Southern Diversified Products. American Pride and its sister brand, American Pro, are Green Seal-certified latex paints, are usually solvent-free (zero-VOC), and contain no chemicals that are suspected carcinogens. The company not only has its own colors but also says it can match other companies’ colors. The products were developed in cooperation with the University of Southern Mississippi. 601-264-0442. www.southerndiversifiedproducts.com.
Best Paint. The company has been manufacturing low-VOC paint since 1989, eventually adding a zero-VOC product. In addition, its Microsol product line includes no biocides, because the company believes that such pesticides are as likely to cause chemical injury as VOCs. It says it screens all ingredients for toxicity. 206-783-9938. www.bestpaintco.com.
Auro Natural Paints and Finishes. These all-natural paints come in two forms: powdered–to be mixed on site–or liquid. They include no synthetics, biocides, or preservatives, the company says, and the only VOCs come from essential oils. The company offers color books, and the pigments can be added either at the distributor’s headquarters or on site. The paint is available in flat, eggshell, and gloss. 888-302-9352. www.aurousa.com.
Sherwin-Williams. Reformulated last year, Duration Home interior latex paint is now low-VOC, has less odor than it used to, and is antimicrobial to resist mildew. Most stains wipe away easily with water or mild soap, the company says, leaving behind no burnish marks. It’s available in matte and satin finishes in a wide array of colors. 800-474-3794. www.sherwin-williams.com.
ICI Paints. Dulux Lifemaster recently was reformulated, retaining its acrylic resins but getting rid of all solvents and designed to be more durable. The zero-VOC line comes in flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes. It meets all current and anticipated VOC regulations, the company says, and also meets all LEED specifications established by the U.S. Green Building Council. 800-984-5444. www.icipaintstores.com.
Zinsser. Bulls Eye High Hide is an odorless solvent-based primer-sealer. Because of its bright white color, the company says users don’t necessarily need a topcoat after putting on two coats. It dries in 30 minutes and can be recoated in two hours. The product can be used on drywall, plaster, and textured or acoustic tile ceilings and is compatible with both latex and oil-based paints. 732-469-8100. www.zinsser.com.
Benjamin Moore. The EcoSpec acrylic paint formula contains no solvents that release VOCs into the air and has been certified by Green Seal and Green Guard. The line consists of a primer and three topcoat finishes: flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss. It is offered in white and more than 1,000 custom colors. 800-344-0400. www.benjaminmoore.com.