Graphenstone (cradle-to-cradle lime-based paints)
Graphenstone is a cradle-to-cradle-certified vegan paint (not tested on animals) with a free colour chart (white and 96 colours), all based on lime, and as affordable as other main brands.
The range includes:
- Matt and eggshell paints
- Air-purifying paint
- Nursery-friendly paints
- Heritage paints for listed homes
- Wood varnish
- Trade paints for decorators
Most house paints contain volatile organic compounds (which release gases to cause headaches and illness). No paint can be 100% green, as it needs preservatives (even washing clay causes VOCs). But look for brands that are zero or virtually zero VOC (low VOCs is just greenwash).
Use with eco-friendly decorating tools.
Keeping Safe with House Paints
- Paint preservative can be fatal in inhaled (true of all paint), so keep children, pets and pregnant/nursing women out of painted rooms, until dry and aired. Titanium (also found in cosmetics and sunscreen) is also pet-toxic, so keep away from wet walls or use titanium-dioxide-free paints.
- Lime-based paints can help to prevent mould and mildew (good to help prevent crib death (along with other factors) but all good green paints should let walls breathe anyway.
- For older homes buy a lead paint test kit, as this element can harm. It’s best to have professionals remove it, as you need PPE and special methods to avoid dust/fumes.
Where to Donate Unwanted Paint
Give old paint cans to Community Repaint where it’s used up to do up local eyesores or passed on (trade decorators can also get involved). Or enter your postcode at Paintcare to find outlets.
