Green Painting, All Up On Your Walls...

Brooklyn based Green Painting's Nick Cope is definitely no punk but a true Artisan that is dedicated to the highest degree of quality and service, paying special attention to the health affects and environmental impact of each project. Please enjoy the eco-question and answer session Nick and I had providing us with mad knowledge on eco-friendly paints.

Eco Hustler: Would you please break it down to what Eco-Paint is and how it's better for us?

Nick Cope: I understand the concern about hidden toxins in low- or zero-VOC paints. I recently researched this issue for a client who is allergic to almost all paints and finishes.

Acrylics—or, more precisely, water-based acrylics such as latex—are already a huge improvement over oil-based paint. Standard latex paints meet stringent guidelines for VOC content and are much safer than a decade ago.
Manufacturers of low-VOC or zero-VOC paints have drastically reduced or eliminated toxins such as formaldehyde; however, there may still lurk certain solvents that are harmful to those who are sensitive. In my experience, the following low- or zero-VOC paints perform exceptionally well and present very few or no health concerns. The first two brands that I will touch on, Mythic Paint and AFM Safecoat, contain no solvents other than water and are noted for being the best paints for those with allergies or chemical sensitivity.

Mythic Paint is perhaps the least toxic paint available today. It performs well and comes in a variety of colors. Unfortunately, distribution is not up to snuff at this point; most of us have to order it by mail, which is not the greenest option.

AFM Safecoat is the brand of zero-VOC paint I use most frequently. It is a pleasure to apply, with almost no odor. For what it's worth, most respondents to an informal poll of ten green building experts conducted by Inhabitat.com http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/08/02/afm-safecoat-the-safest-paint-around/297/chose AFM Safecoat as the "best 'eco paint' available." However, it is a thin paint that sometimes requires an additional coat (depending on the color).

Benjamin Moore Natura is a low-odor, ultralow-VOC latex paint that leaves an incredibly rich finish, almost reminiscent of an alkyd enamel. It's self-priming and very durable.

YOLO Colorhouse is a Portland-based company that boasts a truly premium line of zero-VOC paints. Though custom color-blending is not possible at present, the color selection is very creative, highlighting elemental palettes like "stone" and "air."

EH: What sets Green Painting apart from non-eco and fellow eco painters?

NC: My company is different from standard painting companies in that I not only utilize the latest and most innovative non-toxic paints and finishes, but I stand behind traditional artisan-like practices of using high-quality brushes and tools, which I take care of. Because of this sensibility, I do not consistently purchase cheap products for every project and discard them at the conclusion, like many painting firms out there. As for comparing me to other eco-firms, well there are not any...or very very few. I have not yet come across an interior eco-painting firm that can handle high-end projects, which require a great amount of care and skill.

EH: What motivated you to start Green Painting?

NC: Green Painting came about organically, sorry to use the big buzz word. I spent many summers in California working for my uncle, who is real estate developer. 12 years ago, I painted a huge cabinet in his garage. A couple of years later, a bedroom, then a house. I learned how to utilize the skills of other painters and keep a tidy workspace. Finally one summer, I decided that I could do it myself at home in New England and with the help of friends and registered under the name Smart Painters (because we were all college kids haha). After a couple successful years (with some difficult times as well), I sensed that the industry was clearly moving in the direction of eco-sensibility. Additionally, my step-father, a Scotsman, has always played a strong role in my life. He is a co-founder of an intentional community in England called LifeSpan, which has existed now for 30 years and is still going strong. He is also in the skilled trades sector and utilizes efficient systems.

EH: I am sure some people think eco-paints are boring. What are some cool technics you can achieve and are you limited in your color pallet?

NC: You got that right. It took years to get some of my artist friends to show interest, but people are beginning to realize how important these lifestyle decisions truly are. Our choices will dictate the market, it is basic capitalism...Anyway, Green paints can be cool. The palette now is very wide, in the thousands of shades for almost all eco-lines. Also, even more awesome is the fact that I am now collaborating with a decorative painter/muralist on projects and am helping to educate her on the use of eco-conscious products. She recently finished the Bloomingdale's Christmas Windows and created the whole thing with Benjamin Moore House paints, much less toxic than typical artists paint...Check her out here: www.khuzamistudio.com

EH: What advice do you have to offer a non-green person?

NC: As it says on my Eco-Hookups profile: do the right thing. I think that we all know to some degree that we can make small or large changes to reduce our impact on the planet and make a positive and radical change. We have a lot of momentum. On the more practical, I would say...CFL's obviously, reuse mailers, recycle obviously, don't buy crap, only what you need (that will help your state of mind too). buy food from farmer's markets...there is so much to say here i guess...