This is a detailed overview of Home Depot’s no-VOC and low-VOC paints. I explain which chemicals are banned by Home Depot and look at each 0-VOC paint to dig into its specs, certifications, and warnings.
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Chemicals of Concern Eliminated
Home Depot no longer allows the following in their interior and exterior latex water-based wall paints in the US and Canada:
- Triclosan
- Isocyanates
- Formaldehyde
- Lead/Heavy metals
- Alkylphenol ethoxylates and nonylphenol ethoxylated (APEOs, and NPEs)
Home Depot Paints without PFAS
While Home Depot has not said they are banning Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) in paints, the Health Product Declarations for Behr Premium Plus Interior and Behr Pro i300 list almost full ingredient lists (links to those below), and none of the ingredients are PFAS.
Certifications
- In the US, Behr interior paints, Glidden Premium and Glidden Diamond, and PPG Timeless interior paints are all GreenGuard Gold Certified for low VOCs.
- Behr Pro interior paints and Behr primer are MPI X-Green certified.
Home Depots US and Canada 0-VOC and Low-VOC paints
Zero VOC Paints (<5 g/L VOC)
- Behr Premium Plus Interior † (see Health Product Declaration for ingredient list)
- Behr Pro i300 Interior † (see Health Product Declaration for ingredient list)
- Glidden Premium Interior*
- Glidden Diamond Interior*
- † Colorants added to this base paint do not significantly increase VOC levels even if used at maximum tint load in any color.
- *Colorants can increase the VOC level significantly.
Low VOC Paints (<50 g/L VOC)
- Behr Premium Plus Exterior
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior
- Behr Premium Plus Ecomix Plant-Based Interior Paint & Primer
- Behr Marquee Interior
- Behr Marquess Exterior
- BehrPro i100 Interior
- Behr Premium Plus Ceiling Paint
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra Ceiling Paint
- Behr Marquee Ceiling Paint
- CIL Dui Interior (Canada)
- Glidden Premium Exterior
- Glidden Essentials Interior
- Glidden Ceiling Paint
- Glidden Professional Peedwall
- Glidden Professional Ultra-Hide 220
- Glidden Professional Ultra-Hide 440
- Glidden Speed-Cote Exterior
- Glidden Vinyl Renew Exterior
- PPG Timeless Interior
- PPG Timeless Exterior
A Closer Look at Home Depot’s 0-VOC Paints
1. Behr Premium Plus Interior
Seals both uncoated and previously painted surfaces.
You can use it on concrete, concrete block/CMU, brick, plaster, drywall/gypsum board, wood, ferrous metals, galvanized steel, aluminum, other non-ferrous metals, and architectural plastics.
It is a scrubbable finish for low-traffic areas like living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms, dining rooms, and ceilings.
Colorants added to this base paint do not significantly increase VOC levels even if used at maximum tint load in any color.
See Health Product Declaration for an almost full ingredient list.
It appears to be free of PFAS based on this list.
Prop 65 Warning, probably for titanium dioxide, and silica, which can be harmful in dust form.
GreenGuard Gold Certified.
Similar: Behr Premium Plus ECOMIX Plant-Based Interior Paint & Primer
This plant-based version contains 20% plant-based material.
Based on that number and looking through the ingredients, I would have to guess that they are using a plant-based acrylic polymer.
That is not confirmed, that is my guess based on the information that is available.
The final acrylic polymer is still the same molecule if it’s bio-based or not.
The ECOMIX Health Product Declaration is more transparent than the HPD for the regular Premium plus since it reports all ingredients down to 100 ppm.
This will be helpful for those sensitive to ingredients like biocides.
2. Behr Pro i300 Interior
This professional-quality latex paint has superior hide and coverage, excellent sprayability, spray and back-roll, and superior touch-up.
Use on properly prepared and primed drywall, concrete, masonry, wood, and metal surfaces in both residential and commercial applications.
Mildew resistant.
GreenGuard Gold Certified. Colorants added to this base paint do not significantly increase VOC levels even if used at maximum tint load in any color.
See Health Product Declaration for ingredient list. Appears to be free of PFAS based on this list.
Prop 65 Warning, probably for titanium dioxide, and silica, which can be harmful in dust form.
3. Glidden Premium Interior
Glidden Premium is a zero VOC, low-odor paint and primer that features good hide and coverage, a scrubbable and washable coating, and a thick, easy-to-apply formula.
Ideal for use in low-traffic areas such as bedrooms, dining rooms, and formal spaces.
Can be used on drywall, masonry, plaster, and wood.
Mildew-resistant coating.
Colorants added to this base paint may increase VOC level significantly depending on color choice.
No certifications listed on the Home Depot site, but on the Glidden site it does say GreenGuard and in Home Depot’s documents on chemicals in products it does say this product is GreenGuard Gold.
No Prop 65 warning on website, though like almost all paints it does contain titanium dioxide and could contain some silica.
4. Glidden Diamond Interior
Glidden Diamond Interior Paint + Primer delivers exceptional durability. Its outstanding washability, scrubbability and stain resistance make it a good product for any high traffic areas.
It has excellent hiding and touch-up, making it great for commercial and rental properties.
Glidden Diamond delivers advanced leveling, leading to a smooth application process and finish.
Can be used on ceilings, drywall, masonry, metal, plaster, and wood.
Provides a mold and mildew-resistant coating.
Colorants added to this base paint may increase VOC level significantly depending on your color choice.
No certifications listed on the Home Depot site, but on the Glidden site it does say GreenGuard and in Home Depot’s documents on chemicals in products it does say this product is GreenGuard Gold.
No Prop 65 warning on website, though like almost all paints it does contain titanium dioxide and could contain some silica.
Sources: Home Depot
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Joy
Hi…thanks for all your information!! Was wondering why you didn’t mention Behr Premium Plus Ecomix plant-based interior paint as one of the zero VOC options? Is it because it falls within the Behr Premium Plus line or category (therefore everything that applies to former is applicable to the latter)? I really wanted to go with ECOS or AFM safecoat but I’m painting my whole house and it’s just so expensive with primer too (plus AFM is limited in color matching and the hassle of shipping). I also was going to color match to Behr’s colors so was trying to see if I could find something more cost effective as I was told the colorants are really the issue but it seems not really the case here?? Would there zero VOC primer be a good option as well? Or could I essentially use any primer?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
In terms of primers you want to stick to the same brand that you use for the paint. Behr is perfectly fine in my books. the plant-based version was not out yet when I wrote this article. It likely is not any different in terms of odors and VOCs (at least not based just on likely having a plant-based acrylic in it) from their regular line. I am wary of new formulations like that. Personally I’d stick to something that has been around for a while. That doesnt mean this is going to be a problem but I want to see everything stick around for a while first.
Sara
Thank you for this info! I’ll add a amazing interior paint option MILK PAINT! 🙂 I’ve used this paint in all rooms of our home for the past 5+ years and LOVE IT. One coat of the bright colors does have a beautiful water color look (if you add another coat/s prob would be solid). You can even add wonderful murals with the kids and my understanding its ALL NATURAL & ZERO VOC, can be very fun mixing up the colors. I wear a dust mask when mixing the power with warm water.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i love milk paint as well i was going to use it in my home but it does not hold up to humidity well enough (i talk about it in other articles, though it’s the least practical paint choice i do still like it)
Fiona
I’m wondering why colorants added to some of the base paints don’t significantly increase the VOCs but do in other base paints? Does Home Depot have a different set of colorants they add depending on the bases?
You mention VOCs varying significantly when added to some base paints “depending on your color choice”. Is there a way to determine what the VOCs g/L would be for a specific paint color (with a specific base paint)? Are there specific colors that would be higher?
Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Different colorants. Most colorants now are 0-VOC but a few brands or lines still use old colorant types that add VOCs. The more saturated the color the higher the VOCs, not sure if certain colors are higher VOC than others or if it’s just the saturation.
Becky
We are moving into a house that has been painted with Behr Dynasty and Marquee paints. I am concerned about the antimicrobial properties but it appears it is due to copper. Do you know anything about this? Is it safe? Thanks!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
copper would be safe, do they say that?
Becky
Here’s a couple links to what they use: https://www.fmlink.com/articles/behrs-antimicrobial-paint-protects-occupants-germs-walls/
https://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/the-progress-report/crystal-clear/corning-guardiant-painting-for-peace-of-mind
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
It sounds like it’s only used in the Copper Force line.
Becky
I looked it up and it’s used in the others. It seems to be fairly benign. I just wondered if you had heard of it. Thanks!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it’s fine to use but it may not be the only preservative in there (in case you are trying to avoid any other specific one).
KK
Is there a way to know if the Behr and Gidden products listed above are No APEO and NPE in addition to PFAS. Does Green Guard or Green Guard Gold mean this.
Thank you for all of this helpful information. Looking for paint for new home for a pregnant mamma moving in.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I cover that in the article. As for Green Gaurd, that is only for VOCs.
Sara
I would use a MILK paint for all interiors if you can. You can even do amazing, fun mural on top of the colored (or white) walls. My understanding is its all natural and zero voc.