How good is the paint? Both men described their products as a “mid-grade” paint, that has generally sold well in their markets. Both products have been certified by Green Seal.
Wanting to test the product myself, I asked Segala to send a sample, and Al Beaudry, a southeast Michigan painter for more than 30 years, tried it out on the walls and ceiling of an obliging client who is remodeling his offices in Ann Arbor. Beaudry’s assessment: thumbs up. He noted that the Amazon product is thick, covers well and handles similarly to the paints he regularly uses that cost three to five times as much (Amazon’s price is $13 to $15 a gallon; MetroPaint’s is $9 to $10). Beaudry said he also was impressed that he could get a scrubbable, washable flat latex paint for this price and noted that Amazon’s limited palette was “in the ballpark” of what his clients usually request.
What’s the downside?
The recycled latex paint is not a low-VOC product, which many consumers prefer. VOC refers to the volatile organic chemicals used to manufacture the paint. Most VOCs are released into the air as the paint dries, but a very small residual amount in the dried paint film may continue to off-gas for several weeks. The VOCs can be an irritant to sensitive individuals and have raised health concerns.
What’s the upside? When the overall environmental impact of virgin and recycled paint is compared, the recycled product is the clear winner. No raw materials were procured, and no energy was expended to create the finished product.
Who will pay for the recycling? In the past, recycled paint programs, including Amazon’s and Metro’s paint, were subsidized by state and local governments. Because of the high cost involved, only a dozen programs have been established.
In the new program devised by the paint manufacturers, users will now pay for the recycling through a surcharge added to the price of each can of paint. For a gallon size, the charge is 75 cents.
The program is being rolled out on a state-by-state basis. The first one, now up and running, was Oregon’s (it is now funding MetroPaint). California’s program will begin next year and Connecticut’s in 2013.
In the meantime, where can you purchase recycled paint? MetroPaint is sold throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amazon is sold in California, Oklahoma and Minnesota and to stores throughout the United States that specialize in green building products.
Katherine Salant has an architecture degree from Harvard. A native Washingtonian, she grew up in Fairfax County and now lives in Michigan. If you have questions or would like to suggest topics for coverage, contact her by e-mail at or at katherinesalant.com.
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