Low-VOC paints release fewer volatile organic compounds into the air while they dry, which means less smell and less exposure to chemicals indoors. In New Zealand the simplest way to choose one is to look for an independent ecolabel such as Eco Choice Aotearoa on the tin, check the product data sheet for its VOC content, and ventilate well while painting and curing.
Key Takeaways
- VOCs are gases released by many paints, finishes and building products as they dry and cure.
- The US Environmental Protection Agency says indoor levels of many VOCs are consistently higher than outdoors, up to ten times higher.
- “Low-VOC” has no single legal definition on a New Zealand tin, so an independent ecolabel is the most reliable guide.
- Tints can add VOCs to a base paint, so ask about the tinted product, not just the base.
- Ventilate during and after painting, whatever the label says.
What Are VOCs and Why Do They Matter?
Volatile organic compounds are chemicals emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Paints, varnishes, adhesives, cleaning products and new furniture can all release them. According to the US EPA, concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors, up to ten times higher than outdoors, and during and for several hours after activities such as paint stripping, levels can reach 1,000 times background outdoor levels.
The EPA lists short-term effects including eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness. Some organic compounds can damage the liver, kidneys or nervous system at higher exposures, and some are suspected or known to cause cancer. Effects depend on the chemical, the level and how long people are exposed.
Why it matters in commercial interiors
Shops, cafes and offices are often painted shortly before opening, then filled with staff who spend all day in them. A shorter smell period and lower exposure make it easier to open on schedule and are kinder to the people working there. Low-VOC products also help projects aiming for a green building rating.
Low-VOC, Zero-VOC and No Added VOC: What the Labels Mean
| Label | What it usually means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Low-VOC | Lower VOC content than conventional paint | The actual VOC figure on the data sheet, since there is no single NZ threshold for the term |
| No added VOC or zero VOC | No VOCs added in manufacture; trace amounts may remain | Whether the tint or additives you choose add VOCs back |
| Ecolabelled (e.g. Eco Choice Aotearoa) | Independently assessed against published criteria, including VOC limits by product type | That the specific product and colour base is covered by the licence |
How to Choose Low-VOC Paint in New Zealand
- Look for an independent ecolabel. Eco Choice Aotearoa (formerly Environmental Choice New Zealand) is the country’s official ecolabel and has a product finder for certified products, including paints.
- Read the technical data sheet. It gives the VOC content, recoat times and curing information. Ask the supplier if it is not on the tin.
- Ask about the tint. Colourants can add VOCs. Some manufacturers offer tinters with no added VOCs.
- Match the product to the surface. Wet areas, high-traffic walls, joinery and floors need different coatings. A low-VOC wall paint is not a substitute for the right floor or joinery finish.
- Consider the whole system. Primers, sealers, fillers and adhesives also release VOCs. There is little benefit in a low-VOC top coat over a solvent-heavy primer.
- Check green building requirements. The New Zealand Green Building Council publishes the eco-labels and indoor air quality schemes it recognises for Green Star projects.
An example of what New Zealand manufacturers offer
Resene, for example, says it has held Eco Choice Aotearoa approval for paints since 1996, sells a no-added-VOC version of its Zylone Sheen wall paint (Zylone Sheen Zero) and developed tinters with no added VOCs. It also states that the average VOC content per litre of its decorative paint sales has dropped by more than 90% since 1980 (Resene). Those are the manufacturer’s own figures. Other brands also hold ecolabel licences for some products, so compare specific products on the Eco Choice Aotearoa finder rather than relying on brand claims.
Are Low-VOC Paints as Durable?
Most modern water-based wall paints perform well, and paint makers have moved much of their range to water-based formulas. Durability depends more on choosing the right product for the surface, preparing it properly and allowing full curing time than on the VOC label alone. For hard-wearing areas, check the manufacturer’s scrub or wear rating on the data sheet and ask for a sample on the actual surface.
How to Reduce VOC Exposure When Painting
- Ventilate. The EPA’s first recommendation is to increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs. Keep windows open and fans running during painting and for some time after.
- Follow the label. Meet or exceed the precautions on the tin and data sheet.
- Allow curing time before opening. Build it into the fit-out programme instead of painting the night before opening.
- Buy only what you need, and store or dispose of leftovers safely, as the EPA advises. Many councils and retailers run paint take-back schemes.
- Plan the sequence. Paint before soft furnishings go in, since fabrics and foams can absorb odours.
Low-VOC Materials Beyond Paint
Paint is only one source of VOCs in a new interior. Adhesives, sealants, engineered timber products, carpets and furniture can also release them, especially when new. On commercial projects, specify low-emission products across the finishes schedule and ventilate the space before it opens. Natural materials can help too: at Icebreaker‘s airport store, Studio Gascoigne used New Zealand pine and ply, natural timber flooring, stone tiles and a wall of real New Zealand moss, with walls finished in cementitious paint.
Studio Gascoigne specifies materials, finishes and lighting as part of its commercial interior design and retail design services, alongside the documentation a contractor needs to price and build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are low-VOC finishes and why do they matter?
They are paints and coatings that release fewer volatile organic compounds as they dry. The US EPA says indoor VOC levels are often up to ten times higher than outdoors and can spike far higher during and after some painting work, so lower-emission products reduce exposure and odour.
How do I choose low-VOC paint in New Zealand?
Look for an independent ecolabel such as Eco Choice Aotearoa, check the VOC figure on the technical data sheet, ask whether the tint adds VOCs, and choose the right product for the surface.
Is zero-VOC paint completely free of VOCs?
Usually not entirely. Labels such as no added VOC mean none were added in manufacture, but trace amounts can remain and tints can add more. Check the tinted product’s data sheet.
Are low-VOC paints safe?
They reduce exposure compared with conventional solvent-based paints, but you should still ventilate well and follow the label precautions, especially for people who are sensitive to odours or chemicals.
Can I use low-VOC paint in a high-traffic area?
Yes, if you choose a product rated for that use. Check the manufacturer’s wear or scrub rating, prepare the surface properly and allow full curing time before heavy use.
How long should I ventilate after painting?
Ventilate during painting and for as long as there is noticeable odour, and follow the curing times on the data sheet. The EPA notes VOC levels can remain elevated for several hours after some activities.
Sources: US EPA, Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality; Eco Choice Aotearoa; Resene environmental information page; New Zealand Green Building Council recognised eco-labels list; Studio Gascoigne project pages (Icebreaker, Glassons).
