Every material’s finish gives its surface a distinctive appearance
and texture. However, finishes are more than skin deep: the
chemicals they contain can adversely affect the brain, the heart
and in the worst-case scenario, mortality levels.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – the
poster child for what kind of chemical should be
minimised at all cost – are so-called because
they can ‘boil’ – releasing their molecules into
the air – at normal room temperatures.
Formaldehyde evaporates from some paints
from the ‘boiling point’ of just -19 degrees
Celsius. The list of compounds and chemicals in
what was once a standard paint mix is far longer,
though also carefully monitored by authorities.
Paints are not alone in their complex
chemical structure. As a subset of stains and
other coatings such as resin, as well as some
innocent looking products – air fresheners
included, ironically – they have suspect loads of
VOCs. In an industry of shifting compounds and
technology, it is vitally important to stay aware
of what the leaders in the industry are offering.
As we know, the use of these solvents is
heavily monitored and regulated in Australia,
resulting in clear branding of materials that are
low or lacking in ‘troublesome’ compounds.Additionally, it goes without saying that the
manufacturing industry of paints, stains and
finishes has more codes than a B-grade spy
film. The leaders worth noting for encouraging
products made with environmental concerns in
mind are the Green Building Code of Australia
and Good Environmental Choice Australia.
VOCs weren’t added to paints without
purpose – they assist in ease of application and
extending drying times, which allows painters
to work on the surface coverage. Removing them
altered the application process.
Dulux Paints, a major player in this area,
has addressed these issues and produced a
recommended application regime that includes
using synthetic roller sleeves, as the thinner
film left behind when using this method can
shorten drying time.
Similarly, when using a spray application,
Dulux suggests a process of back-rolling to
ensure an evenly-finished coat. VOC-free
options exist in a full range of finishes, fromflat ceiling to gloss products – and each has an
application solution found on the Dulux website.
It is apparent that the additional industry
research into finishes and their chemicals
results in a safer environment, which is
especially important in areas such as healthcare
facilities and schools.
Institutions for health and education
deserve special consideration, as they host
people who are more sensitive than others in
many ways. Toxins and irritants in finishes
can be harmful to patients with compromised
immune systems or allergies, as well as to
children and the elderly. When grouped
together, these users constitute quite a large
and growing demographic.
Another aspect to consider is the visual-
emotional irritants in colour and texture. It’s
easy to see why the list of peculiar needs in these
sectors must challenge, if not frustrate, designers.
There are unanimously encouraged elements
in design for these buildings; for instance, timberShould the first rule
of paints & coatings
be ‘do no harm’?
WORDS Prue MillerArchitecture & design /PRactical/ jul-seP 201958ADQ3_058_063_Paints_V2.indd 58 26/7/19 5:17 pm