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

Don’t Miss Your Summer Exterior Spot

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

Very professional, live up to their billing! [The] company was very cooperative, on top of everything. [They] followed through with their commitment.

Marylan T.

I have always received excellent customer service and the crews are always very concerned about ensuring satisfaction!

Shawn W.

Brooks did a fantastic job on our exterior and interior paint jobs. Quality was high, price was reasonable, and the team was extremely professional and detail-oriented. Mark was our crew lead and the team performed a number of exterior wood repairs, a door re-stain, interior and exterior painting. Mark clearly takes a lot of pride in his work and went above and beyond to ensure the work was high-quality, including finding exact matching siding to fix dry rot, and performing minor repairs that weren't even included in the quote. He and the team were all consistently positive and personable, joking with each other throughout the day, while also genuinely complimenting each other on the quality of their work. It was great to see, and that positivity definitely showed through the work they did. We couldn't be happier with the end result.

Ryan Schauland

Great job in every way- quality of work to customer service.

Debbie M.

Chris and Gabriel were amazing. Corey was patient and helpful in answering questions and while I decided on colors. The office was easy to contact and had good follow-through. Thank you so much to Brooks for a job I could not possibly be happier with. Feel free to use me as a reference!

Laura P

My house is so beautiful now…great work. Courteous, prompt, awesome work.

Lisa H.

They are on time! They show up! It was a big job and they were good and fast. Very nice guys.

Tracy W.

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

John K.

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

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.

The crew is as neat and reliable as the actual painting job and paint used. No boom boxes!! Cordial staff spoke English. The crew got along with each other and worked as a team. The actual finish is / was beautiful. We would like to use Brooks again!

Donna H.

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

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.