What Does Green or Low/Zero VOC Paint Really Mean? | Brooks Painting

☀️ Don't Miss Your Summer Exterior Spot | ❄️ Refresh Your Home This Winter & Save Learn More Here

Blog

Blog →
What Does Green or Low/Zero VOC Paint Really Mean?

What Does Green or Low/Zero VOC Paint Really Mean?

Over the past 15 years people have become more concerned about their paints being “green” or low or zero VOC paint. In the beginning there were not a lot of choices, but today choices are abundant. Building codes have changed to require these products be used, in order to continue to reduce our carbon foot print. What does it really mean to have a “green” or eco-friendly paint? It all has to do with the VOCs (volatile organic compounds). There has been a lot of confusion around this question.

To be a low VOC paint, the VOC level must be 50 g/l or less for most products. While a lot of the paints were qualifying at this level, as soon as the colorant was added the paint exceeded these levels. Today paint manufacturers have switched over to zero VOC colorants. Now when a paint label says low or zero VOC paint, it truly is.

Why do people care about this? The chemicals, as the paints dry, evaporate into the air. This can lead to breathing problems for those with asthma, cause dizziness and skin irritation for just about anyone. In extreme cases they can even cause cancer. These types of issues come up more on interior paints, as the fumes stay trapped in the house. On the exterior paints the VOCs can lead to air pollution, and contribute to poor air quality. VOCs can continue to off-gas for years, so it is even more critical to use the low VOC products.

Making these lower VOC products has not come without its problems. As paint companies had to come up with new formulations to replace the toxic ingredients, problems arose. Such things as longer dry time, application problems, flow, colors matching, quality, and more. Painters were so frustrated with these products, they didn’t want to use them. Thankfully as time has gone on, the paint industry has made great strides in fixing the issues and they are truly quality products. Today low and zero VOC paints are easy to use, application is easier, quality is top notch, they come in all colors, and best of all they are healthier products for us all.

Our Promises to You

1. We’re committed to your project’s success

A lot of painters do the bare minimum, just to get by and move on. That’s not who we are or how we’ve built our reputation.

2. You can feel comfortable with our team

From the estimator to our office team, field employees to Crew Leader, we want you to know that you’re valued, cared for, and safe.

3. We’ll do the job correctly

You deserve total transparency, accountability, and exceptional work. No skipped steps or opting for the “easy way.”

4. We’ll stand by our job

Because we know we’re doing it all the right way, we can confidently stand by our work. We’re picky, and we want you to be 100% satisfied.

Schedule a Free Estimate

Most trusted painting company in the Greater Sacramento & Davis Areas

4.9 rating from 400+ reviews

Competent, very thorough, listened to my wishes, very accommodating. Hard workers, friendly, happy, willing to please.

Kay M

Eric and his crew were on time every day and did a very thorough job. I was thrilled that they were willing to paint my outdoor light fixtures which were getting rusty. I was particularly impressed how much time they spent going over their work at the end to catch spots that were missed. I’ll be using them again for interior painting.

C Lewis

They treat their employees in a fair manner resulting in happy workers. Company is well run. I really like the crew that was here, they were very comfortable to have around.

Pat H.

You are an excellent company and I couldn't be any happier with your work. This is your second job for me and both were excellent.

Donald S., Realtor

It was fun working with Chris and his crew. I’ve never had a contracted job go so smoothly from start to finish. The office was responsive to my needs, Corey was patient and helpful while I made color choices, and Chris made sure I was happy with the crew’s work every step of the way. Gabriel does amazing work as well. Very much a perfectionist like Chris. I don’t have a bad thing to say. The job is absolutely stunning and I’ve had so many neighbors tell me it’s beautiful. I’m happy to put one of your signs in my front yard if you’d like so people know as they drive by who did the work. Thank you Brooks Painting. I will be recommending you to anybody who asks.

D. White

What a difference!! We hired Brooks Painting to do both an interior refresh painting and a completely new exterior color. Everything was handled professionally and as promised. The team, from estimator to office to painters on site, was responsive, friendly and skilled. Brooks Painting is the most reliable contractor we have ever hired. Thank you Jeremy, Dan, Israel, and Kristen.

Joie Watson

Brooks Painting painted our home in Sacramento in March of 2022. Tim did a great job power washing our home. Corey, Flint, and Kristen were very helpful in the bid and. planning. process. The painting crew was excellent. Arrived on time each day and the project was finished in 5 days as promised. All worked very hard.

M Hawkins

I wanted to have my kitchen cabinets painted but knew that that was a job that required skill and expertise. I called Brooks Painting and the experience from start to finish was perfect! Everyone I dealt with was personable and good at their jobs. They spent time answering questions, explaining the exact process, and did the work precisely as promised. They even did a few other small jobs (repairing and painting 2 water damaged ceilings) to perfection. And everything was neat and clean when they left! And the cabinets – better than I could have hoped for. Esteban is a master craftsman who was meticulous in every aspect of his work. The finish is smooth as glass with no imperfections. I couldn’t be happier!

Christina Fotenos

We chose Brooks Painting based on their excellent reputation. It was an excellent choice! We had them do a complete exterior and almost complete interior painting of our two story house. They were done separately, while we were out of town. We are very pleased with the quality of the work. They even fixed up a few mistakes made by a crew that painted a portion of our interior ceilings a month prior (removal of asbestos popcorn ceiling), at no extra charge. Cleanup was great, also. They repaired some dry rot that was uncovered (extra charge, but worth it), and they even moved furniture back into place as well as put back the curtain rods that I had taken down, which wasn't expected. I highly recommend them, and will use them again for any future paint jobs.

Charlie Russell

Consummate professionals! We hired Brooks to repaint the exterior of our house, and they did a fantastic job. The paint looks wonderful, everyone was also on time, friendly, and respectful of our property. Exceptional communication through the entire process. I was worried about damage to the landscaping near the house (bad previous experience with another outfit), but they were all very understanding and the crew was super careful. Did what they said they would do with no weirdness, no smoking, no radio, and they cleaned up after themselves nicely. This picky customer is very happy!

Lisa Goodin

Listened to my needs and offered good suggestions. Customer confidence in value and quality.

John K.

Courteous and well mannered, attentive, discussed complete job and provided good service.

Juan C., C.H.P.

Schedule Your Free Estimate

Schedule an Appointment With an Estimator

Book with COREY SCHMIDT

Residential and Commercial Estimator Corey, the owner of our company, is an invaluable asset to our sales team. With strong expertise in residential interior painting, cabinet refinishing, exterior projects, and commercial work, he’s your go-to professional for anything from homeowner consultations to contractor quotes.

Schedule Estimate with Corey

Book with CHASE KRUKOW

A new face, the same commitment to excellence. Chase values honesty, reliability, and treating every customer like a neighbor. His enthusiasm for serving our community and helping clients feel confident throughout the painting process makes him a wonderful addition to our team.

Schedule Estimate with Chase

Contact Us

First Name

Last Name

Your Phone

Upload Photos of Your Project

Describe Your Project

Other

Why Work with Brooks Painting

Quality

Our reputation is built on our painting craftsmanship and excellence.

Prompt Service

We are proud of our reputation for friendly, prompt service, and this positive attitude is reflected by every one of our employees.

Guarantee

We offer a three-year labor guarantee for all painting projects involving one coat, and a five-year labor guarantee for all two-coat projects.

Reputation

Our priority has always been to deliver quality work, services, and customer experiences. This has led us to become the largest painting contractor in the Davis/Woodland area.