eicó – Environmentally Friendly Paint

eicó paints are manufactured in Iceland and Sweden to exacting environmental standards, using 100% geothermal or hydropower energy, making the production process carbon positive. As eicó paints themselves have one of the lowest VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) ratings of any paint sold in the UK, it is ideal for any residential or commercial application as it has practically no odour. This has also made it a favourite for both hospitals and schools, and in particular popular for people suffering from allergies. Preserving our environment doesn’t mean compromising on quality. 
eicó gives wonderful coverage for both internal and external use, it can be tinted to any colour and has superior colour retention. eicó paint is designed for longevity and durability and what’s more, its washable up to 2000 times.

eico paints – based in Fulham has taken its manufacturing out to Iceland. Talking to its Managing Director, Rishi Subeathar he explains why:

“Many manufacturers state that they produce acrylic paint, but few admit to manufacturing 100% pure acrylic, which is what is needed to produce the very best quality paint. The reason why manufacturers will skimp on this is obvious. To achieve pure acrylic, you do require enormous amounts of energy, which in turn will add both to the cost and the carbon footprint.

By manufacturing paint in Iceland however, the energy comes from 100% free geothermal and hydro-power energy. This means that not only can we control costs, but also the manufacturing process is 100% carbon neutral.

Our paints also have one of the lowest VOC percentage of any paint in the UK market, which is one of the reasons why we are the paint of choice for allergy and asthma sufferers and have been approached to supply paint for numerous hospital and school refurbishment projects.”

Your Questions Answered; 
My bathroom looks like it has oil based gloss paint on it. Can I paint straight on to it using eicó paint?
You cannot paint a water-based paint directly on to an oil product. We would recommend that you paint it with Aqua Grepp Alterior primer before applying the eicó paint.

Can you paint directly over wallpaper?
Normally yes. Ideally it is always best to strip the wall if you are planning on painting it, but if you want to make your life easier, then you can paint directly onto it depending on the wallpaper. If the wallpaper has a gloss or is shiny, the water-based eicó may not react well with the surface, in which case you may need to use a primer first. Before starting painting, make sure you have an even surface, with any loose bits of paper pasted down and any holes filled.

We would like to paint both our indoor and outdoor woodwork with eicó satin. Can we use the same primer for both indoor and outdoor?
It is simpler to use one product for both – we would recommend using Aqua Grepp Alterior primer.

Can I use eico paint water based directly on a child cot-bed that has varnish wood colour?
Firstly you need to sand it down to bare wood and use a water based primer. For “The top coat” you can use eicó alterior eggshell (sheen level 20%) or eicó alterior satin (sheen level 30%)

What are VOCs and why are they harmful?
Volatile Organic Compounds is the collective term for any organic compound having an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250°C measured at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa. Though not all VOCs are harmful, the term is predominantly associated with chemicals generated from burning fuel, oil, gas and diesel exhausts or emitted from paints, solvents and glue. The procedure occurs when liquid turns solid – which happens when paint dries. These chemicals can linger for several weeks after application.

VOCs are not only harmful to the environment, forming ground-level ozone or smoke and thus contributing to the climate change, but to humans and animals as well. In particular the chemically sensitive, asthma sufferers, those with respiratory problems, eye, nose and throat irritations or allergies are at risk when exposed to newly painted areas. With some of the compounds being listed as carcinogens they aren’t exactly healthy to anyone else either.

Fortunately there is hope…..
eicó’s Zero VOCs range does not only offer a superior finish to interior walls but, as you may have guessed from the name, it reassuringly contains no harmful VOCs whatsoever. With independent tests concluding eicó Zero VOC contains 0% VOCs, we can all benefit from using them in our homes, schools, hospitals and offices. eicó Zero VOC also offers complete peace of mind for parents, being the perfect choice when decorating children’s bedrooms and nurseries. Despite its green credentials, this paint with a conscience does not compromise on quality but offers an extensive colour palette to suit you.
 

Watching paint dry may still bore you to death but now it won’t literally kill you.