How does your Zero VOC paint compare to national paint companies’ Zero VOC paints?
• Sometimes things aren't what they seem. Zero VOC does not mean zero emissions. The government allows paint companies to use some chemicals which are or contain VOC's, known as exempt compounds, and still claim their product(s) are Zero VOC. The government does not count exempt compounds, even though they are known VOC's as they are currently only concerned with the production of smog which depletes the Low-level ozone layer. If a chemical is a VOC or contains VOCs but doesn't create smog, it can still be toxic but exempt from Zero VOC considerations. We are TRUE Zero VOC paint, using only Zero VOC components and colorants.

Best Paint's company philosophy is "toxic chemical in is toxic chemical out".

For more information on Exempt Compounds:

How long have you been making Low VOC and Zero VOC products?
• Best Paint has been making Low VOC and Zero VOC, non toxic paints since 1989. See About Us for company history.

What is a VOC?
• VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are just what they sound like; they are organic (living) compounds that are unstable. For the purpose of paint, these are the components that are 'off gassed' into the air as the paint dries causing toxic air pollution (that nasty smell) increasing your chances of becoming chemically sensitive as well as creating a Low-level toxic ozone (this can look brownish and hazy) in our environment.Without using biocides which traditionally contain (or are) VOCs as well as researching and using an advanced, modified acrylic vinyl which is fully polymerized, we are able to manufacture a paint that doesnÕt off gas and it is very Low odor.

Is your paint Organic?
• No. We set out to make a paint that is non toxic and doesn't give off VOCs so it will be a safe paint for humans as well as environmentally safe. Unfortunately, we have found that most organic paints and components off gas VOC's.

Is there formaldehyde, Propylene glycol or ethylene glycol in your paint?
• There is no formaldehyde, Propylene glycol or ethylene glycol in our Zero VOC interior paint. We do use a small amount of Propylene Glycol in our Low VOC exterior paints to help stabilize and protect then from environmental elements such as freeze/thaw.

Where can I buy your products?
• Click here for links to companies that sell our product.

Can your paint seal in "off gassing"?
• We have had good results with sealing in "off gassing" for existing paint with our Zero VOC interior paints and primer.

Can I paint over semi-gloss oil or latex paint?
• Yes. Lightly sand the surface before painting to give the paint a 'tooth'. Move sand paper over area VERY LIGHTLY, as if washing it--just enough to take off the gloss.

How durable is your paint?
• Our paint has out performed national brand paints for durability. Our Zero VOC interior paints are warranted for 15 years with the application of two coats and our Low VOC exterior paints are warranted for 2 years but have stood the test of time. Customers who have used our exterior paints are experiencing a 10-15 year life-span prior to needing re-painting, even in areas with severe weather. Both our interior and exterior paints have and maintain a solid finish. Our paints are proving to be far superior to any Low or Zero VOC paint.

Are there colors available?
• We have over 1,000 colors and we can match any color you can find. We tint our paints with Zero VOC colorants as well, maintaining our Zero VOC, Non toxic integrity.

What sheen should I use?
• Use Semi Gloss or Satin in kitchen, bathroom, utility room, laundry room, doors, trim, and on cabinet faces. For areas that need have high-humidity try our Zero VOC Breathe-EZ Kitchen, Bath and Trim paint. This product has a semi-gloss finish and is perfect for areas that have mildew or fungus problems.
• Use Flat or Eggshell on ceilings, in living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.

Is there Lead in your paint?
• No. We don't use any lead based materials. If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. If you are preparing a surface with lead-based paint, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-lead or log on to http://www.epa.gov/lead

What is the shelf life of your paint?
• Our paints, if stored properly, can be stored up to and beyond one year after opening. If cans are unopened, the shelf life can be up to 5 or more years. Unlike other paint manufactures we have developed a process where there is no need to add biocides, mildewcides, fungicides to preserve our paint in the can.

When should I use a primer?
• Primers are traditionally used to seal surfaces that have not been previously painted (i.e.: wallboard, plaster, wood...). It can also be used to cover a darker surface so a lighter color can be used and there will be no show-through of the old color.

Can I use latex paint over oil based paint?
• Yes. Latex paint will easily cover and oil based paint. If the oil paint has a high gloss to is, lightly sand the surface with a fine sand paper to remove some of the gloss (not the paint).

Can I use oil based paint over latex paint?
• No. Imagine that your latex paint is like a pillow, soft and pliable. Oil based paint is more like a sheet of glass, rigid and firm. If you put a piece of glass on top of a pillow, the glass will break, hence, if you put oil based paint over latex paint, the oil based paint will chip and break off.

How much paint do I need?
Using ¼ inch nap roller about 400 square feet per gallon.
Using ½ inch nap roller about 325 – 350 square feet per gallon.
Using ¾ inch nap roller about 300 – 325 square feet per gallon.
Using 1 nap roller about 280 – 325 square feet per gallon.
Spray paint about 300 - 325 square feet per gallon.
All estimates depend on the texture of the surface you are covering.
For colors that are hard to cover, an extra coat may be necessary.
For example, Red, Bright Yellow, Red Tones, Orange.

Interior Ceiling Area:
Measure the ceiling width times the length.
Example:
Width x Length = Total sq. ft.
12 X 10 =120 sq. ft.

Interior Wall Area:
Example:
Width + Length = Total
12+12+10+10 = 44 ft.
Multiply total by height.
44 x 8 = 352 sq. ft.
Deduct Door and Window areas.

Exterior of the house:
Measuring the perimeter of a house.
Multiply total by the height of the house.
Example:
Width + Length = Total
20+20+40+40 = 120 ft.
Multiply total by height.
120 x 10 = 1200 sq. ft.
Deduct Door and Window areas.

Exterior Soffit:
Measure width of the soffit times the length.
Example:
Width x Length = Total sq. ft.
12 x 4 =48 sq. ft.

Pitched Roofs or Gables:
Measure height of the peak from the roof base times one half the total width.
Example:
12 (20+20+20) / 2 = 360sq

What type of roller should I use?
• Popcorn ceiling use 1" to 1½ nap rollers.
• Rough (stucco) textured walls use 1" to ¾" nap rollers.
• Heavy textured walls use ¾" nap rollers.
• Lightly textured walls use ½" to ¾" nap rollers.
• Smooth textured walls use ½ to ¾ nap rollers.
• Doors and furniture use ¼”, 3/8" to ½" nap rollers.

Do your colorants add VOC’s?
• We use low and no VOC colorants.

What are exempt VOC’s?
• Visit the Exempt VOC website

How can I reduce the amount of dust from sanding?
• To reduce dust from sanding use wet and dry sandpaper. If you have new drywall, sanding can be done with a sponge and warm water.