FAQ’s
1. What’s a VOC?
Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapour pressures under normal conditions to significantly vapourise and enter the atmosphere.
2. Should I be worried about VOCs?
VOCs are not your friend.
Some VOCs react in sunlight to create smog and others are just plain bad for your health. While a few VOCs occur naturally from cows and trees, many come from manufactured products such as paint thinners, paints and varnishes and dry cleaning solvents. These VOCs can contribute to human illnesses and have been determined to be a cause of ‘sick building syndrome’. The EPA has found concentrations of VOCs in indoor air to be 2 to 5 times greater than in outdoor air due to paint and other products.
3. What can VOCs and carcinogens do to me?
Carcinogens and VOC’s emitted by high solvent containing paints have been linked to a variety of health effects including eye, nose and throat irritation; dizziness; liver, kidney and central nervous system damage and even cancer.
4. What do the VOC’s in traditional paints do to the environment?
The NSW Department of Environment and Heritage estimates that VOCs from the painting industry contribute 16% of all VOC emissions. The Australian Paint Approval Scheme, managed by the CSIRO acknowledges that VOCs from paint can react photochemically in the atmosphere to create ozone gas, which at ground level can cause smog, and damage to plants and buildings.
5. Why doesn’t Rockcote EcoStyle have that horrid new paint smell?
EcoStyle paint is based on a breakthrough technology that improves on acrylic water-based paint at its core. It is scientifically formulated to offer all of the premium qualities of conventional water-based paints without the need for toxic solvents. No toxic solvents means no toxic smell.
6. Do your EcoStyle paints contain lead, mercury, formaldehyde, formaldehyde precursors, crystalline silica or other known toxic materials or suspected carcinogens?
Absolutely not – no way.
7. I am chemically sensitive. Can I use your paint?
We have had individuals with severe chemical sensitivities use our paint successfully even when they had tried other “safe” paint brands and experienced a reaction. We are happy to supply you with MSDS and VOC information if that will help in your decision. If you are still unsure, we recommend consultation with your physician
8. Can your paints seal in off-gassing?
EcoStyle Paints are formulated to minimize off-gassing yet breathe (permeable) to allow for a healthy exchange of outside air. It is not prudent to completely seal the wall surface as this traps potentially harmful chemicals that off-gas from carpeting and furniture
9. What type of finishes and colours does EcoStyle Paint come in?
EcoStyle Paint can be mixed to any of our online 1,232-colour palette in both interior and exterior finishes. And we can mix any colour from any competitor or any imagination – just go ahead and ask. We offer all sheens from flat to high gloss, ceiling paint, interior plaster board sealer.
10. What is meant by ‘sheen’?
The sheen is the gloss level of the paint
11. How do I know which sheen is right for me?
Selecting the right sheen is important to ensure your complete satisfaction. Keep in mind that the appearance of paint colours is also affected by differences in gloss level.
Flat: A soft, non-reflective finish that is ideal for hiding minor surface imperfections. Ideal for use in living rooms, bedrooms and on ceilings. Low Sheen: Rich and velvety, this is our most popular and versatile finish. The outstanding cleanability of this finish makes it ideal for virtually any room including higher traffic areas and kids rooms Satin/Gloss: A shiny finish that is widely used on wood trim and in high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Frequently used to provide decorative contrast
12. Why is coverage reduced in dark, bright accent colours?
Certain accent colours may require more than one coat to obtain complete coverage and develop their true colour. This is because the white pigment that provides hiding properties (through the scattering of light) in lighter tint base colours cannot be used to make dark, rich accent colours.
13. How long should I wait before applying another coat of paint?
Although the paint will dry to touch fairly quickly, we recommend waiting two - four hours between coats. High humidity, low temperature, poor ventilation and thicker films will increase the recommended dry time.
14. What paint should I use in areas prone to mould and mildew?
Mould and mildew can be a problem in areas of the home that have high humidity and poor ventilation such as bathrooms and kitchens. In areas where mildew is a problem, we recommend increasing the ventilation and installing a dehumidifier or exhaust fan. The existing mildew should be removed by using a dilute 1:3 bleach and water solution.Once dry do a clean water rinse to neutralise any bleach Once the surface is thoroughly dry, we recommend painting with EcoStyle Satin
15. How do I clean my walls?
We recommend using a mild liquid dish detergent and water or a sugar soap. Do not use harsh cleaning solutions such as ammonia based window cleaners or abrasive powders. Use a soft sponge and move in light circular motions. Most Acrylic paints may be washed 30 days after application.
16. What is the coat coverage of EcoStyle paint?
EcoStyle paint products cover approximately 12-14 square metres per litre. Porous or textured surfaces may require more paint than previously suggested. The wall should be primed using primer product recommended for the substrate. Our paint typically covers with one coat, but if you are using a dark colour we recommend two coats. For premium performance apply two coats.
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