Greetings to all our esteemed readers! Today, we at Hillis Brothers Painting have some
important information to share with you about new developments in Michigan's paint
and coatings industry. These changes are bound to reshape our practices, and we
believe they will largely enhance the environment's sustainability.
We're sure many of you have heard about Michigan's recently enacted laws aimed at
gradually phasing out high VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints. This legislation is
a massive step towards a greener, cleaner Michigan, aligning with international efforts
to lower environmental pollution and health risks associated with VOC emissions.
As your trusted painting experts, we are committed to complying with these new
regulations while ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional quality in all our work. In
the face of these changes, several exciting alternatives have emerged in decking stains,
primers, and paints.
Decking Stains
Stains enhance wooden decks' beauty while preserving and protecting them
from harsh elements. Manufacturers have made significant strides in creating low VOC stains with the new legislation. They're water-based and pose less harm to the
environment. Although these stains may need more frequent application, their durability is commendable. Water-based stains also provide easier cleanup, requiring only soap and water instead of harsh solvents.
Primers
Primers are crucial for a high-quality, long-lasting paint job. Low VOC primers now
available on the market deliver excellent adhesion and stain-blocking properties. They
also prevent problems like mildew, peeling, and blistering like high VOC primers.
The only significant difference is that they may take longer to dry compared to
traditional oil-based primers.
Paints
Low VOC paints are the way forward; they've come a long way in performance over
the past few years. These paints offer almost the same coverage, durability, and vibrant
color options as their high VOC counterparts, all while significantly reducing the amount of harmful emissions. Although they may cost slightly more, their benefits to health and
the environment outweigh the extra cost.
Pros and Cons of Low VOC Paints
Switching to low-VOC paints comes with an array of advantages:
Improved Air Quality: Low VOC paints improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of harmful emissions. This leads to a safer environment, particularly for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Less Odor: Low VOC paints have a less intense smell, leading to more comfortable living and working environments during and after painting.
Healthier for the Planet: By using low-VOC paints, we contribute less to pollution and ozone depletion.
However, as with any change, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Cost: Low VOC paints and products can be slightly more expensive due to the technology required to reduce VOC levels while maintaining performance.
Drying Time: Some low VOC paints and primers may take longer to dry, potentially extending project timelines.
Despite these considerations, the move towards low VOC paints is positive. Not
only are these products better for our planet, but they also provide a safer environment
for all of us. As the transition takes place, we at Hillis Brothers Painting are eager to
continue offering the highest quality services to our customers while aligning our
practices with the environmental goals of our beautiful state.
We understand that changes like these can bring questions, and we are here to answer
any that you might have. We can create a cleaner, healthier Michigan, one
paint stroke at a time.