---
title: "Low VOC Paints And Finishes"
url: https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/low-voc-paints-and-finishes/
description: "Choosing coatings that release less into room air, and ventilating while they cure."
---

# Low VOC Paints And Finishes

Skip to the catalogue

|  | [IXCatalogue Index](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/)[SCSections](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/building-envelope/)[STStart Here](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/air-sealing-gaps-and-cracks/) |
|---|---|

| »Categories[Building Envelope](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/building-envelope/)5[Heating, Cooling & Water](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/heating-cooling-water/)6[Water & Outside](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/water-and-outside/)4[Materials & Finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/materials-and-finishes/)3»Project Types[Sealing and draughtproofing](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/air-sealing-gaps-and-cracks/)[Insulating](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/attic-and-loft-insulation/)[Water and pipework](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/hot-water-pipe-insulation/)[Planting and drainage](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/drainage-and-ground-levels/)[Surfaces and finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/low-voc-paints-and-finishes/)»Quick FindJump straight to the entry that covers a common complaint.[Lower electricity bills](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/how-to-reduce-electricity-bill/)[Draughts](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/air-sealing-gaps-and-cracks/)[Cold rooms](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/wall-insulation-choices/)[Condensation](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/secondary-glazing-and-films/)[Damp at low level](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/drainage-and-ground-levels/)[Noise between floors](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/floor-underlay-and-acoustics/)[Slow hot water](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/hot-water-pipe-insulation/)[Summer overheating](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/planting-mulch-and-shade/) | MF-01Straightforward · Warm, dry weatherChoosing coatings that release less into room air, and ventilating while they cure.Section[Materials & Finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/materials-and-finishes/)ReferenceMF-01DifficultyStraightforwardSeasonWarm, dry weatherTypical scopeA room at a timeWhat it affectsRoom air during and after work, drying timeWhat this isVolatile organic compounds are the solvents and carriers that evaporate out of a coating as it dries and, more slowly, for a period afterwards. Water-based and low-emission formulations release less of them. The label on a tin usually carries a content band, and reading it is the whole of the decision.Telling when it mattersStrong smell that lingers for days after a room is finished is the obvious sign. It matters most in rooms that are small, that are hard to ventilate, that are slept in, or that will be redecorated over a short period. A whole house painted in a fortnight puts far more into the air at once than the same work spread across a year.What the job involvesChoose the coating by the surface and the traffic it takes, then by emission band within that group. Prepare thoroughly, because low-emission coatings are less forgiving of dusty or glossy surfaces than solvent-heavy ones. Ventilate while working and keep ventilating for several days afterwards, since the release continues well past the point where the surface feels dry.Things to watchLow emission is not the same as no emission, and it says nothing about how hard-wearing a coating is; check both. Water-based finishes generally need more coats and a longer period before the film reaches full hardness, so leave furniture off a newly painted surface longer than the touch-dry time suggests. Store part-used tins sealed and away from living space.**More in Materials & Finishes:** [Reclaimed Timber And Salvage](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/reclaimed-timber-and-salvage/) · [Floor Underlay And Acoustics](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/floor-underlay-and-acoustics/) \| [All Materials & Finishes entries](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/materials-and-finishes/) \| [Catalogue index](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/) | »Catalogue StatusThis catalogue holds **18** entries across **4** sections.Entries are written to be read and worked from. Nothing here is ordered, priced or supplied.»Start Here[Air Sealing Gaps And Cracks](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/air-sealing-gaps-and-cracks/)[Attic And Loft Insulation](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/attic-and-loft-insulation/)[Weatherstripping Doors](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/weatherstripping-doors/)[Thermostat Settings And Zoning](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/thermostat-settings-and-zoning/)[Radiator And Baseboard Care](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/radiator-and-baseboard-care/) |
|---|---|---|
|  | MF-01Straightforward · Warm, dry weatherChoosing coatings that release less into room air, and ventilating while they cure. |  |
| Section | [Materials & Finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/materials-and-finishes/) |  |
| Reference | MF-01 |  |
| Difficulty | Straightforward |  |
| Season | Warm, dry weather |  |
| Typical scope | A room at a time |  |
| What it affects | Room air during and after work, drying time |  |

4 sections · 18 entries · 5 index pages

—

[Building Envelope](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/building-envelope/)

[Heating, Cooling & Water](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/heating-cooling-water/)

[Water & Outside](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/water-and-outside/)

[Materials & Finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/materials-and-finishes/)

© Better Home Better Planet