Performance of low VOC vs. "normal" paint

[VW_Buggsy]

I have to assume there is a reason we used those VOC's in paint though and that removing them or replacing them with lower VOC components represents some compromise. Usually we seem to compromise overall performance or ease of use when we make things safer and healthier.

Do lower VOC paints perform less well than traditional formulations? What, if any, special considerations go along with using a low VOC paint vs. a traditional formula?

I'm not really a painter I've just noticed that Rustoleum has been changing formulations to reduce VOC in their rattle cans and buckets. Some product numbers/formulations are only available in certain states depending on VOC restrictions. For example here in MD we get the low VOC version/formulation, but where my folks live in KY they still have the traditional formulas. If there is a significant performance advantage I could always stock up on a case of the regular VOC gloss black on my next visit to my parents

There is also a slight cost difference where the same paint in the low VOC version costs slightly more, but not really to the point where that's really a concern for me.

Thoughts?

[raygreenwood]

For the record.....VOCs are solvents of virtually any type.....with a flash point below about 165F.
Other items that are not solvent based but can be considered VOCs....are ammonia because of its ability to recombinate as an air pollutant and its low vapor pressure.

In general.....unless they are of sophisticated chemistry design. ...most low VOC "versions" of normally high VOC products....perform at best....very differently and at worst....poorly.

Most low VOC paints, inks and coatings......are not "no VOC". They are fully solvent based....but just using solvents with a high flash point.

The problems/challanges this may cause is slower or faster flow out on the surface ( and again....if the formulation is sophisticated. ....flow agents can work around this).....slower drying....making it more susceptible to runs/drips or orange peel. ....and changes to gloss....which could be improved or degraded.

It will perform differently. It will require different gun settings. If you get used to what its requirements are....which may even be different humidity and operating temp requirements. ...if its well formulated there is no reason not to use it. Ray

[67 Sunroof]

My friend (whom has been painting for many years) is having trouble adapting to the newer paints. Not sure about their long-term durability.

[VW_Buggsy]

Thanks Ray, so basically they are still the same paint they just change (reduce?) the paint solvents. What you're left with is what... less volitile fillers or solvents of some kind?

I guess it depends, they might reduce some solvents or change one to another entirely until they get at the VOC rating (and one hopes) the usability characteristics the want.

Lots of solvents and mixers are available separately from paint. If I continue my Rustoleum example (barring rattle cans) you could simply add all sorts of things to change the way it behaves (to a degree), acetone, mineral spirits, naptha, xylene, japan dryer, etc. and fiddle around until you had something you wanted to work with, right?

Sounds like the low VOC product is exactly that, a completely different product formulation and needs to be treated and evaluated as that, a completely separate animal from the regular one. Could be bad, could be good, could behave functionally about the same but remains to be seen until you try it.

[raygreenwood]

[VW_Buggsy]

Uggggh! Thanks again Ray. This is why guys who aren't painters are so hesitant to invest in a gun and materials and such and give it a go. With all the different solvents and components and tricks and rules people advise, it starts to look pretty daunting.

Luckily I have a car that looks so bad, I'd be hard pressed to make it look any worse. I plan to just do test painting on cardboard first, then a test sheet of primed steel, then my deck-lid, slowly working up to starting on the car itself. That way my hope is that by then I'll have the whole process for getting decent results worked out and simply stick to what I know has been working including exact brands and product numbers if not the same cans of product.

Thanks for all the information and education.

[raygreenwood]

[Bobnotch]