There are a LOT of materials out there touting their eco/green/sustainable claims, so how do you narrow it down to the ones that will work for you? Well, we here at TIR aim to help you a bit with that, via our ongoing series “So, Does It Work?” Although in no ways a scientific study, we will nevertheless try to be as consistent in our use and analysis of materials as possible, in order to give you the best information with which to make your own decisions.
So what is our first victim material to review? I thought we couldn’t find a better place to start than the ever expanding options in “no-VOC” flat paint. Starting this week, we will look at 10 different paint brands, across three different categories: Mainstream, Eco-Friendly, and Boutique. This week we will try out three of the top mainstream U.S. brands – Dunn-Edwards, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore.
And how are we going to review them? Well, my 8 year old son volunteered to put it up on the wall using some old paint brushes he found in the garage, but I thought we might want to be a little more controlled, so I will be applying the paint with a roller, over a previously painted surface (aka my hallway). During the process, I will make notes as to my impressions on the following:
1. Paint odor in can
2. Consistency of paint
3. Coverage (1, 2 or 3 coats needed to cover previous color)
4. Drying time
5. Odor after one day
6. Adhesion after one day (using a piece of scotch tape)
All of the paints will be basic white, and we will provide links to the manufacturers recommended application. I will not be following those specific recommendations however, since I want this to reflect a more “real world” situation, which usually consists of paint being rolled onto walls with little or no surface preparation.
I will also provide any and all information available on what is in the paint, if it has any 3rd party certifications, pricing, and the number of colors available.
So join us again tomorrow as we review Dunn-Edwards newest no-VOC paint – Enso.
