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Green Sense
Environmentally Friendly Painting Tips
Eco-Friendly Painting
- Use a low (or no) VOC or organic paint for your painting projects.
- Check with your local county to see if they have a recycled paint program where you can purchase your paints. Also, many retailers offer recycled paint.
- Use high-quality brushes and roller covers that can be cleaned and re-used instead of inexpensive applicators that are typically thrown away.
- If you are interrupted while painting, wrap the brush or roller cover in plastic for use later. This will keep the paint from drying out.
- Look for biodegradable or recyclable tray liners for your paint trays.
- If you are going to save the paint, any unused paint should be stored in tightly sealed cans and placed upside down to help maintain the seal.
- Instead of purchasing new canvas drop clothes, consider drapery material from the local thrift store or old sheets from your linen closet. This is a good way to recycle.
- To prevent waste, measure the area you are painting to determine the amount of paint you need. A typical gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet, although coverage varies by brand and surface to be painted.
- Purchase the right type of paint. Check the label to make sure it is suitable for your project.
Eco-Friendly Clean-up
- Before beginning the washing process, use a six-in-one tool or a brush comb to remove excess paint from the brushes or roller covers. This saves water and less paint ends up in the environment. Do not pour left over paint down the drain. Save it for a paint/waste recycling event in your county.
- If you used water-based coatings, use a biodegradable soap (such as dish soap) and water to clean your brushes and roller covers.
- When cleaning with water, try to use a three-bucket system that reduces water use. Clean applicators in one bucket, rinse them in the second bucket and rinse them one more time in the third.
- If you used oil-based paint or coatings, there are effective non-toxic alternatives for removing paint.
- Paint thinners, turpentine and mineral spirits can be reused! Let the solid particles settle to the bottom of a closed container, then pour off the clear liquid. Store it in an air-tight clean container for use with another project. Do not pour the residue down the drain. Save it for a paint/waste recycling event in your county.
Eco-Friendly Disposal
- Check with your local county to see if they have a recycled paint program where you can dispose your leftover paint. Many counties offer these cleanups in the spring and fall.
- If you have extra paint, give it to a neighbor or donate it to a community or non-profit group. Habitat for Humanity works to build homes for under-served populations and they are always looking for building materials.
- Air-drying of oil-based is not considered safe. Left-over paint must be taken to a hazardous waste collection site.
- To dispose of latex-based paint that is leftover in the paint can, convert it to a solid waste then dispose of it with your regular trash. Remove the lid to allow the water or solvents to evaporate, being sure to keep the paint away from children or pets and heat sources.
- For large amounts of latex-based paints only: pour the paint into an absorbent material such as shredded newspaper or kitty litter. Allow it to completely dry and dispose of it in the trash.
For more paint disposable tips, visit the National Paint and Coatings Association and download this PDF: http://www.paint.org/pubs/leftover_paint.pdf
Eco-Friendly Agency Websites
PSB Eco-Friendly Commitments
Paint Sundry Brands which encompasses Purdy, Symphony by Purdy, Bestt Liebco and Quick Solutions has made many commitments to the environment. For example, we recycle 100% of our:
- cardboard and paper
- metal and wood
- cans
- plastic bottles
- office supplies
- 55-gallon drums
- batteries
- aerosol cans
- compost items
In addition:
- 90% of the light fixtures have been replaced with energy efficient versions.
- PSB distributes cloth reusable bags to associates to encourage them to cut down on plastic bag usage.
- PSB recycles roller cover core material to be re-ground and re-used.
- PSB donates 100% of brush seconds to non-profit organizations that give back to local communities.
Purdy produces only the highest quality painting tools. Our meticulously handcrafted brushes and roller covers have been the choice of professionals for over 80 years. Now we want to be your first choice for eco-friendly applicators. Please be sure to view all of products in our new EcoPro? by Purdy? line and Earthtones? by Quick Solutions?, which includes products made of recyclable, biodegradable and sustainable materials.
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