15 Odorless, Non Toxic Paint Alternatives For Your Home

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You’ve probably come across the term “non-toxic” in search of great paint for your home’s interiors. Paint manufacturers nowadays may easily slap this label on their products. But, in terms of keeping your home safe and appealing, what can this type of paint truly do? Also, how can you be sure that the one you’re using is as genuinely non-toxic as the manufacturer claims?

Worry not, since we’ll show you the advantages of using non-toxic paint for your home renovation and also provide a list of the top paint products that can be used as alternatives to traditional paints. Read on to discover everything there is to know about them.

What is Non-Toxic Paint?

Having paint at home means that one can easily refurbish furniture. It is also a must-have when you want to change the color of the walls in your home. However, while paint is an essential item, it can also be hazardous to one’s health. Therefore, it is important to understand this tool’s primary components before making a purchase.

Knowing what’s in a can of paint allows you to know what makes it potentially harmful to your health. Similarly, determining the difference between conventional and non-toxic paints is beneficial. This allows consumers like you to adopt a less harmful, yet equally effective, alternative to traditional paints.

The Main Component of Paint

All paints have basic components that make them useful for everyday usage. The pigment, binder, solvent, and additives are all included in this list.

Firstly, pigment is the component that gives paint its color and a dry hide. This component is made up of organic and inorganic colorants. Pigment also has extenders like zinc, silica, and talc. The binder, on the other hand, is in charge of a paint’s washability, fading, and scrubbing resistance. Linseed oil is a popular example of this substance.

Another component of paint is the liquid, sometimes known as the solvent. Two of its most common examples are paint thinner and water. The solvent also enables you to use the paint on a variety of surfaces. Lastly, the additives are another important component of paints. They are the ones that give paintings their rot-resistant properties. Some examples of these are thickening agents and biocides. 

All three of these elements contribute to the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the paint. They are the ones that make them effective to use. However, they are also the reasons why paint can become hazardous.

Conventional Paint

As mentioned earlier, paints belong to two main categories based on the level of chemicals that they contain. One of these categories is known as ‘conventional paint’.

Most VOCs are found in traditional paints, such as ornamental paints. These carbon-based chemicals are added to create the desired effects, as previously stated. These chemicals guarantee that traditional paint can dry rapidly, while preventing mold and mildew from forming.

Some common examples of VOCs are lead, formaldehyde, and benzene, which cause a strong, wet odor to emit from conventional paint. This odor triggers asthma and other respiratory diseases. Similarly, the smell can cause nausea, as well as, eye and skin irritation, or damage to internal organs. As a result, safer alternatives in the form of non-toxic paint are now in high demand and are widely available on the market.

Non-Toxic Paint

Non-toxic paints do not contain the same amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as conventional paints. These paints have a VOC limit of 250 to 380 grams per liter (g/l) according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation. This is significantly less than what is commonly seen in standard paints.

Additionally, non-toxic paint is made of natural components such as those that are based on plants, casein milk, and earth minerals. It also has earth pigments which are found on Earth’s soils and rocky surfaces. These earth pigments are made from natural materials such as clay, chalk, and graphite. Natural paints are water-based as well. This means that they don’t include any potentially dangerous solvents. As a result, they have low VOCs.

However, it is important to note that the zero VOC label on paints does not mean that it is completely free of toxic chemicals. Some non-toxic paints still use other chemicals like color tints and odor-masking ingredients. These substances may contain a small number of VOCs. Nevertheless, they are still considered as generally non-toxic for human health.

Reasons Why You Should Use Non-Toxic Paint

Non-toxic paints are great for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits that you’ll enjoy when you switch to them for your home improvement needs:

Safe to use

Non-toxic paint is safe for you and your family’s health because it contains fewer hazardous compounds. This kind of paint has low VOCs, which means that the air inside your home is free from chemical fumes. Therefore, you can worry less about these chemicals causing negative effects or diseases. If you have kids and pets at home, non-toxic paint is also one of the best options to keeping them healthy.

Odorless

Non-toxic paint has little to no odor due to the low number of VOCs that it contains. In fact, taking a whiff of paint lets you determine whether it’s non-toxic or not. A strong, foul chemical odor indicates a high level of VOCs, whereas a mild or odorless solution suggests low or zero levels of VOCs. So, if you or someone in our household is sensitive to smell, it’s advisable to use non-toxic paint. Choosing this type of paint is the most viable option to keep your home smelling fresh.

Variety of options

Non-toxic paint isn’t only safe, but it also comes in various types, colors, and finishing. You can choose from acrylic, watercolor, chalk, oil, and milk protein-based paints, to name a few. Non-toxic paints are also available in a wide range of hues, so you can easily find the one you like.

You can also achieve a smooth surface for your home’s interiors with any finish that you most prefer. These finishes include satin, matte, and glossy.

Great quality

Have doubts about the quality of non-toxic paints? Well, cast those worries away! Non-toxic paints are proven to be as effective as conventional paints. Like the latter, non-toxic paints have great coverage and adhesion to multiple home interior surfaces. They are ideal for your home furniture, walls, floors, and ceilings. These paints can also be used to give your furniture a distressed look.

Aside from its wide usage, non-toxic paints also dry quickly, and most of them are also washable which makes them easy to clean without ruining their pigmentation.

Suitable for anyone

Whether you’re a beginner in home renovation or an experienced one, non-toxic paint is suitable for you. As it is washable, these paints can be tested on a variety of surfaces, canvases and home interiors before you make a commitment to the style and finish that you prefer.

Eco-friendly

Since non-toxic paints are made from biodegradable ingredients, they do not have any negative impact on the environment. These paints have an ultra-low level of VOC which means that they have little to no toxic chemical emission. This is why non-toxic paints do not contribute to indoor and even outdoor air pollution. Instead, these paints are ideal for daily use.

Cost- effective

Sure, non-toxic paint can be a little expensive compared to conventional paint. But with all the benefits that come from using them, the former is undeniably worth a try. Using these paints might even save you time and money in the long run.

Take for example, the non-toxic paint’s washability which lets you easily strip them off a variety of surfaces. This quality can save you time when changing your wall paint from one color to another.

Above all, using non-toxic paint protects you against the negative consequences of ordinary paints. This saves you money in the long run by avoiding the cost of curing a sickness that conventional paints may have caused.

15 Best Odorless Non-Toxic Paint Options For Your Home

To help revamp your home, here are 15 amazing, odorless, non-toxic paints that you can use:

Non-Toxic Furniture Paint

We’ll start with non-toxic paints that are recommended for use on furniture. They can also be used on walls, but they look best on home furnishings and decorations.

1. Giani Granite Nuvo Cabinet Paint

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You’ll have an easy time beautifying your furniture with this non-toxic paint from Giani Granite. Have an old wooden coffee table that needs styling up? You can rejuvenate it anytime with a quick application of this non-toxic paint for wood. It can even make your table look extra elegant with its satin finish.

2. Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint by Renaissance DIY

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Here’s another excellent non-toxic paint that can give your furniture a fresh look. The Retique It chalk paint can be applied to every piece of furniture that you have. It can also complement your home’s interior decor.

For example, if you are aiming to make a Japandi-inspired home, you can use this paint to incorporate neutral colors. You can also apply it to your living room chairs as well as your kitchen cabinets. This non-toxic acrylic paint even has great color options that can make your furniture look extra charming.

3. Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint

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Need to brighten up your home? With its serenity blue color, the Rust-Oleum non-toxic paint can give your home’s interior a welcoming vibe. You’ll also love its matte finish and pastel colors that are helpful in adding a splash of color to your natural-looking furniture.

Moreover, the Rust-Oleum is great if you want to make your home decor look more unique. For example, if you want to give your entertainment center a distressed look, this paint is simple to apply. You can try this look in your bedroom, dining area, and even in your art studio!

Read more: Which Candles Are Non Toxic

4. Country Chic Chalk Style Paint

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Another non-toxic paint alternative to make your home vibrant is this one from Country Chic. With its Jitterbug color and chalk finish, you can use this paint to add contrast to your room. Furthermore, its dark teal color matches well with both pastels and earthy-colored walls. You can also use it on your living room furniture as well as your bedroom’s. This color will work incredibly for your bedside table and corner shelves too.

Incorporating both a primer and topcoat in one, this non-toxic alternative is convenient to use for any of your home décors.

5. Shabby Chic Chalked Furniture Paint

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Shabby Chic furniture paint gives you even more amazing and safe paint options for your home! These paints are perfect not only for the master bedroom but also for a child’s nursery. Promising a very low VOC content, this non-toxic wood paint is hypoallergenic and thus, safe for young children. It will protect your child and newborns from toxins while also making their room look adorable and stylish.

6. Chalk Mountain Quality Chalk Furniture Paint

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The Shabby Chic furniture paint isn’t the only hypoallergenic product that you can use for kid’s furniture. This Chalk Mountain non-toxic paint is also a good option to consider. It is great for use on your baby’s shelf and closet because it contains no VOC. Furthermore, this paint is odorless which ensures that the baby’s garments are free from lingering chemical smell.

The Chalk Mountain paint is also safe to use for both your walk-in closet and freestanding closet without the worry of the paint’s smell ruining your precious OOTDs! Plus, its bright white color can give your space a pristine appearance.

If you’d like another color though, you can choose from the brand’s varied selection of 52 distinct shades. As this non-toxic paint is water-based, you can mix and match shades without facing difficulty when removing or re-applying each coat.

7. Amy Howard Home One-Step Paint

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Every piece of furniture and home decor, whether wooden or glass, needs to be styled every now and again. You can remodel them whenever you wish with Amy Howard’s chalk paint. This multipurpose paint can be used for a variety of DIY painting projects.

For instance, you can use it to give your vintage dining table a refreshed look. It can even cover up stains and cracks on the table’s surface. Furthermore, this paint is also suitable for glass surfaces. You can apply it to your glass furniture to reduce its transparency or to cover up rust on your furniture’s iron legs.

Non-Toxic Wall Paint

While the above-mentioned furniture paints can be used on walls as well, there are non-toxic paints that are specifically created for this purpose. Thus, they are certain to work and last longer on such surfaces compared to other alternatives. The following are some of the fantastic paints you can use to decorate your home’s walls.

8. Prestige Paints Interior Paint and Primer

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Inspired by the colors used in the movie The Grand Budapest Hotel? You can now incorporate them in your home with the use of this product by Prestige Paints! The brand which offers a multitude of bright colors, reminiscent of the scenes from this iconic Wes Anderson movie, invites you to adorn your home in striking hues of pink, red, purple, blue, and yellow.

 

 

Prestige Paints has one more function that you’ll appreciate. This non-toxic wall paint offers both pigments and primer in one tub! As a result, you can protect your walls against dangerous molds while exploring the height of your creativity. Furthermore, when contrasted to flat-finish paint, this paint can give your home’s walls a silky appearance. This is all thanks to the paint’s satin finish that can add character to your entryways and halls.

Key Features

• Low VOC
• Satin finish

Specifications

• 1 can of water-based non-toxic paint
• ‎Item volume: 128 Fl Oz
• Overall dimensions: 10.69 inches x 9.13 inches x 10.69 inches

Pros

• Excellent finish
• Has bright and neutral color
• No second coating needed
• Affordable

Cons

• Has tiny solid bits within its liquid

9. Rainbow Chalk Markers Chalkboard Paint

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Forget those nausea-inducing conventional paints and try this safe offering from Rainbow Chalk Markers instead! It is designed for chalkboards, making it ideal for kids’ reading corners and their playroom. What’s more, this paint is helpful if you’re making signage for your craft area and kitchen. It is applicable on various surfaces such as wood, metal, and plasterboards, and is also a fantastic choice for decorating your walls. This paint offers excellent coverage, whether you choose to lighten or darken the color of those walls. Ultimately, all of these factors combine to make this a versatile and easy-to-use non-toxic paint option.

Key Features

• Washable
• Non-flammable
• Non-reflective matte finish

Specifications

• 1 pack of non-toxic paint
• Overall dimensions: 2.99 inches x 2.95 inches x 2.8 inches

Pros

• Great to use as a chalkboard wall paint

Cons

• Paint texture is not impressive

 

Non-Toxic Floor Paint

 

The floors of your home need some care and attention too. To make them slip-resistant and pretty to look at, non-toxic paint is a great option that you can use. Here is a product that you can try:

 

Read also: 15 Best Eco Dishwasher Detergent for 2024

10. Rust Bullet DuraGrade Concrete Paint

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Rust Bullet can make your floors appear smooth and luxurious. With its durable formulation, this non-toxic paint acts as a protective coating for your floors. It can keep the friction on floors while also serving as a barrier against chipping and damage.

 

 

Indoors, it is more suitable to use on areas with high traffic. Use it to make your entryway and the living room floors more fascinating. Alternatively, you can also apply this coating on less frequented areas like the attic and basement. The Rust Bullet is also ideal to use for outdoor areas too. You can layer it across your patio, den, porch, walkway, and concrete garden. This non-toxic paint has great adhesion and is weather-resistant.

Key Features

• Low VOC
• Damage resistant
• Versatile

Specifications

• 1 can of non-toxic floor paint
• Item volume: 128 Fl Oz
• Overall dimensions: 6.5 inches x 6 inches x 8 inches

Pros

• Nice appearance
• Makes the floor looks shiny when dry
• Easy to apply
• Durable

Cons

• A little expensive

 

Non-Toxic Ceiling Paint

 

Ceilings are a big deal and should never be overlooked during home renovation. These enclosures make our homes more appealing (and make the room appear larger or cozier), which is why they need proper maintenance. Like the walls, they are also prone to stains and mold. Here are some great products you can use to make sure that your ceilings are protected and looking their best:

 

11. KILZ Color-Change Stainblocking Interior Ceiling Paint

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Tired of those stubborn stains on your ceilings? This non-toxic paint solution from Kilz is what you need. With its strong stain-blocking feature, this paint can cover up those unwanted stains while also preventing them from coming back. It also has a pleasant color and is odorless, enabling you to keep your room free from impurities. Moreover, this ceiling paint has a thick, non-dripping texture. You can apply it on the ceiling without the worry of paint falling and spattering everywhere.

Key Features

• Zero VOC and odorless
• Spatter and stain-resistant
• Color changing and matte finish

Specifications

• 1 can of non-toxic ceiling paint
• Item volume: 128 Fl Oz
• Overall dimensions: 7.2 inches x 7.2 inches x 7.8 inches

Pros

• Smooth, flat, thick finish in one coat
• No scrubbing and wiping needed
• Can make the room smell fresh
• Makes the walls look brand newt

Cons

• White color looks more like creamy yellow
• Color-changing feature is not ideal for rooms with high humidity
• Paint peeled with painter’s tape
• Overpriced

12. Zinnser Ceiling Paint and Primer

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While liquid non-toxic paints are great for the ceiling, you’ll need one that can save your precious time. Discover how you can make home renovation less time-consuming with the help of this paint from Zinnser! Unlike the one from Kilz, the Zinsser is an aerosol ceiling paint. Thus, it dries faster than conventional liquid alternatives.

 

 

What’s more, the Zinsser non-toxic spray paint can reach and provide even coverage across your ceiling’s every nook and cranny. This makes it more convenient to use and is suitable for busy people like you. You just need to shake and spray it on the ceiling’s surface and voila! Problem solved!

Key Features

• Low odor and low VOC
• Paint and primer in one
• Flat finish

Specifications

• 1 aerosol bottle of non-toxic paint
• Item volume: 13 Oz
• Overall dimensions: ‎2.6 inches x 2.6 inches x 8.1 inches

Pros

• Ideal to cover water damage
• Covers well
• Easy to use
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Produces dust of paints
• Shade can be darker
• Thin and drippy

 

Read also: 6 Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent for 2024

Non-Toxic All-Purpose Paint

 

What could be more cost-effective than a reliable, multifunctional paint? The following items work well on a variety of surfaces such as furniture, walls, floors, and ceilings. You can have an easy tool to decorate your home using the following paint options:

 

13. Jolie Paint

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Swap out your conventional paints for these non-toxic alternatives by Jolie Paint. Featuring an elegant, antique white color that will make your furniture look sophisticated, this paint can be applied to your cabinets, bookshelves, kitchen pantry, dining tables, and even walls.

 

 

Whether they’re in the living room or the office, this calming color on your walls can improve the room’s atmosphere. This paint is also gorgeous for your bathroom. Applying it to your bathroom walls can amplify the relaxing vibe in there.

 

 

At the same time, the Jolie Paint can transform your dingy flooring into a dazzling sight. If you want a floor paint color that is easier to maintain, consider a dark brown or black shade instead. After all, Jolie Paint is available in a wide range of hues, perfect for every area of your home.

Key Features

• Low VOC
• Pre-tinted color
• Custom finish

Specifications

• 1 can of non-toxic paint
• Item volume: 32 Fl Oz
• Overall dimensions: 9 inches x 9 inches x 5 inches

Pros

• Nice coverage
• Amazing finished result

Cons

• One can of paint is not enough to cover an entire cubby

 

14. Old Fashioned Milk Paint

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You might not have heard of it yet, but dry powder paint is also an effective way to rejuvenate your home! Take, for example, this one from Old Fashion Milk Paint. Made from earth pigments, this non-toxic paint can replenish your home interiors. It comes in various bold colors which are ideal to help you create a Boho-inspired home.

To use this paint, simply mix the paint powder with water and it’s good to go. Just remember to make the liquid mixture based on the amount that you’ll need to use. Don’t fret if you have a remaining mixture though, because you can preserve it for future use. Just store it in a sealed container and keep it at a room’s temperature.

Key Features

• Zero VOC
• Non-fading paint
• Matte finish

Specifications

• 1 pack of non-toxic milk powder paint
• Overall dimensions: 8 inches x 5 inches x 1.2 inches

Pros

• Gives a cool antique look
• Fun to work with than latex and other paints
• Great coverage
• Easy to use

Cons

• Can be messy to use

15. Soto Multi-purpose Touch-Up Paint

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A home renovation wouldn’t be complete without the presence of a multi-purpose touch-up paint like this one from Soto. This non-toxic paint has a built-in brush that you can just dip before use. Consequently, this tool can effortlessly reach up tight corners of your home, into places an ordinary paint roller can’t. For instance, you can use it to make a quick touch-up on windows, doors, and ceiling corners. Additionally, the Soto paint is ideal for covering chipping paints on the walls and pieces of furniture. It is best used to cover small areas or stains. Likewise, it helps prevents rust from spreading on your metal furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Non Toxic Paint

• Read also: 10 Amazing Eco Friendly Dishwasher Detergent for 2024

  What is the best non-toxic paint?

The best and genuine non-toxic paints are the ones that are made of natural ingredients such as those listed above. Naturally pigmented paints, such as earth pigments and natural chalk pastels, are deemed safe. Together with water and organic binders, these pigments provide a non-toxic versatile paint.

• What is the difference between non-toxic paints and non-toxic primers?

Non-toxic paints and non-toxic primers differ in terms of composition and purpose. First off, non-toxic primers have more resin compared to paint which makes them an effective base for your work. Unlike paint, non-toxic primers don’t have pigment. They also act as the sealant on a surface whereas non-toxic paint is the coat that is applied after it. In terms of VOC content, however, not much is different between the two. Both non-toxic paints and primers are water-based. They both contain fewer VOCs which makes them odorless and safe to use. Many products (like some of the products that we mentioned above) even contain both primers and paints in one. This makes them very convenient to use.

• Are there non-toxic paint mediums like varnish and thinner as well?

Yes. Paint mediums like varnish and thinner can also be toxic-free. Like non-toxic paints, these mediums are water-based and are composed of natural ingredients. For example, paint thinners consisting of natural oils are now available in the market. These are products that are consisting of coconut oil, citrus oil, lavender oil, and soy oil. Similarly, paint varnish that is made of organic materials is better for your health. You can choose one that is washable and plant-based. This type of composition makes both varnish and thinner safer than other conventional alternatives.

• Can you make your non-toxic paints?

Absolutely. Just make sure that you’re using natural and plant-based ingredients. Like some of the products that we mentioned above, you can also use earth pigments and mix them with water and a binder of your choice (such as honey, flour paste, and egg). You can also mix water, salt, and food coloring to create safe, homemade paint. These are just some of the natural ingredients that you can try. If you want more ideas for making non-toxic paints, there are lots of recipes that you can find on the Internet. Just remember to follow the procedure on how to make them so that the finished result is great.

Now that you know the significance of non-toxic paint, you are ready to liven up your home whenever you want! You and your loved ones will also be safe from dangerous chemical scents if you use this paint. With its quality and variety of hues, it may also add to the beauty of your home. To get additional ideas, you can also check out this list of colorful paints that you can try. So, what are you waiting for? Style up your home with non-toxic paints from now on!