The move from traditional coatings to formulations with low- or zero-VOC is a well-established industry trend. Most major paint manufacturers offer a line of low- or zero-VOC products to address environmental, health and aesthetic concerns associated with solvents, which range from unpleasant odor to smog formation, eye, nose and throat irritation, and suspected links to serious illness. The U.S. EPA requires paints labeled “low-VOC” to contain no more than 250 g/L (latex) or 380 g/L (oil-based). Products labeled “VOC free” can contain no more than 5 g/L.
Although these new-generation paints offer important health and ecological benefits compared to traditional products, they present unique challenges that can detract from their overall value and cause second thoughts about making the switch from solvent-based paint. These include quality and consistency problems caused by standard dispensing technology that is not optimized for low- and zero-VOC formulations, poor exterior performance and durability, and a limited color palette.