What is Low-VOC Paint?
When planning a painting project, most of us focus on colour, finish, and durability. But there’s one more crucial factor to consider- what’s in the paint. If you’ve ever felt dizzy, nauseous, or noticed a strong chemical smell after painting, you’ve likely experienced the effects of VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds.
Let’s break down what VOCs are, why they matter, and how choosing low-VOC paint can benefit your health, the environment, and the longevity of your project—whether you're refreshing your living room or fitting out a new business.
Let’s break down what VOCs are, why they matter, and how choosing low-VOC paint can benefit your health, the environment, and the longevity of your project—whether you're refreshing your living room or fitting out a new business.
What Are VOC's
VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. In paint, they're used to help with application, drying, and preservation. But when released into your indoor environment, they can negatively affect air quality and your health.
Common VOCs in paint include formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone.
The strong “new paint smell”? That’s VOCs being released—a process known as off-gassing. Unfortunately, some VOCs continue to off-gas for months after painting.
Common VOCs in paint include formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone.
The strong “new paint smell”? That’s VOCs being released—a process known as off-gassing. Unfortunately, some VOCs continue to off-gas for months after painting.
What is Low-VOC Paint?
Low-VOC paint is formulated with fewer of these harmful compounds—sometimes almost none. It provides the same performance as traditional paint, but with significantly less odour and chemical emissions. In Australia, low-VOC paints are defined by the amount of VOCs they emit—usually fewer than 50 grams per litre, though this can vary by brand and use (interior vs. exterior). Many popular Australian brands, like Dulux, Haymes, and Taubmans, now offer certified low-VOC or no-VOC options.
Benefits of Low-VOC Paint for Homes
Using low-VOC paint means fewer harmful fumes in your home. This is especially important for:
✦ Children and babies
✦ People with asthma or allergies
✦ Elderly family members
✦ Pets
The benefits within your own home are:
✦ Children and babies
✦ People with asthma or allergies
✦ Elderly family members
✦ Pets
The benefits within your own home are:
- You’ll breathe easier knowing your walls aren’t slowly releasing toxins into the air
- Low-VOC paints have minimal smell, meaning you can use freshly painted rooms sooner—with no headaches or lingering odours.
- Low-VOC paints reduce air pollution indoors and outdoors. They’re a better choice for environmentally-conscious households looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
- If you like to repaint rooms regularly or switch up your home’s look seasonally, low-VOC paint allows you to do that safely and more often.
Benefits of Low-VOC Paint for Businesses
☑ Minimise Disruption: Retail spaces, offices, cafes, and clinics can be repainted after hours or on weekends and reopened quickly—no strong chemical smells to deter customers or staff.
☑ Boost Staff Wellbeing: Poor indoor air quality can affect concentration, cause fatigue, and trigger respiratory issues. Low-VOC paints support a healthier working environment, which can boost productivity.
☑ Align with Sustainability Goals: Today’s consumers value environmentally responsible brands. Using low-VOC paints is an easy, visible way to show your business cares about people and the planet.
☑ Meet Compliance Standards: Certain sectors—like health, education, and childcare—are increasingly encouraged or required to use low-toxicity building materials. Low-VOC paints help businesses stay ahead of the curve.
☑ Boost Staff Wellbeing: Poor indoor air quality can affect concentration, cause fatigue, and trigger respiratory issues. Low-VOC paints support a healthier working environment, which can boost productivity.
☑ Align with Sustainability Goals: Today’s consumers value environmentally responsible brands. Using low-VOC paints is an easy, visible way to show your business cares about people and the planet.
☑ Meet Compliance Standards: Certain sectors—like health, education, and childcare—are increasingly encouraged or required to use low-toxicity building materials. Low-VOC paints help businesses stay ahead of the curve.
Are Low-VOC Paints as Good as Traditional Paints?
Thanks to modern innovations, today’s low-VOC and no-VOC paints offer excellent coverage, durability, and a wide range of finishes and colours. Whether you need a hard-wearing satin finish for a busy hallway or a mould-resistant bathroom formula, you don’t have to compromise on performance.
Tips for Choosing Low-VOC Paint
- Look for paints certified as low-VOC or no-VOC on the label.
- Ask your paint supplier or colour consultant for eco-friendly options.
- Combine low-VOC paint with adequate ventilation and natural materials for an even healthier space.
- Use low-VOC primers and sealers, too—not just topcoats.
Final Thoughts on Low-VOC Paint
Low-VOC paints are a smart, health-conscious, and environmentally friendly choice for both homes and businesses in Australia. With fewer chemicals, little to no smell, and strong performance, they make it easy to create beautiful spaces without compromising on wellbeing.
So next time you're browsing paint swatches, don't just ask what colour suits your space—ask what's in the paint, too.
So next time you're browsing paint swatches, don't just ask what colour suits your space—ask what's in the paint, too.
Ready to transform your home? Let us take a look and offer tailored suggestions, free of charge.