healthy interiors

This a deep dive into the best mineral paints: chalk paint, lime paint and clay paint, to see which ones had the least amount of toxic additives and if any of them are really pure. 

I test and compare all the brands available in North America. These are the least toxic paints that can go on interior walls, and the most natural paints.

These paints are also all breathable.

What I found here was a lot of marketing greenwashing, as well as some interesting new paints that I had not tried before. I had to do a lot of wading through the nitty-gritty ingredients here to get to these recommendations!

This post is not sponsored by any of the mineral paint companies. The post includes Amazon affiliate links. I earn a small commission upon purchase at no extra cost to you.

I only found four mineral-based paints in North America that fit my criteria. Though as I investigated this, it became more and more unclear what should be defined as a mineral-based paint. They all have polymers!

I talk about some others that didn’t make the cut at the end. 

Reasons for considering mineral-based paint:

1. More natural, non-toxic, mineral-based paints might be more suitable for the chemically sensitive and others avoiding toxins. It may even be safe for you to apply them yourself.
2. These paints are breathable, which is specified in many mold preventative wall assemblies (for example in passive house design).
3. They give a natural look and feel to a room.

1. RomaBio EcoDomus Mineral Paint Review

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A post shared by RomaBio (@romabiopaints) on Dec 19, 2019 at 9:59am PST

I want to start with the most well-known mineral-based paint, RomaBio. This paint is popular and is often the easiest to source mineral-based paint. It’s the only one you can find on Amazon.

RomaBio is a lime-based paint. It’s also a silicate paint that has another non-acrylic polymer in it (i.e. it might not be a pure silicate paint). The silicate paints are very safe, and in this formula, they help create a paint that has a really durable, washable surface that is still breathable.

Silicate paints are the type of paint that can technically be called mineral paints, but because of the unknown polymer in here, I’m not sure that this is a true silicate/mineral paint.

What I found out from digging into the ingredients and smelling it for myself, is that this one is actually (it seems to me), the most like conventional paint in odor level.

Although it is a breathable paint (95% breathable), which is specified for many builds, it did have that classic paint smell when wet (to my nose and to my estimation).

It’s not the same type of paint as ECOs or other 0-VOC paints, but something in here is contributing to that odor that is associated with “new paint smell”. 

What are the Additives in RomaBio Paint?

Their Interior paint is called EcoDomus (this is different from their exterior lime washes).

The ingredients for the white EcoDomus paint are:

Water, calcium carbonate (limestone), titanium dioxide (a metal mineral that makes things white, including food), ethylene vinyl acetate polymer (EVA) (a polymer that is common in paint and low odor), undisclosed polymer, potassium polysilicate (liquid glass, very safe – this is the silicate part), talc, plus 13 undisclosed ingredients. 

What are the undisclosed ingredients:

I’m not sure what that second polymer is, but here is a list of typical polymers used in silicate paints: styrene-butadiene, polystyrene, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylic polymers and copolymers (source).

Other typical additives in silicate paints include surfactants, small amounts of solvents, thickeners (like cellulose), stabilizers, modifiers. This also contains a preservative.

They also list their ingredients as follows: containing inert binders (4 – 18% depending on the product. They claim potassium silicate is the primary binder, but it also has EVA and an undisclosed polymer), natural thickeners (might very likely be a cellulose) and earth oxide pigments.

Does RomaBio Contain Toxins/Toxic Additives?

The VOCs in RomaBio EcoDomus

The paint is listed as 0 VOC, with no exempt VOCs. They do disclose detailed testing of the VOCs which reveal: 

• Butanol 2.2 micrograms/m3
• 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-on 5.5 micrograms/m3 (this is a preservative)
• Formaldehyde <2 micrograms/m3 (extremely low but there are aldehyde donors in here)
• Acetaldehyde <2 micrograms/m3

They state it does not contain: propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), formaldehyde (though it has a small amount of formaldehyde/aldehyde donors, likely the mildewcide, based on the VOCs) or alkylphenol ethoxylates.

They claim no toxic biocides/mildewcides/no toxic preservatives (but it does contain 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin aka Methylisothiazolinone which is a biocide and is not benign), no acrylic resins (though it does contain EVA and an unknown polymer), and no toxic binders.

What I Like About RomaBio (Pros):

• The Matte does not require a primer on new drywall.
• Matte is 87% natural.
• There is a fair amount of disclosure on what’s in it and a lot of disclosure on the final VOCs.
• One of the only breathable (high perm rating listed), and washable paints. Most regular 0 VOC paints like ECOS, Ben Moore do not have a high perm rating.
• The only washable flat (matte) sheen mineral paint I found that does not require a sealer to be washable. 
• Durable, washable and not easily stained by oil, food (ketchup mustard etc).
• High quality – expect the quality and ease of application of regular paint. You do not have to do a sample board due to unusual application techniques/tools.
• You can use it in the bathroom and kitchen. It is mold resistant and can take splatter. 

What I Don’t Like About RomaBio (Cons):

• It doesn’t have a lower odor in my opinion than regular 0 VOC paints like ECOs. It’s not clear that odor and VOC-wise, it’s better than ECOs or other 0 VOC paints (it might even be worse for some folks).
• It might be harder to tolerate than other mineral paints listed here for many folks with chemical sensitivities. Possibly due to variations in which polymer is tolerable for different folks).
• Many undisclosed ingredients.

Application Tips for RomaBio EcoDomus

EcoDomus can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray like any traditional paint. This was the most like conventional 0 VOC paint and it was the easiest one to choose the right roller for. Painters should have no problem applying it.

When applying it to the wall it is easiest to use a roller (not a brush). For silicate paints you can use polyester rollers.

I found this was easy to apply with a brush and roller, even for a beginner painter. It had the ease of application of a regular 0 VOC paint. I used a medium pile roller and it worked just fine. A short nap roller on drywall would be smoother. Wooster is a good one.

You can pair that with the same paintbrushes that you would use on conventional paint for cutting in. Purdy Nylox is super smooth. Purdy Pro is slightly less smooth.

You don’t need a sealer on this one. Matte is two coats, satin and eggshell are primer plus two coats.

How Does RomaBio EcoDomus Hold Up?

You need to wait 14 days for a full cure to start scrubbing it.

I put it to the test with mustard (for the staining) and mayo (for the oil). The mayo was no problem to wipe off, both off the matte and satin.

The mustard stained both of them. It did not come off with a soft sponge with soap and water. It did come off with the Magic Eraser, though you can tell on the grey color that the Eraser pulled up a little paint. It’s not obvious on the board.

They say you can clean it with mild dish soap or other mild cleaner with a soft rag or soft sponge.

2. Bioshield Clay Paint Review

In terms of the most non-toxic of the mineral-based paints I found in North America, BioShield Clay Paint is the winner.

Though it seems to be extremely similar to Farrow & Ball paint which is much easier to purchase and easier to apply.

This has a high percentage of natural ingredients, the least amount of concerning additives and the lowest odor of the four.

I found the odor of it even straight out of the bottle to be mild and nonoffensive. Depending on your level of sensitivity, this may smell slightly like polymers or it might smell totally benign to you.

Like every other paint that can go on new drywall, it does have a binder/polymer in it. The polymer is PVA. It does polymerize so it’s not technically classified as “a mineral paint”.

It can go over new drywall that has a skim coat with no primer. It can also go over previously painted walls if they are not glossy without a primer.

Whether you can put it over new drywall that is taped and mudded at the seams depends on the color of the paint and your skill level – you might see this transition between the two different materials if you don’t use a primer.

It can go over wood and some wallpapers without a primer.

A clay paint will not be washable. These would be contrasting needs. Clay paint is not suited for frequent cleaning. Grease and other contaminants can leave permanent marks. 

You can add their Wall Glaze or AFM Penetrating Waterstop to add more water resistance and cleanability – I tested both of these, more below. They recommend the wall glaze for areas like the kitchen and hallway.

For bathrooms, clay paint is not ideal, as it should not receive regular water exposure. I would not use this in a bathroom personally as the area around the sink will generally get splashed.

I like their basic Clay Paint. They also have a slightly more modified one that is called their Solvent-Free Wall Paint (NB all water-based paint is solvent-free as a general rule). 

I couldn’t pick up much of a difference between them (odor-wise), but the solvent-free paint was smoother in its final finish, and it is more washable.

Ingredients and Additives in BioShield Clay Paint

Ingredients in Bioheild Clay Paint:

Water, clay, porcelain clay, chalk, alcohol ester (as a binder, this is the PVA), cellulose, pigments, preservatives (you can email them for the details on the preservative, they are common ones but not benign).

Ingredients in BioShield Solvent-Free Wall Paint:

Water, chalk, asbestos-free talcum, titanium dioxide, polyphosphate (a water softener), cellulose, alcohol ester, sodium hydroxide, and preservatives.

What I like About BioShield (Pros):

• The purest or least “offensive” paint on the list, in my estimation.
• One of the lowest odor paint I have ever used (alongside Bioshield).
• No-VOC; usually tolerable for the chemically sensitive.
• Chemically sensitive folks may even be able to apply it themselves.
• No time (or less time, compared to some others) needed for offgassing before reentering the room.
• 100% transparency in ingredients.
• No primer needed in some applications.

What I don’t like about BioShield (Cons):

• Not washable, it stains easily, means you either need to apply a labor-intensive Wall Glaze, or AFM Penetrating Waterstop in high impact areas. (The Solvent-Free Wall Paint is more washable.)
• You may need another paint option for the bathrooms.
• You may need a primer over new drywall that doesn’t have a skim coat (and you will have to choose a primer that you tolerate).
• Not easy to apply and the company was not willing to help me choose a brush and roller.
• They only ship to the 48 states (not Canada). (A very close alternative in my estimation that you can buy in Canada and Europe, is Farrow & Ball matte paint which seemed to be extremely similar in make up and odor. It’s also a PVA based paint high in minerals).

Application Tips for BioShield Clay Paint

I applied BioShield Clay Paint and Solvent-Free Wall Paint without a primer over paper-based drywall (2 x 2 pieces with no drywall mud).

I found it relatively easy to apply and I really liked the finish. I thought it would be more difficult to apply than it was.

The application is not the same as regular paint or RomaBio which went on more conventionally and was more forgiving of my medium nap roller and beginner’s technique.

I did have trouble finding the right brush and roller that did not leave such a textured finish. A more skilled painter should not have as much trouble with this. But the company was not helpful with me in finding the right brush and roller.

My medium nap roller left it quite textured. If you are new to painting or to clay paints, you might want to test out your brush and roller to see what the texture will look like. I was not happy with my texture and the company would not recommend a specific brush or roller.

It is a plus that this can be applied with a roller. After some digging, a low nap roller is recommended for a conventional-looking finish on drywall, like Wooster 3/8th nap rollers.

A beginner should do a test sample on a test piece of drywall.

Two coats are required, with a longer dry time in between than many other paints. Cures in about 10 days. Splatter tests below.

I also tried their Wall Glaze on top of the paint as a protective coating. The ingredients of the wall glaze are cellulose, alcohol ester, silica, carnauba wax, clay, water, and preservative.

How did it Hold up?

Without the glaze, the Clay Paint and Solvent Free Wall paint held up so-so to mustard. I had to use the Magic Eraser, and like with RomaBio, that did remove a tiny bit of paint.

They did not do as well with the mayo, which left an oil stain.

I put it to the test after applying the Wall Glaze and AFM Penetrating Waterstop.

Solvent-Free Paint worked the best with AFM PWS. No stain from either mustard or mayo and it retains the same color and sheen.

Wall Glaze also worked well on Solvent-Free Wall Paint but there is an ever so slight mustard stain.

Their basic Clay Paint held up best with their Wall Glaze. With also an ever so slight stain that cannot really be seen from a few feet away. AFM PWS did not help the Clay Paint hold up well.

3. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (on the Wall) Review

Annie Sloan is well known for their Chalk Paint®. It’s best known as a furniture paint, but it can also be used on walls.

They do have a separate paint that is labeled as wall paint. Right now it is not available in North America (only Europe), I tried their regular Chalk Paint on paperbacked gypsum wallboard.

The most interesting aspect of this paint is its self-priming ability over a wide range of surfaces. You don’t need to prime or sand most surfaces. The finish is ultra-matte, a chalk-like look. 

There are not many non-toxic paints that can be used on cabinets, this is one of them. (I mention the others in the main post on paints). What’s easy about this one is it goes over many cabinets types and finishes without sanding or priming. 

It also works as one of the only non-toxic chalkboard paint (to write on).

The most obvious downside is we don’t know what’s in this paint. They claim extremely low VOCs. I don’t find it as potent as regular paint but it does resemble an artist’s paint (possibly a slight acrylic odor, but nothing close to as strong as a regular acrylic paint).

I cannot quite identify what is in this by the odor. Some extremely chemically sensitive folks have done well with this paint, some have reacted. I think it’s certainly worth testing out for your project. 

Like the clay paint, it has a matte finish that is not scrubbable. The company does not recommend using Chalk Paint on walls in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere else that requires a tougher, scrubbable finish.

Like with clay paint, you can use wax over it to provide more protection and durability to use it in high impact areas. But waxing a whole wall is a very big job. 

I tried the Annie Sloan Wax. It smelled like petroleum products to me and I did not tolerate it. It was the only finish in this post I did not tolerate (just the wax part).

That’s not a deal-breaker for me, you can use this without a wax or use a different brand of wax finish.

If you are in Europe they do recommend the wall paint for kitchens, bathrooms, and walls that require a tougher, scrubbable finish. (The wall paint does not require the wax and is not considered breathable).

What I like About Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (Pros):

• Very Low VOC.
• Low odor, will be suitable for many chemically sensitive folks (but not all). To my nose, it’s much lower odor than Romabio.
• Very versatile – it can be used on walls, floors, wood, cabinets, concrete, metal, matte plastic, earthenware, brick, stone, over waxed shellac, and more.
• Rarely is sanding or priming the surface first necessary.
• Breathable.
• Unique matte, chalk-like look.
• One coat and no primer needed, make this the fastest to apply.
• The artist quality to this paint and its pigment would make me choose this one for a wall mural or decorative design (though it is very fast drying so it’s not easy to blend on the surface).

What I don’t like about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (Cons):

• I have no idea what is in this paint. Hardly any hints to any of the ingredients. Very few claims about what’s not in it either. The SDS only lists two alcohols and ammonia – nothing about the binder/polymer or minerals.
• Some extremely sensitive folks may not tolerate it, or may need to leave the room until it’s cured.
• The dark red that I used did need a second coat to be totally even.
• I didn’t tolerate the wax, and many people I know would not tolerate it.

Tips for Applying Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to Walls

For most purposes, one coat of paint is enough (it wasn’t for me and the dark red, though the coverage was very impressive compared to every other paint I have ever used). You don’t need to prime walls.

You can apply it with a brush, make sure you use a natural or natural/ synthetic mix brush like this Annie Sloan brush. You may want to try Purdy White Bristle (natural bristle) or the softer Purdy Ox Hair Brush.

Annie Sloan prefers brush application with random brush strokes to a roller application. But you can use a roller to apply it to the drywall.

It seems that most people use a roller, as it is easier for most people. You will want a high-density foam roller.

I used a natural bristle chalk paint paintbrush for a 2 x 2 drywall sample and I was happy with the look of the brush marks. For a bigger area, you will want a larger brush than the chalk paint brushes used on furniture.

I recommend painting a sample on a piece of 2 x 2 drywall to test out your brush type, technique and texture. As well as testing to see if you only need one coat.

It’s 30 days for a full cure. For bedrooms and low impact wall rooms, you don’t need to wax it.

If you are waxing it, this large wax brush can be used to apply it to the walls. Remove excess with a cloth. The wax was not tolerable for me, and I would not recommend it for most chemically sensitive folks.

How did it Hold up?

With the Annie Sloan wax it held up extremely well to mustard and mayo.

The unsealed Chalk Paint held up OK to mustard – there is a limit to how much you could wipe it and get it wet but I would say it did hold up to my test. It did not hold up to mayo.

I also tried the BioSheild Glaze and that helped it hold up perfectly to mustard and mayo as well.

AFM Penetrating Waterstop did not help it hold up to mustard or mayo even though I had great results using this over clay plaster.

4. Charleston Lime Paint Review

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Our limewash gives texture & depth to a modern interior in South Hampton by @blueoceandesign.

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Charleston Limewash makes lime wash and lime paint. Lime wash is just for painting over plaster or masonry. The lime paint can go on primed or already painted walls.

What I like about this paint is simple ingredients and full disclosure. 

The odor is familiar to anyone who has used even basic acrylic artists paints. 

Once dry, this would qualify as 0 VOC. With lime as the main ingredient, it does not require a preservative mildewcide in it. 

Ingredients of Lime paint:

The paint is made of 45% calcium hydroxide (lime), and approximately 5% acrylic. They claim those are the only ingredients (pigments and water of course, too).

What I like about Lime Paint (pros):

• Mild acrylic odor, will cure to 0 VOC.
• I found it more tolerable than conventional acrylic paints due to the high lime content.
• Full disclosure of ingredients.
• No preservative is needed with lime.

What I don’t like about Lime Paint (cons):

• The main drawback is that it needs a primer on the wall first. It’s likely that you will end up using ECOS or another similar 0 VOC primer. 
• It has 5% acrylic, so it is not totally natural, and not everyone will do well with acrylic.
• They don’t provide a wax or topcoat to go with it.
• The light blue color I choose required a primer and three coats, making it the most labor-intensive of the paints here.
• The paint did not have an even look.
• It’s tricky to apply – you should do a sample board first.

Application Tips for Charleston Lime Paint:

The color was bright blue in the container but it dried to a baby blue. It was difficult to apply evenly, and because it dries to a different color than when wet, and dries fast, it was not that easy to tell if it was applied evenly.

I used straight across brush strokes, random brush strokes are recommended.

After two coats I could see how it was evening-out. I applied three coats, and I was not left with an even finish with two or three coats. You will want to experiment here with brush types, dilution rates (don’t go too thick as it will be harder to get it even), and practice to make sure you get the look you want.

I preferred a smaller brush. On a wall, you will need a larger brush. Something smooth like Purdy Nylox. The company did not recommend a specific brush.

Limepaint and Annie Sloan dried super fast, you had to work fast. Biosheild and Romabio were not too far behind but had a slightly longer work time.

How did it Hold up?

The lime wash with no coating would not be expected to hold up to my mustard and mayo test. Both stained it.

The mustard was removed with the Magic Eraser which removed a lot of paint and left a very obvious area of paint removal. The mayo stain was even worse. I will test out patching that up but with the way the lime paint shows overlaps, I don’t think I will be able to.

Summary – Which Mineral Paint to Choose:

• Use RomaBio if you want an easy solution that applies like typical paint and is matte, breathable, washable. And, you can tolerate the offgassing.
• Use BioShield if you are in the most sensitive category and want the most benign option.
• Try Limepaint if you do better with an acrylic binder.
• Try Annie Sloan if painting over something difficult to prime, if you want to save time with just one coat, or you like the look of it better.

Paints that Didn’t Make the List:

1. Earthborn Paints – are available only in the UK/Europe
2. Green Planet Paints – these paints are a little different. This is a soy-based paint but it is essentially an acrylic paint, just like conventional paints. The acrylic is naturally derived.
3. Auro – In Europe they sell the more pure mineral paint but they do not sell this in North America at this time. 
4. Fusion Paint – This is a furniture paint. It is an acrylic mineral paint. I don’t know what percent is acylic, but I’m not sure what classifies it as a “mineral paint”. They do claim 0 VOC. The percent of acrylic would change whether I classify this as a mineral-based paint or an acrylic paint. 
5. Milk Paint – It was not included here due to difficultly in application. Over latex paint it requires a bond coat, then at least two coats of milk paint. The finish can crack on the wall and it also requires a sealer like hemp oil or finishing cream on top. Milk Paint should have been included here but one of the distributors convinced me not to. I will include it in a second round of testing.
6. Farrow and Ball – Farrow and Ball is described as a mineral paint: “We start by mixing chalk, china clay and titanium dioxide with water to create our base paint.” Many synthetic paints have these minerals as their base. However, this does not appear to be an acrylic paint to me. The main binder is PVA or EVA, making it essentially very similar to Biosheild. I will include this paint in a second round of testing.
7. ECOS – ECOS paint, the favorite of the 0 VOC paints currently, also contains chalk, clay and titanium dioxide like F&B, but it is still classified as an acrylic paint. I talk about 0 VOC conventional paints in the post on paints and sealers.

Note: All paints have minerals, a binder, a solvent and usually a preservative. In all of these water-based paints, the “solvent” is water. Any paint with a polymer binder that polymerizes is not technically “a mineral paint”. Paints that were largely mineral-based with a small amount of binder, or a less toxin binder were included in this post. Again, all wall paints have a binder!

Did you find this post helpful? If so you can buy me a coffee to support the research behind this blog. Thank you!

If you need assistance choosing the best cabinets for your sensitivities, please contact me for a one-on-one consultation. 

Conventional Cabinets & VOCs

Conventional cabinets have been a large source of VOCs in the kitchen, with all conventional brands using some kind of pressed wood, MDF, plywood or particleboard (or melamine with a particleboard interior) which typically give off formaldehyde.

There are pressed wood products with no added formaldehyde now, and some cabinets makers are using these. I don’t always think the alternative glues are better.

The move towards CARB II and GreenGuard Gold has greatly improved the formaldehyde levels in the conventional options in recent years.

Regular plywood based cabinets (as opposed to MDF) offgas quite rapidly and I personally prefer them over Purebond Plywood which looks like it’s made with a polyurethane glue.

Paints and varnishes are not likely to be 0 or ultra low VOC unless that is stated.

Many are low-VOC, but that term tends to be too vague for the chemically sensitive. Not many have taken the leap towards 0-VOC yet. You may need to finish them yourself with non-toxic Sealers or non-toxic Paint.

Healthy Cabinet Brands – Listed by Material 

Healthy cabinets could be made of solid wood, plywood, pressed wood without added formaldehyde, or metal. Sometimes glass or MgO board can be used.

Of course, some are sensitive to the terpenes of wood and wood can also pick up and hold onto secondary odors.

The cabinets in my tiny houseare solid wood, but the reason cabinets are made of pressed wood products is that solid wood can warp in the kitchen.

1. Non-Toxic Metal Cabinet Brands

There are companies that make metal kitchen cabinets, and they can look quite cool:

Bertolini (affordable, 100% metal).

Fadior makes stainless steel cabinets.

IMD has no wood and no adhesives (North America and Europe).

Pedini (high-end) An Italian company that was at the forefront of green cabinetry. They offer some metal options.

When shopping for metal cabinets you want to see if there are any non-metal components and what those are.

2. Healthy Solid Wood Cabinets

Healthy Cabinet Makers make solid wood cabinets aimed at the chemically sensitive.

It’s rare to find cabinets made out of solid wood, so I would certainly go with a company that has expertise with this type of construction.

Solid wood is prone to warping in high humidity, which is why most cabinets are not solid.

This company also has a commitment to healthy finishes.

3. Low-VOC and Formaldehyde-Free Cabinets

i. KERF makes cool looking cabinets out of Purebond (formaldehyde-free) plywood which has a zero-VOC finish. The edges are finished with Osmo which I review here.

ii. Neil Nelly Cabinets makes low-VOC wooden cabinets with no-added-formaldehyde cases/drawers (Purebond Plywood). They use low VOC glues, adhesives, and finishes. You can ask them about a 0-VOC finish option.

iii. Executive Cabinetry offers a choice between regular plywood and Purebond no added formaldehyde plywood.

iv. Another very popular brand is Crystal Cabinets. They can use standard plywood or Purebond with no added formaldehyde for the boxes. They have an option for low emitting finishes, or you can finish them yourself. You can also have them finish them for you with the varnish of your choice (though that option is fairly expensive).

This is often the top pick for many in the high-end green market. Non-toxic cabinets finishes are listed here, and non-toxic cabinet paints here.

v. Bellmont Cabinetry offers a line called Eco-Core that is melamine with no added formaldehyde.

vi. Taylor Made Cabinets offers no added formaldehyde cabinets, with plywood boxes and solid wood drawers.

vii. Royal Cabinets makes a line called Green Leaf that has no added formaldehyde and low-VOC finishes.

Some of the same companies that make kitchen cabinets also make non-toxic bathroom vanities and closets. Here is a company making solid wood closets.

4. Fully Custom-Made Cabinets

Cabinets can be made with a combination of solid wood, Purebond (formaldehyde-free plywood), possibly formaldehyde-free particleboard, or MgO board.

Purebond plywood is made of “soy glue” which is the same or similar to polyurethane glue. Not all sensitive folks do well with this.

Personally I would choose plywood made with phenol-formaldehyde (which offgasses quickly and fully) over formaldehyde-free alternative adhesives.

Drawers can be made of mostly metal.

My cabinets, pictured, are custom made with solid wood on the doors/face. MgO was used for the boxes. IKEA metal drawers were used for the drawers, with MgO as the base of the drawer.

The wood did warp a little in my kitchen (this was poplar wood).

Some ideas to cut down on costs while keeping the cabinets low in toxicity:

• Use shelves instead of upper cabinets – either wood, glass or metal
• Salvage cabinets and countertops from demolitions as they may have off-gassed or you may find metal ones
• DIY simple open shelving below the counter made of solid wood, tadelakt, metal, or glass
• Metal and glass cabinets you can custom make or make yourself – here is a description and instructions from Build a Healthy House
• Incorporate affordable metal drawers or shelves inside of cabinets (like my IKEA parts)

5. Non-Toxic Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Non-toxic outdoor kitchen cabinets can be made of polyethylene or metal. The above cabinets are from Werever Outdoor Cabinets.

Folks who have not found a suitable material in the indoor options might use the outdoor styles inside.

You could, of course, use these outside as intended, as well.

One benefit here is you might find modular options in this category quickly and easily at big box stores.

6. Less Toxic Big Box Store Cabinets

Healthy Home Depot and IKEA Cabinet Brands

Many folks have reported doing well with Thomasville brand cabinets from Home Depot, the lacquered VEDDINGE cabinets, and melamine faced cabinets from IKEA.

Formaldehyde Levels in IKEA and Home Depot Cabinets

Many people are finding that since CARB II came into effect, which drastically reduced formaldehyde in nation-wide brands, regular cabinets work fine for them.

You may want to compare some of the brands at IKEA and Home Depot. If you find GreenGuard Gold certification you know it’s extremely low formaldehyde (and possibly a replacement glue was used).

With most particleboard and MDF, the main adhesive is formaldehyde. You can see the typical levels in the chart in this post.

IKEA uses MDF for the cabinet boxes and particle board in many of the doors.

Melamine Versus Laquer – Which is Safer?

IKEA has two main finishes on the doors.

Melamine is one option. This is a plastic exterior that is fairly thick and does not have noticeable offgassing.

The other option is the painted (lacquered) finish. This is made with a base of particleboard. The paints are either acrylic with a polyurethane coating, just acrylic, or polyester and acrylic together.

Lacquer paints do have some ability to seal in offgassing. But this doesn’t block the formaldehyde as well as the melamine does, and the finish itself has higher offgassing than melamine (though some of them do cure quite quickly).

How to Block & Seal in Formaldehyde

In cabinets with a melamine finish on the outside (like many IKEA cabinets) this does block most of the formaldehyde offgassing. If the edges are sealed in by the finish, that is even better.

If the edges are not sealed with melamine, the formaldehyde ofgassing from the edges can be sealed with AFM Safeseal or Zinsser Shellac.

If you go with the lacquered finish you should also seal the edges with Safeseal or Shellac.

Metal and Glass Cabinet Components from IKEA

The IKEA drawers have metal sides which is a great feature. The fiberboard base can be swapped out for another material.

IKEA also sells glass cabinet drawers and glass shelves for inside cabinets. The JUTIS line is metal and glass.

I used their metal drawers and metal corner cabinet shelving in my tiny house and put my own fronts on them.

You can really cut down on costs and toxin exposure but using many IKEA parts.

If you need assistance choosing the best cabinets, countertops and other kitchen items for your sensitivities, please contact me for a one-on-one consultation.