Earth Day Painting Tips from Olympic Paint

“Environmentally-Conscious” Painting Tips for the Home

There’s no better way to spruce up your home than to add a fresh coat of paint, but it is important to know how to use paint properly so that it is less harmful to the environment. Below are four tips from Olympic Paint just in time for Earth Day for consumers that want to spruce up a room while continuing to protect the environment.

1.     Buy only what you need.

Before starting any painting project, it is important to measure the area to determine the amount of paint you will need to purchase. Depending on the surface you are painting, you may need more or less paint. If the wall has been painted previously, you may need to use primer first to cover the old color. A good rule of thumb is that a gallon of paint will cover about 400 square feet.

2.     Use “Green” paint.

When selecting your paint, consider products that are more environmentally-preferred, because they are non-toxic and have less of an odor. Paints that contain low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reduce the emissions of pollutants into the air. Make sure to check the label on the cans for certifications to ensure you are using a low, or better yet, a ZERO VOC paint.

To help improve indoor air quality and eliminate unsafe fumes, consider using Olympic’s Premium Interior Latex Paint, which contains ZERO VOCs and dries with no lingering odor. 

3.     Dispose paint correctly.

If you still have paint leftover, empty it into absorbable material such as, shredded newspapers or kitty litter. Do not pour any leftover paint down the drain or throw it into the trash, because it can contaminate drinking and ocean water. Also, instead of throwing away the empty paint can, you can recycle it or be creative and use it as a flower pot!

4.     Donate the leftover paint.

Consider offering the extra paint to a charity or a local community organization. You might even want to ask a family member or friend if they are working on any remodeling projects that require paint. Furthermore, if you are having a garage sale you can sell any leftover paint at a discounted price.