paint, making it easier to apply evenly on surfaces. They also aid in the dispersion of pigments, ensuring uniform colour distribution.
Ease of application: VOCs contribute to the flow and levelling of the paint, reducing brush or roller marks and resulting in a smoother finish.
Drying time: VOCs facilitate the drying of the paint by lowering its boiling point, allowing it to evaporate faster. This can be particularly important for projects that require a quick turnaround time.
Film formation: VOCs contribute to the formation of a cohesive and continuous paint film as they evaporate, helping the paint adhere properly to the surface and creating a protective barrier.
Aerosolisation: VOCs aid in the spraying process by breaking the paint into fine droplets, making it easier to achieve an even coat when using spray application methods.
However, there are concerns about the environmental and health impacts of VOCs. When VOCs evaporate from paints and other products, they can contribute to air pollution and the formation of ground-level ozone, which can have negative effects on air quality and human health. VOCs can also contribute to the formation of smog and can be harmful to both indoor and outdoor air quality.
Because of these concerns, regulations and standards have been established in many regions to limit the amount of VOCs that can be present in paints and other consumer products. Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints have become more popular as they aim to reduce the negative environmental and health impacts associated with traditional high-VOC paints. These paints use alternative solvents and technologies to achieve their desired properties while minimising VOC emissions.
How long do VOCs last after painting?
The heaviest off-gassing period is usually the first 24 to 72 hours after painting, when VOC paint fumes are at their strongest.
After that, emissions usually slow over the next 1 to 2 weeks. Even if the smell fades quickly, paint can still be releasing gases, which is why people ask how long paint gives off VOCs after a room seems dry.
Trace emissions can remain for several months while the paint fully cures. So, do VOCs go away? Yes, but gradually. Oil-based paints and many primers usually release more VOCs and for longer than water-based top coats. In most cases, how long VOCs last after painting depends on the paint type, ventilation, and room conditions.
High-VOC paint fumes: are they dangerous?
High VOC paint fumes can be more than just unpleasant, especially in enclosed spaces. Children, asthma sufferers, older adults, pregnant women, and pets are often more sensitive to high VOC paint fumes.
Are VOCs in paint dangerous? The main issue is the level and length of exposure. In the short term, VOC paint fumes can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, watery eyes, throat irritation, and airway discomfort. Over time, repeated exposure to high VOC paint in poorly ventilated rooms may be more concerning, which is why lower-emission products are often preferred for bedrooms, nurseries, and everyday living spaces.
How harmful are VOC fumes to our health?
Unfortunately, VOCs let off gases that are harmful to people and the environment, which is why they are regulated by the government. VOCs are found in many paints and when you think about how many rooms in your house are painted and how many coats of paint you have applied, particularly on walls that previously boasted bolder colours, it will probably all add up to a significant amount of paint and in turn, produce a lot of paint fumes that can build up in the air of your indoor space.
The side effects from paint fumes can range depending on the level of exposure and the amount of paint fumes in the air. When inhaled, VOCs can contribute to some nasty health problems, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritation to your airways.
How to eliminate paint fumes
Prevention is always better than cure, so it is important to try and use products with minimal amounts of VOCs whenever possible to minimise health effects. After painting a room, you will need to increase the air flow and ventilation within the space as much as you can. An air purifier can help speed up the dissipation process of paint smell in the air as they are specifically designed filtration technology that can remove contaminants from the air to help improve the air quality in the indoor space.
How do I know the VOC content of my paint?
There are a few ways you can find out the VOC content of your paint. The first place to look for information about the VOC content is on the paint pot itself. Most manufacturers are required to provide VOC information on the label. Look for phrases like “VOC content” or “VOC emissions”.
Other ways to find out the VOC content of paint are to visit the manufacturer’s website or contact the manufacturer’s customer support. The paint retailer may also be able to provide you with the VOC content of their paint products. There are also online databases and resources that compile information about the VOC content of various products, including paints. You can search these databases to find information about specific paint brands and products.
In many cases, products containing VOCs will display details of the VOCs contained and will assign one of the 5 classifications on the packaging. This can help you compare paints more easily before you buy.
Do Wandsworth Sash Windows use low VOC paint for their products?
Rest assured, we use Teknos for all paint and treatments for our timber products. Teknos is an extremely high-quality manufacturer of low VOC paints with sustainability at their core.
If we can help you with any home improvement project that you have in the pipeline, we’d love to chat with you. Whether that’s for sash window replacements for new external wooden doors, or for some other service.
Speak to us about your project
We work closely with our customers to ensure everything is perfect and the project runs seamlessly. Over the years, we’ve undertaken a wide range of projects in different property types across London and the South East. To talk to us about your project, please contact our team, and we’ll be happy to help you bring your vision into reality.