Ask Paul Archive
Q: Is there a greener option in spray paint?
If you have ever used a can of spray paint, I am sure you will agree that the smell and toxicity is terrible - and if you use it indoors, the fumes can literally be overwhelming.
Green Depot now carries Rust-Oleum Aqua spray paint, which drastically reduces the odor and toxicity, and even lets you spray indoors. This is a high quality water-based paint that gives you the versitility of spraying large areas, or touching up those difficult hard-to-reach places.
Aqua has excellent adhesion on wood, wicker, metal, plastic, and even styrofoam. The coverage is superior, and it affords a soap and water clean-up. It is weather-resistant, with long-lasting indoor/outdoor durability. Each of the 14 colors is fast-drying, and produces a smooth, glossy finish.
This product will allow you to do many of the projects that you have been putting off because of the ordeal of using a toxic spray paint.
Q: Can you recommend a product that I can use on prefinished hardwood floors to help eliminate the toxic odor being emitted? (From Dabbie)
The odor may be emitting from the wood itself, the liquid finish that was applied, adhesive if used, and/or underpad if it was a floating floor. What you need to do now is to encapsulate the floor with a product that will seal in the odor.
I would recommend wiping the floor down with Hydrogen Peroxide (drug store grade), this will clean the floor and remove any surface oils, then a light scuffing with a nylon "scotchbrite" pad, then rinse with clean water. Then recoat with two coats of Sure Shine floor finish (low-toxic, low odor, fast drying, waterbase polyurethane); this will seal in the odor. You should also seal the perimeter of the floor (where floor goes up against the wall) with a clear caulk. This will stop any odor from coming through this gap. We have used this method numerous times with considerable success.
Q: If I can't afford bamboo or recycled wood cabinets, how can I redo my kitchen so it is 'greener'? (From Sean)
You can have cabinets custom made for you in any style you like, and we can supply your cabinetmaker with the finishing materials to make them safe, such as non-toxic adhesives, sealants, stains, and clear top coats. When used correctly, these products can give you safe, healthy and economical cabinets. Your other choice is to buy existing cabinets, and seal them yourself after installation with a non-toxic sealant.