In recent years, zero VOC paint and low VOC paint has become all the rage when it comes to interior painting and paint touch-ups, and for good reason! It’s more eco-friendly and healthier for the environment and those in your home compared to other paint products, which is extremely important to homeowners. Plus, what it lacks in toxins, it does NOT lack in aesthetic or quality. If you’re looking to make the switch to these healthier paints, you may be wondering, how will it impact color matching? Read on as we answer this burning color question and break down the nuances of color consistency when transitioning to zero VOC paints.
In This Post
What Are Zero VOC Paints and Low Voc Paints?
Before we dive into the topic of color matching, it’s important for homeowners and DIYers to understand what zero VOC and low VOC paints are.
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are organic, carbon-based chemical compounds that easily evaporate into the air. This evaporation can potentially cause negative health and environmental impacts and excess air pollution.
If you’ve ever smelled that “new car” or “new home” smell, VOCs are the culprit!
Zero VOC paints contain minimal to no volatile organic compounds, which makes them a safer option for both humans, animals, and the environment.
You can learn more about zero VOC paint and our favorite, cleaner paint products in this blog post!
What is Zero Voc Paint? A Look at Healthy Interior Paint Options with Greenguard Certification
The Color Matching Question
When homeowners are considering switching to zero VOC paint or low VOC paint, they often wonder if opting for the “cleaner” version of their favorite paint brand and color will give them the same color results on the wall.
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. It all comes down to science and the subtle intricacies of paint chemistry.
Any time you change product lines in paints, there is an ever so slight change in how the paint looks and how the shade of the color appears on the wall. It is such a slight shift that it may go unnoticed when you paint the entire wall by cutting in the ceiling and trim, and rolling from corner to corner. However, where this difference can become more obvious is when you do paint touch-ups, especially in the middle of the wall.
Mastering the Art of Touch-Ups
If you are touching up walls, it’s best to use the original paint that was used to paint the wall in order to get the best results. Therefore, if you did NOT use a zero or low VOC paint on the original paint job, it’s best to stick with the same formula for the touch-up, even if it’s not deemed as “clean.” This can prevent color mismatching and ensure you have a consistent color all across the wall.
It’s also best to stick with the original batch of paint if possible, as colors can change from batch to batch. Be sure to match the color, sheen, and texture for the best possible results.
Thoroughly mix the paint before applying to ensure the color is uniform and no streaks show up on your wall.
Always test your paint on a small, inconspicuous section of your wall before going in and completing your touch-ups.
Making the Switch to Zero VOC Paint
Transitioning to zero VOC paint offers a ton of great benefits to homeowners, from promoting a healthier indoor environment to reducing air pollution and toxins. While slight color variations may occur between regular and zero or low VOC paint products, especially during touch-ups, the aesthetic appeal remains the same!
By keeping these color considerations in mind and taking the proper steps when touching up your walls, you can seamlessly make the switch to zero VOC paints while keeping the aesthetic and color in your home on point.
If you’re looking for professional support in touching up your walls or completing a new interior paint project using zero VOC paints, we’d love to help you bring your home to life in a healthy way. Visit our contact page and book your free estimate with our team today!
