January 20th, 2008

Alternative Eco-Friendly Wall Finishes

Posted by Shayna Prunier

Interior walls become so one dimensional when if you think that eco-friendly paint is the only finish option for green homes.  Let’s look beyond the flat or glossy and explore some alternatives to paint that will create texture and depth on any vertical surface.

It is not only the ingredients of any wall finish that determines its green value, but also the environmental and health impacts associated.  Standard paints and finishes contain a variety of dangerous chemicals, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), that effect indoor and outdoor air quality and potentially cause human health issues. 

In response to these concerns, we are now seeing many alternative wall finishes that use natural materials like milk, limestone, quartz, soy, and clay as their foundation.  Many of these green wall finishes earn environmental credit for being water-based, using organic or mineral pigments for color, and/or being bio-degradable. (And some of these options have been around for centuries!)

For example, milk paint is a very old style of paint and it derives its stability from milk protein. It is a fast-drying, water-soluble medium. The colors are also warm and wonderful. Check out the beautiful offering from Old-Fashioned Milk Paint.  (Shown above.)

Another great option is earth plasters, like those made from limestone and clay.  These come in an inert powder that mixes with water and adheres to virtually any wall surface.  The manufacturing of lime plaster uses less energy than standard plasters (often made of Portland cement) and does not release CO2 into the atmosphere. Clay plasters also fill a room with negative ions, which are proven to produce positive biochemical reactions in humans.  Negative ions have also been proven to increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our feelings of well being. Take a look at the clay-based finishes from American Clay.

Venetian plaster is one technique that uses a pre-colored natural substrate to create an old-world antique look.  Talk about historic preservation — layering natural materials onto a wall surface not only creates a three-dimensional effect with proven longevity, it also repairs uneven surfaces.  The thickness of the plaster also gives it added insulating properties.  These plasters are also non-dusting, mold and fade resistant, repairable and control moisture.  So layer it up and watch your walls become a work of function and art.  Be sure to review the venetian plaster offering from Renaissance Wall Finishes. (Shown at left.)

Similar to paint, these natural finishes are ideal for do-it-yourselfers, but please consider these additional factors before starting any project.  You may need special application tools in addition to paint brushes.  Material costs are about 10 - 20% more expensive than paint at around $70 per gallon equivalent.  Maintaining alternative finishes can be a little easier than paint since layering hides more imperfections. Some finishes may require special attention, be sure to consult the manufacturer for any additional restrictions or recommendations.

You can find a variety of alternative natural wall finishes here at Low Impact Living including BioShield, Old Fashioned Milk Paints, and Natural Venetian Plaster which uses real Mother of Pearl for added luminescence. Other options include Keim Mineral Systems which is a durable quartz finish.

You can also visit green material outlets in your city and see samples of these products. Green showrooms like Architectural Coatings + Design Centerin Los Angeles, Green Fusion Design Center in the Bay Area, and Green Depot in NY provide a one stop shop for these finishes and might even hold application seminars. 

I hope we have helped you to see your walls in a whole new green dimension.  Please let us know if you have any special techniques that you have seen or done that will help others make their walls green and gorgeous!