COLOR 101

There's a reason why color is so important to you. Learn more about the science of color.

Choose less toxic paints and breathe clean indoor air while preserving the Earth.

Landfilling is an unnecessary expense because leftover paint, in most cases, is still a usable product.

COLOR 101 - Why Color Matters

Considering how color makes you feel and what it says about you, is it any wonder that color is one of the most important decorating decision you'll make?

Color is a language. Color is one of the most fulfilling elements in our lives. Color can attract your attention or change your mood. It speaks to who you are, how you feel and where you're going. At Sherwin-Williams, we can help you put together the perfect colors for your life.

Color is one of the first things you notice when you walk into a room. Is it any wonder that color, and how you use it, is one of the most important decorating decisions you'll make in your home? Inside your home, the latest colors and the way they're applied give voice to your personality and décor.

Color sets a mood. From floor to ceiling, paint color reflects your style and makes a personal statement of what home means to you.

• Color unites one-of-a-kind accent pieces with manufactured items throughout your home.
• Electrifying hues, inspired by technology, bring a touch of whimsy to spaces that also feature natural carved wood, woven textiles and wrought iron.
• Bright colors are further enhanced when paired with large areas of negative space.

THINKING GREEN - Non-Toxic Paints

Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes.

Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.

New environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human and environmental health.

Types of Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes

• Natural Paints and Finishes - These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils; natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum; milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paints is uncommon. These paints are the safest for your health and for the environment.
• Zero VOC - Any paint with VOC's in the range of 5 grams/liter or less can be called "Zero VOC", according to the EPA. Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOC's", but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides with some VOC's. Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter, which is still quite low.
• Low VOC - Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents. These certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOC's.

DWS Painting offers responsible options that meet the most stringent requirements without sacrificing durability. For more information please call (530) 272-8244.

- Article courtesy of Earth Easy

RECYCLING PAINT

Once your painting project is finished...As with any painting project, latex paint is often purchased in greater quantities than needed. Rather than dispose of the leftover paint, it can be used or reprocessed to make a high-quality, economical, recycled paint for use in place of standard latex paint.

The average household stockpiles 1 to 3 gallons of excess paint per year, according to several studies. In California, unless latex paint is reused or recycled, it it considered a hazardous waste and must be disposed of in a Class I hazardous waste landfill. Landfilling is an unnecessary expense because leftover paint, in most cases, is still a usable product. Purchasing recycled paint creates a market demand that helps build a convenient collection infrastructure.

HOW TO RECYCLE PAINT:

Take all your leftover oil-base, latex and paint related products to the McCourtney Road Transfer Station for recycling. That includes aerosol spray paint cans that are not empty. It's free!