Non-Toxic (0-VOC) Paints from Lowes Compared

This is a detailed overview of Lowe’s no-VOC and low-VOC paints.

I explain which chemicals are banned by Lowe’s and look at each 0-VOC paint to dig into its specs, certifications, and warnings.

This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Chemicals of Concern

All interior and exterior water-based paints from Lowe’s are free of triclosan, isocyanates, formaldehyde, lead, and heavy metals.

APEs

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) are surfactants used in acrylic paints that can disrupt the hormone system.

I don’t see any statement from Lowes or Valspar, about APEs.

Most Sherwin Williams lines are free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), however, the company will not list out the full list of which ones are free of APEs after a number of calls and emails.

Antimicrobials

Sherwin-Williams has more paint lines with added antimicrobials compared to other brands. They don’t say which antimicrobials they add for this feature.

(We have to say “added” because all latex paints have antimicrobials as the preservative in very small amounts).

PFAS

The Healthy Building Network tested 94 paints for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances aka “Forever Chemicals”) in 2023 and around 50% were positive for PFAS.

They tested Sherwin-Williams and sub-brands Valspar and Krylon, Benjamin Moore, Kelly Moore, PPG, Rodda, Behr, Miller, and Rust-Oleum.

But they did not say which brands tested positive.

Paints that claim stain resistant are most likely to have PFAS.

Phthalates

It is possible for paints to contain phthalates but these are being phased out. I don’t know any company that has disclosed that they are using phthalates. The only way to know for sure a paint company is not using this class of chemicals is if they have a full declaration of ingredients.

Certifications

GreenGuard Gold – many of Lowe’s paints are GreenGuard Gold, however, all water-based paints, especially any low VOC paint would come in under the level of VOCs allowed. GreenGuard only tests for VOCs and not other chemicals of concern like PFAS and APEs.

GreenSeal will prohibit PFAS as of early 2025 but is not used by any paint at Lowe’s in 2024.

Brands and Sublines

1. Valspar

Valspar is one of the most affordable paints. Valspar Pristine and Valspar Simplicity are both discontinued in the US (Simplicity is still available in Canada), but all of their interior latex paints like Reserve and Signature start at 0-VOC, all tints used to color the zero-VOC base paints are free of VOCs themselves (they said in a press release).

Valspar Signature Interior Paint and Primer

High-hiding paint and primer has a smooth coverage and finish. It is fade-resistant and has Scuff Shield Technology, which protects against scuffs and stains.

Valspar Signature is available in flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss sheens.

• They label it as “excellent” on hide and coverage, stain resistance, scuff resistance, and scrub resistance
• It has a scrubbability rating of 3, and a stain-resistant rating of 3
• 0-VOC
• GreenGuard Gold
• Prop 65 warning but they don’t say which chemicals that is for
• About $46/gallon in 2024

Valspar Signature High Hiding Paint and Primer

Valspar Reserve

Top-of-the-line paint amongst all paint brands and lines from Lowes. They say it’s an all-in-one paint and primer, and single-coat application. It has exceptional stain and scrub resistance, which adds to its value for even the most active households. It has an ultra-rich, fade-resistant color.

It is available in flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss sheens. 

• They label it as “outstanding” (better than Signature) on hide and coverage, stain resistance, stain blocking, and scrub resistance
• Scuff resistance rating of 4, scrubbability rating of 4, stain resistance rating of 4
• 0-VOC
• GreenGuard Gold
• Mildew resistant
• Prop 65 warning but they don’t say which chemicals that is for
• Around $56 in 2024.

Valspar 2000

A contractor-grade go-to workhorse, Valspar 2000 offers a high-performance latex coating with excellent touch-up and sprayability, a great hide, and coverage. It is an ideal choice for residential repainting and renovation, as well as for new construction. 2000 is available in Dead Flat, Eggshell, Satin, and Semi-Gloss.

• “Great” hide and coverage
• Scuff-resistance rating of 0, scrubbability rating of 0, stain-resistance rating of 0
• 0-VOC
• GreenGuard Gold
• Prop 65 warning but they don’t say for which chemicals
• Around $29 in 2024

Valspar 4000

A step-down from Valspar 2000, this is also a contractor-grade paint, recommended for commercial maintenance and new construction segments. It provides good hide and coverage, great touch-up, and fast recoat time. It’s easy to apply – spray, brush, or roll. It’s not a paint and primer in one and requires more than one coat.

• “Good” hide and coverage
• Scuff resistance rating 0, scrubbability rating of 0, stain-resistance rating of 0
• 0-VOC
• GreenGuard Gold
• Prop 65 Warning but they don’t say for which chemicals
• Around $20 (depends on sheen) in 2024

Similar: Valspar ExpressCoat, is also made for rentals and commercial properties that get recoated every year. It also has a 0 rating on scuff, scrubbability, and stain resistance. It’s similar in price to Valspar 2000.

Valspar Ultra

This is a lower-grade paint than Signature and Reserve. Valspar Ultra’s Scrub Shield® Technology gives you dual protection with excellent coverage and a mildew-resistant finish. In other words, it’s excellent on scrubbability but not the other metrics.

It comes in Eggshell, Flat, Satin, and Semi-Gloss.

• Excellent hide and coverage, excellent scrub resistance, great stain resistance
• Scuff-resistance rating of 0, scrubbability rating of 3, stain-resistance rating of 2
• VOC levels not listed. It only says under 50 g/l. From an email, it sounds like it is not 0-VOC
• GreenGuard Gold
• Mold- and mildew-resistant finish
• Prop 65 Warning but they don’t say for which chemicals
• Around $30 (depending on the sheen) in 2024

2. Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin Williams HGTV Home Ovation Plus

Hone Ovation Plus has excellent scrub and stain resistance. It thoroughly and easily hides previous colors. It does not have much scuff resistance and so is the lower end of the two Sherwin-Williams’ options.

It comes in Eggshell, Flat, Satin, and Semi-Gloss.

• Scuff resistance rating 0, scrubbability rating 3, stain resistance rating 3
• Antimicrobial – provides a mold- and mildew-resistant finish
• 0-VOC
• Greenguard Gold
• Prop 65 warning but they don’t say what for
• A gallon goes for about $40 in 2024

Sherwin Williams HGTV Home Showcase

Top-of-the-line paint from Lowes alongside Valspar Reserve, however, Reserve has a higher scuff resistance rating so is a little higher end. This option is not 0-VOC, like Valspar Reserve. It’s the only other paint that has a Stain resistance rating of 4.

• Scuff resistance rating 3, scrubbability rating 3, stain resistance rating 4
• VOCs under 50 g/L (i.e, “low VOC”), exact VOCs levels are not listed
• Anti-microbial provides a mold- and mildew-resistant finish
• GREENGUARD GOLD Certified for low chemical emissions
• Prop 65 warning but they don’t say what for
• A gallon goes for around $50 in 2024