Clay Plaster is a wall finish, called American Clay, that replaces paint.  It is made right here in New Mexico, is non-toxic and has zero VOC’s.  It can be applied on drywall and on previously painted or plastered walls.  There are 4 finishes of varying texture and appearance and hundreds of colors available.  American Clay creates a wall that functions and looks like no other.  While you’re admiring the calming beauty of your walls, they are absorbing odors and controlling moisture.  In addition, this wall treatment lasts a lifetime and is easy to repair.  You can apply American Clay Plaster yourself or we’ll send Kent, with Solamente Clay Walls, over for a complimentary application quote.  Solamente Clay Walls has their showroom in our entry so you can see and feel American Clay on large walls.

Clay Paint by Green Planet Paints features ingredients like plant resins, clay and other natural minerals -  material that has been in paints for thousands of years.  While the color palette is limited, they are all naturally occurring mineral and clay based colors that appeal to all.  Green Planet Paints contain zero VOC’s and are non-toxic – this paint actually improves air quality.  Available in eggshell and flat – light and mid-range colors.

Clay Stone is a fun one – both a super durable finish by Solamente Clay and the name of Kent’s two man band.  Solamente Clay Walls – American clay applicators – achieve their signature Clay Stone finish with a special lime wash.  Great for bancos and high traffic walls.

On the other hand, Clay Stone the band- yes, named after the finish by Kent Gurley, Solamente Clay owner, is a super fun duo.  I have enjoyed a couple very festive evenings with entertainment provided by these guys.  So whether you need entertainment or an amazing finish – call Kent at 205-6010!

Paint and VOC’s

VOC’s are Volatile Organic Compounds.  Both naturally occurring and synthetic compounds, they release chemicals into the air as they evaporate – usually with an odor.  

The paint and finishes industry has been pressured, and in some states regulated, to produce low or zero VOC products.  This is great news and certainly a step in the right direction, but doesn’t tell the whole story.

The EPA  (Environmental Protection Agency) only regulates and requires listing of VOC’s that cause outdoor pollution or smog.  This means chemicals or additives that may be toxic, but do not cause outdoor smog, don’t have to be listed.  Therefore, ammonia or acetone, known to be harmful to humans, can be included in paint company’s ‘proprietary’ or ‘secret’ ingredients.

So, how can you find the safest paints and finishes?  A good start is to read the manufacturer’s MSDS (materials safety data sheet).  While there are a few loopholes, by looking at the maximum percentage listings of the ingredients on the MSDS and adding up the figures, it is usually apparent if the company is not disclosing all of the ingredients in their product.

Another big VOC culprit may be in the tints used to color your paint.  Paint that begins as a zero VOC product will no longer be that zero VOC paint unless using a no VOC tinting system as well – ask your salesperson.

Southwest Green Building Center proudly offers AFM Safecoat, YOLO Colorhouse and Green Planet Paints – all zero VOC paints.  Of course we are using the zero VOC tints as well.  These paints are high performing and manufactured by companies that only produce healthy products – not your huge companies with a “zero VOC” or “low VOC” product on the side.  Pricing is right too! 

Try them now while all paint is on sale through October 31, 2011.