4 big tricks to teach you to buy healthy paint

Many people who are into home decoration often seek advice on this topic. It's common knowledge that there are numerous counterfeit paints available in the market today. How do you tell the real ones from the fake ones? Which brand should you choose? As paint plays a crucial role in the final stage of home renovation, selecting the right paint is vital for creating a healthy living space. So, when shopping, how can we ensure we don't end up with substandard products masquerading as eco-friendly options?

Firstly, take a close look at the paint’s surface. High-quality colored paint typically has a clear protective layer on its surface that is either colorless or slightly yellowish, without any visible floating particles; if there are floating particles, proceed with caution. Secondly, if possible, request the shopkeeper to open the paint can for inspection. If the paint shows severe separation, its quality may be questionable. When stirred gently with a stick, good-quality paint will cling to the stick for a while and provide even coverage, while the texture should feel smooth and fine. Many reputable paint distributors use this method to demonstrate their products’ environmental friendliness directly to consumers.

Thirdly, carefully examine the product quality inspection report, paying special attention to the Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC). These organic compounds can pose serious risks to both our environment and health. Substances like toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetates are regulated because they are harmful, so we should aim to minimize their presence in paints. Fourthly, always consider the cost-effectiveness of your purchase. Ask the merchant about the number of coats per can and the coverage area. Calculate the cost per square meter of material rather than focusing solely on the price per can (or barrel). Paints with higher solid content (70-80%) tend to perform better than those with lower solid content (below 10-20%), even though the latter might appear cheaper initially but ultimately lead to greater waste and inferior results.