Running head: ORGANIC PAINT VERSUS INORGANIC PAINT 1

Organic Paint Versus Inorganic Paint

Mary J. Pearson
Global High School











ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 2
Table of Contents
Abstract.............................................................................................................................3
Introduction.......................................................................................................................4
Denition of Organic Paint............................................................................................... 4
Components of Paint....................................................................................................... 5
Casein Binders................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 1. Components of Powdered Milk.............................................................. 6
Organic Pigments............................................................................................................ 6
Glob colors............................................................................................................ 7
The Earth Pigments Company.............................................................................. 7
Figure 2. Most Vibrant of Each Pigment Type............................................ 7
Homemade Paint............................................................................................................. 8
Health Risks of Inorganic Paint........................................................................................ 8
Outgassing and VOCs.......................................................................................... 8
Possible side effects of inorganic paints............................................................... 9
Organic Alternative to Inorganic Solvents...................................................................... 10
Conclusion......................................................................................................................10
References.................................................................................................................... 12
Appendix A......................................................................................................................14
Figure A.1 Percent of Natural Substances in EarthPigmentsCompany Pigments..14

ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 3
Abstract
Organic paint is made from pure, natural ingredients (Elaun, 2011). Paint is made from
a pigment, which is the color in the paint, and a binder, which is the glue that pigments
are suspended in (Steen, 2006). Natural pigments help ght against adverse health
effects found in inorganic paint. The Earth Pigments Company and Glob Colors are two
companies that produce completely organic, natural pigments (Phelps, 2013). Inorganic
manufactured paints contain solvents that outgas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
as they dry. VOCs can cause a range of health hazards, such as drowsiness,
headaches, dizziness, feelings of intoxication, fatigue, mental confusion, increased
heart rate, nausea, loss of coordination, convulsions, and even death (Spandorfer,
Curtiss, & Snyder, 2010). The VOCs in wall paint alone contribute 9% of the pollutants
in the air that cause greenhouse gases and smog. The South Coast Air Quality
Management District in California has the strictest limits on VOCs in wall paint, with the
allowable amount of VOCs in wall paint as 50 g/L. The EPA has proposed cutting the
amount of VOCs allowed in paint in half for most nishes (Casa Verde Paint, 2011). An
organic alternative to these volatile inorganic solvents is an orange oil (d-Limonene),
which is a natural solvent contains no carcinogenic or neurotoxin hazards (Florida
Chemical Company, Inc., n.d.).
Keywords: VOCs, casein, binders, solvents, pigments, inorganic manufactured,
homemade paint


ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 4
Introduction
Organic paint is made from biodegradable, pure ingredients (Elaun, 2011). All
paint goes through the drying and curing process called outgassing. This is what causes
the odor of fresh paint, and is the reason you should wait to move into a newly painted
room (Dex Media, Inc., n.d.). Mixing your own paint is benecial for your health and the
environment. Natural ingredients like egg yolks and milk casein allow for the moisture in
paint to be released naturally (Steen, 2006). Some companies, such as The Earth
Pigments Company and Glob Colors specialize in making organic pigments for paint.
Glob Colors uses fruits and vegetables, where The Earth Pigments Company uses soils
(Phelps, 2013; The Earth Pigments Company, 2013). Different paints have different
ingredients and therefore have varying degrees of health effects. There is less
outgassing in natural paint and therefore less impact on the environment and your
health (Benivia LLC, n.d.). Inorganic manufactured paints contain Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs), which help the paint dry, but cause massive damage to the
environment and to human health (Casa Verde Paint, 2011; Steen, 2006).
Denition of Organic Paint
There are many denitions of what organic paint means. Spramani Elaun (2011)
describes it as: ...made with ingredients that are biodegradable and pure ingredients.
Simply stated, ingredients grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage#sludge,
genetically modied organisms or without ionizing radiation. It could also be described
as: ...made from substances naturally found in nature... (with) no toxic chemicals, (Dex
Media, Inc., n.d.). By either of these denitions, organic paint is easier on your home
ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 5
than manufactured inorganic paint, which is energy-intensive to produce (Steen, 2006).
Despite common misconceptions, organic paints can stand up to everyday use. They
can perform with similar amounts of durability and coverage as traditional manufactured
paints (Dex Media, Inc., n.d.).
Components of Paint
The most basic paint is made up of a pigment and a binder. Pigments provide the
color, and the binder is the glue the pigment is suspended in. Without the binder,
pigments would not remain glued to a surface. Fillers and solvents are an optional
additive to paint. Fillers add different textures and bulk to paint. Common llers include
whiting (powdered chalk), talcum, limestone, silica and marble. Solvents are thinners
that allow paint consistency to be easily controlled. Solvents are what cause VOCs to
be emitted. Natural solvents, such as citrus thinners and natural turpentine, still emit
VOCs, but at a very low level (Steen, 2006). (See the Outgassing and VOCs section of
this paper for more on VOCs in paint).
Casein Binders
There are many natural binders, such as linseed oil, starch (from ower), egg
yolk tempura, and casein (a protein found in milk). Casein binders make great paint for
interior surfaces, exterior surfaces in mild and non-humid climates, bare wood, stone,
bare drywall, wallpaper, masonry, and even previously painted surfaces. After drying,
casein paint will last indenitely without being prone to fungal growth (Steen, 2006).
ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 6
Casein can be harvested from milk a number of ways. Adding distilled white
vinegar to nonfat milk causes the milk to curdle by isolating the casein protein,
separating from the liquid whey in the milk. A cream of hydrated lime and water will
dissolve the curds, creating a smooth syrup-like solution that is known as quark (Alan,
2011). Since the quark is made from natural, fresh ingredients without added
preservatives, it only keeps for ten days at the most.
Other methods for making a milk casein binder include
adding borax to the curds instead of lime to induce
hydrolysis to occur (Fraley, 2011).
An alternative source of casein is dried nonfat
milk. This nonfat milk powder is made from
depredating milk that has been removed of most of its fat
content. Casein protein is the most abundant protein in nonfat milk powder.
Approximately 36% of the milk powder is protein and the other 54% is lactose, as
shown in Figure 1 (Lee, 2011).
Organic Pigments
The most common sources of pigments include: Inorganic minerals and metals,
(natural or manufactured) ground into a ne powder, organic (animal and plant)
substances, and synthetic (chemical) manufactured (Spandorfer, Curtiss, & Snyder,
2010). Different companies, such as Glob Colors and The Earth Pigments Company,
specialize in natural paints.

Figure 1. Components
of Powdered Milk
ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 7
Glob Colors
Glob Colors was founded by Ashley Phelps, an artist that was tired of chemical
additives in paint and their adverse reactions to her skin and body. She heard about
natural products used to make wall paint and cosmetics, and she wondered why there
werent natural alternatives for the arts. She developed Glob paint, which only uses
natural, botanical sources for the colors. The pigments in beets, purple carrots, turmeric,
and red cabbage, as well as beta-carotene from oranges, tomatoes, carrots, and
marigolds, produce vibrant pigment powders (Phelps, 2013).
The Earth Pigments Company
The Earth Pigments Company provide a wide variety of powdered pigments.
1
The Natural Earth & Ocher
Pigments, as well as the
Colonial Natural Pigments, are
100% natural, made from soils
native to the Earth, and contain
no man-made colorants. The
colors are moderately vibrant,
with some blues and greens, but
mostly reds, yellows, and
browns. The most vibrant color of
each pigment type is displayed in Figure 2. The French Mineral Pigments are over 90%
Figure 2. Most Vibrant of Each Pigment Type

Comparison graph in Appendix A

1
ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 8
natural, and have vibrant blues, greens, reds, and yellows. The Mayan Pigments are
made with the same processes used by the Mayans to make pigments, making them
100% natural. They are intensely vibrant, even to the point of bold neon. The only non-
natural pigments offered by The Earth Pigments Company is the Oxide Pigments, which
are inorganic manufactured pigments made from natural components such as iron and
clay (The Earth Pigments Company, 2013).
Homemade Paint
Organic paint can be bought or made. Homemade paint provides complete
control over color selection, and has a range of unique nishes that are not found in
manufactured paint. Different binders create different paint textures, and llers create
manipulable textures depending on the ller and the amount added. (Steen, 2006)
Health Risks of Inorganic Paint
Outgassing and VOCs
Outgassing is, ...that new smell in wood, furniture, carpet and that nice fresh
coat of paint on the wall. It is part of the drying and curing process of paint. (Dex Media,
Inc., n.d.). VOCs in wall paint alone make up 9% of the pollutants in the air that cause
greenhouse gases and smog, which contribute directly to global warming. Many areas
have enforced stricter limits on wall paint. Californias South Coast Air Quality
Management District dropped the allowable amount of VOCs in wall paint to 50 g/L, and
charges fees to companies that exceed this limit. The EPA has proposed cutting the
maximum amount of VOCs allowed in half (Casa Verde Paint, 2011). Solvents, which
ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 9
control the consistency of paints, outgas and evaporate VOCs as the paint drys, which
can cause many side effects, ranging from mild to fatal (Steen, 2006).
Possible side effects of inorganic paints
Prolonged inhalation, ingestion, or absorption of solvents (found in inorganic
manufactured paint) in large amounts can lead to drowsiness, headaches, dizziness,
feelings of intoxication, fatigue, mental confusion, increased heart rate, nausea, and
loss of coordination. High-level exposure may also cause breathing difculty,
convulsions, kidney damage, and even death. Painting in a non-enclosed space with
plenty of ventilation will help ght against the side effects of VOC emissions. Jackson
Pollock, also known as Jack the Dripper, suffered neurological disorders from working
in a VOC-lled studio from his paints. Aromatic, chlorinated, and aliphatic hydrocarbons
are easily absorbed by the skin and can cause both short-term and long-term effects on
the nervous system (Spandorfer, Curtiss, & Snyder, 2010).
Epoxy paint contains isocyanates which outgas off for several hours to several
days. Without proper ventilation, it can cause many adverse health effects (Benivia LLC,
n.d.). Low odor or pleasant odor in solvents does not correlate with low VOC emissions.
Deodorized solvents may be less toxic, but may still cause headaches and drowsiness.
Solvents also can cause rapid deterioration of contact lenses (Spandorfer, Curtiss, &
Snyder, 2010).


ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 10
Organic Alternative to Inorganic Solvents
Orange oil (d-Limonene) solvents are extracted from orange, as well as other
citrus fruit, peels. It is readily available and can be purchased from hardware stores, or
directly from the citrus industry. More powerful than mineral spirits or petrochemical
solvents, this natural alternative contains no carcinogenic or neurotoxin hazards, and is
biodegradable (Spandorfer, Curtiss, & Snyder, 2010).
The orange oil is pressed out of orange peels and then distilled, forming food
grade d-Limonene. After this process, the orange peals are conveyed to a steam
extractor. When the steam is condensed, and there is oil oating on the surface, which
is technical grade d-Limonene. d-Limonene has solubility properties that resemble the
traditional solvents, but is natural and extremely safe (Florida Chemical Company, Inc.,
n.d.).
Conclusion
Inorganic manufactured paint causes great harm to the health of humans and the
environment (Casa Verde Paint, 2011; Steen, 2006). VOCs in paint cause a range of
health affects, from headaches to neurological disorders (Spandorfer, Curtiss, & Snyder,
2010), and contribute 9% of the pollutants greenhouse gases that are harming the
environment (Casa Verde Paint, 2011). There are many organic alternatives, from
homemade to organic manufactured paint. Natural paint binders include linseed oil,
starch (from ower), egg yolk tempura, and casein (a protein found in milk). Casein
binders specically adhere cleanly to many interior and exterior surfaces, including but
not limited to bare wood, stone, bare drywall, and wallpaper (Steen, 2006). The most
ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 11
harmful part of inorganic manufactured paint is the solvent, which is what allows the
paint to dry as it evaporates (Spandorfer, Curtiss, & Snyder, 2010). An organic
alternative to these harmful solvents is orange oil (d-Limonene), which is more powerful
than typical mineral spirits or petrochemical solvents, and contains no carcinogenic or
neurotoxin hazards (Florida Chemical Company, Inc., n.d.). There are many healthy
alternatives to these harmful chemicals that do not require vibrancy or texture to be
compromised, which can lower the adverse effects on human health and the
environment.











ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 12
References
Alan, E. [EarthPigmentsCompany]. (2011, May 3). Homemade Milk Paint. [Video File].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb2pE6Ge-0Q
Benivia, LLC. (n.d.). Paint and your health. Environment, Health and Safety Online.
Retrieved from http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/epoxypaint.htm
Casa Verde Paint. (2011). Clearing the air: Understanding VOCs. Casa Verde Paint.
Retrieved from http://www.casaverdepaint.com/clearing-the-air-understand.html
Dex Media, Inc. (n.d.). What is organic paint? SuperTips. Retrieved from http://
www.superpages.com/supertips/organic-paint.html
Elaun, S. (2011). What does organic, non-toxic or natural art supplies mean? Nature of
Art for Kids. Retrieved from http://www.ecokidsart.com/what-does-organic-non-
toxic-or-natural-art-supplies-mean/
Florida Chemical Company, Inc. (n.d.). What is d-limonene? Inside Florida Chemical.
Retrieved from http://www.oridachemical.com/whatisd-limonene.htm
Fraley, M. (2011). Recipe for the casein binder. Casein Painting. Retrieved from http://
caseinpainting.blogspot.com/2011/05/simple-recipe-for-casein-binder.html
Lee, M. (2011). Skim milk powder vs. whey protein powder. Live Strong. Retrieved from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/387006-skim-milk-powder-vs-whey/
Phelps, A. (2013). All natural food colors. Glob Colors. Retrieved from http://
globiton.com/blogs/blog?page=2
ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 13
Spandorfer, M., Curtiss, D., & Snyder, J. (2010). Safe painting (ne art). Nontoxicprint.
Retrieved from http://www.nontoxicprint.com/safepainting.htm
Steen, B. (2006). Make safe, natural paint. Mother Earth News. Retrieved from http://
www.motherearthnews.com/diy/make-safe-natural-paint.aspx
















ORGANIC PAINT VS. INORGANIC PAINT 14
Appendix A
Figure A.1 Percent of Natural Substances in EarthPigmentsCompany Pigments
All types of The Earth Pigments Company Pigments, except for Oxide Pigments which
is 0% natural, are over 90% natural (EarthPigmentsCompany, 2011).

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Pigment Type
Natural Earth & Ocher Colonial Natural French Mineral Mayan Oxide
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