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Apartment Therapy published a guide explaining how homeowners can compare low- and zero-VOC paints, chemical-emissions certifications and primers. It says VOC content, emissions and odor are different measures, and that paint performance and coverage depend on more than VOC levels.
Apartment Therapy has published a guide to choosing eco-friendly paint for the home, explaining how to compare low- and zero-VOC labels with chemical-emissions certifications and practical needs such as stain blocking. The article, produced in partnership with paint maker BEHR, features advice from Greg Williams, BEHR’s director of sustainability; its product information should be read with that commercial relationship in mind.
The guide defines volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as compounds that can evaporate into the air during painting and as paint dries. It says VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution, making VOC content one factor to weigh when selecting interior paint. But the article cautions that a VOC figure alone does not describe all chemical emissions or how much a paint smells.
Williams said VOC content, chemical emissions and odor are related but distinct. A zero-VOC label refers to the product’s VOC content; emissions testing measures what a product releases into the air. The source says a zero-VOC paint may still release small amounts of chemicals as it dries, and that a paint’s low odor does not by itself establish that it has low VOC content.
The article lists several BEHR interior paints as examples: ULTRA, MARQUEE and DYNASTY are described as low-VOC products at less than 50 grams per liter; PREMIUM PLUS is described as zero VOC. It also says those products are GREENGUARD Gold certified. The guide identifies BEHR ECOMIX as a zero-VOC, low-odor paint with a minimum of 20% plant-based ingredients, and says it holds USDA biobased certification and GREENGUARD Gold certification. These are claims and product details reported in the source, not an independent comparison of brands.
Primer is part of the decision, the guide says, because its emissions and odor may matter alongside those of the topcoat. It recommends first identifying what the wall needs—such as general priming or heavier stain blocking—and then comparing product attributes. It names KILZ 2 as a low-VOC general-purpose option and KILZ 3 PREMIUM as a low-VOC stain-blocking and adhesion product, listing the latter at less than 5 grams per liter. The article also discusses water-based primers for difficult stains and odors.
What Paint Labels Can Tell Homeowners
For people painting bedrooms or other frequently used rooms, the guide’s practical point is that one label cannot answer every indoor-air question. A low- or zero-VOC figure provides information about VOC content, while an emissions certification addresses a different measure. Odor is another separate consideration. Comparing these attributes may help buyers choose a product that better fits their priorities, but the labels should not be treated as interchangeable guarantees about everything a paint releases.
The distinction also matters for project planning. A low- or zero-VOC topcoat does not settle the question if the primer has different characteristics. Matching the primer to the wall’s condition and the intended finish can matter as much as choosing a paint label. The source also says that lower VOC content does not inherently mean weaker coverage or less vibrant color; pigments, resins, paint base, wall condition, application and the size of the color change all play a part.
Because the article was published in partnership with BEHR and highlights BEHR and KILZ products, readers should treat its product examples as manufacturer-linked information. It offers a vocabulary for comparing labels, but it does not report independent testing across competing brands or establish that one listed product is best for every household.
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VOC Content Versus Air Emissions
The source guide addresses a common point of confusion in paint marketing: terms such as zero VOC, low VOC and low odor do not describe the same property. It presents VOC content as a product characteristic and emissions certification as a separate measure of what is released into indoor air. Its central recommendation, attributed to Williams, is to consider the overall set of product information rather than relying on a single number.
It also connects paint selection to the full job, not just the final coat. The article’s examples cover different needs, including general-purpose priming, stain resistance, adhesion and odor control. It says zero- and low-VOC products are designed for different performance levels, and Williams argued that VOC level should not be used by itself to judge performance. The source does not provide a comparative test methodology or results for the products it names.
Limits of the Product Comparisons
The source does not provide independent test results comparing BEHR products with other brands, nor does it describe the testing protocols behind each product claim. It is also not clear from the article what a zero-VOC label means under every applicable standard, or how emissions vary with application conditions, room ventilation, drying time and specific ingredients. The guide says zero-VOC paint can still release small amounts of chemicals as it dries, but does not quantify those emissions.
The source does not establish that the named products are suitable for every surface, health concern or project. Product specifications can change, and homeowners should check current packaging and technical information for the exact paint and primer they plan to use. The article’s partnership with BEHR is disclosed, but it does not include perspectives from independent researchers or public-health authorities.
Check Labels Before Painting
Homeowners comparing paints can start by identifying the room and wall conditions, then check the current product label and technical documentation for VOC content, emissions certifications, primer compatibility and intended performance. Those details should be considered separately rather than treating “low odor” as proof of low VOC content or a zero-VOC claim as a complete emissions assessment. Follow the manufacturer’s application and ventilation directions, and allow the product to dry as specified.
The Apartment Therapy report does not announce a regulatory change or a new independent standard. Its next practical step for readers is product-level comparison before purchase; the source gives no timetable for further reporting or additional testing. What remains necessary is clearer, comparable information across brands about emissions and performance under consistent conditions.
Key Questions
What does VOC mean on a paint label?
VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can evaporate into the air during painting and drying. The source says VOC content is one factor to consider because these compounds can contribute to indoor air pollution.
Does zero VOC mean a paint releases nothing into the air?
No. The guide says zero VOC refers to VOC content, while emissions testing measures what a product releases into the air. It notes that zero-VOC paint may still give off small amounts of chemicals as it dries.
Does low odor mean low VOC?
Not necessarily. The source distinguishes odor from VOC content and chemical emissions; a weak smell does not by itself show that a paint is low VOC.
Will lower-VOC paint cover less well?
The guide says VOC level does not inherently determine coverage or color vibrancy. It points to factors including pigments, resins, paint base, wall condition, application and the size of the color change.
Should I check the primer as well as the paint?
Yes. The source says primer is part of the decision when VOCs, emissions or odor are priorities. Choose it based on the wall’s needs, such as general priming or stain blocking, and check its own product information.
Source: apartmenttherapy.com
