|
| |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use natural paint instead of commercial paint?
Conventional (chemical) paints, even when dry, still give off volatile fumes for
several years. Manufacturers can lure you with their marketing such as “odour
free” or “children-friendly paint”; however they still contain toxic fumes that
can harm you and your family.
What is natural paint?
A natural paint is made from renewable raw materials such as natural oils (wood
oil, linseed oil), wood resins, heavier produce (chalk, marble earth, clay),
solvents (water, citrus peel oils), etc.
I have seen other companies selling ‘organic’ paint. Why is Biofa called
‘natural’ paint and not ‘organic’ paint?
Biofa paint is a natural paint and not an organic paint. Some companies are
obviously trying to capitalise on the organic trend
by calling the paint they sell ‘organic’ when this is not strictly true. We
believe in being ethical and telling the truth and not making false claims.
Biofa is a ‘natural’ paint because all of the ingredients are products that
present or produced by nature, i.e. chalk, linseed oil.
We are occasionally asked whether our paints are ‘organic’ i.e. made from
ingredients free from pesticides etc.
Biofa natural paints are not ‘organic’ for two reasons:
The first reason is simple; it is not possible for a paint to call itself
‘organic’ as no certification exists for ‘organic’ paint. Minerals cannot be
certified as ‘organic’ as they are not grown or produced from an animal and
minerals tend to be the main ingredients of natural paint. The only ingredient
which could have an organic certification is the linseed oil. Biofa choose not
to buy certified organic linseed oil in order to keep the price of the paint
competitive.
The second reason is slightly more complex. ‘Organic’ is also a term used in
chemistry when chemicals go through complex processes to produce a new synthetic
substance. This process is used in petro-chemical paint production whereby the
chemicals are combined to produce a volatile organic compound. Look on a paint
tin you will see this listed as VOC. These VOC’s are listed as high, medium or
low VOC emissions and are considered a health hazard and to be used with care.
What are the health benefits of natural paint?
Most Natural paints and varnishes allow buildings to "breathe", as they are
micro-porous. By allowing a surface to breathe properly, this discourages the
build-up of condensation resulting in mould. It will provide the end user with a
clean environment.
The paint is manufactured without any plastic copolymer, which means none or a
lot less electro static and less dust in the house, a savvy choice for
asthmatics.
The absence of toxic fumes means that there are no long or short-term health
issues for humans using the paint. Last but not least the odour coming from
Biofa paints are from natural essential oils and plants, making it the ideal
product when working with or around children.
What are the other benefits?
Natural paint has many, many benefits which stretch from the manufacturing
process through to the actual effects of the paint on your health.
Environment - the paints are manufactured using the least amount of energy
possible, only for the heating and mixing of products. Waste water at the Biofa
plant is filtered before being recycled. The ingredients are all renewable by
Mother Nature and come from sustainable sources and therefore preserve our
natural capital.
Quality - the product is of high quality and is designed by professionals and
used to professional standards. Biofa paint is one of the best paint products on
the market. (Used for the Norwegian Parliament, Brighton Jubilee Library,
Volkswagen Exhibition hall)
Long lasting - the colour and finish will last for years. The Sistine chapel was
not painted with conventional paint, but rather with natural paint...
Washable - the matt finish allows you to wash the walls with soap and water
without damaging the paint finish.
Easy to apply - after giving the paint a vigorous stir, you can either thin the
first coat with 10% water or apply the paint as it is. Apply two coats for a
good depth of colour.
Real chalk matt effect - the natural chalk content in the paint gives a slightly
matt, textured finish.
What are the disadvantages of natural paint?
There are no disadvantages as such. There are times where even the extensive 300
product range from Biofa does not provide a solution. Fillers, noting, glues or
products such as Rubson don’t exist using natural products. The drying time of
the oil-based paint might need a painter or decorator to organise himself
differently, but not so differently as any professional painter or decorator
with common sense would do.
What is the Biofa paint made of?
From the old tradition of paint making come modern natural wall paints and
varnishes, also using modern manufacturing processes that minimise environmental
waste and use minimal energy in their production. These paints and varnishes are
based on chalk, cellulose, casein (a milk derivative), linseed oil, etc. as in
times of old. Biofa natural oil based paints are made using renewable raw
materials such as oils and use plant oil and plant alcohol as a natural solvent
for the oil based paint. Biofa natural paints and varnishes are based on
minerals and plant based ingredients that are combined in a simple manner
according to modern production methods. The emission of fumes and CO2 during the
production is nil. The production method produces very little waste and uses
very little energy compared to conventional paint production. The ingredients of
Biofa natural paint are listed on each container with a full technical
disclosure. Most importantly, any left over of water based wall emulsion are
fully compostable, a savvy choice at a time where our planet eco-system is
suffering badly and billions litres of chemical paints end up in land fields in
UK only.
Does Biofa contain animal products?
In some products, yes. Some Biofa products contain casein (milk protein),
beeswax, etc. All ingredients are written on labels in order for vegan clients
to choose animal-free products.
Does Biofa contain petro-chemicals?
Biofa is using aliphatic hydrocarbon as a solvent for their oil based products.
We are importing 5 Biofa oil based products which contain aliphatic
hydrocarbons. Theses aliphatic hydrocarbons can be named as “clean” and are not
giving off toxic fumes. If you are still feeling sensitive about this matter,
only five products are affected and are as follow: universal hard oil, matt
paint, satin paint, gloss paint and the thinner).
What are the aliphatic hydrocarbons?
An aliphatic hydrocarbon is a mineral oil defined by the absence of a benzene
ring. Benzene is known to cause side effects in human health. An aliphatic
hydrocarbon comes from the crude oil and has been refined removing all toxic
aromatic hydrocarbons.
An aromatic hydrocarbon is a mineral oil which still contains a benzene ring and
contains the like of toluene, glycol, and other nasty aromatic hydrocarbon,
highly dangerous for human and pet’s health.
Do Biofa natural paints have a smell?
Yes, they do smell. We are often asked for odour free paint. But does the client
means toxic free or smell free paint? Again, the marketing can be misleading.
Is there a difference between smell and toxicity?
The issue of the smell versus toxicity is our daily “PR battle” to make the
consumer understand an important part of the commercial paint manufacturers
misleading marketing communication. Indeed conventional petro-chemical oil based
paints and varnishes contain many complex volatile chemicals, which remain
volatile long after they have been applied to our walls and woodwork. Hence that
"paint smell" which lingers on after we have painted our houses.
To make a metaphor, carbon monoxide does not smell, it is however deadly. It is
likely that an odour free paint is not toxic free paint. You will breathe it in
without being aware of the toxicity. So when a chemical industry masks the smell
of their products it does not do you any favours.
The smell of Biofa oil based paint is made up of essential oils; orange,
lavender, ylang ylang and lemon. It does not however give off toxic fumes and
will not harm the environment, plants, pets and most importantly children’s
health. Note that the smell will disappear as soon as the paint is dry.
If Biofa is a toxic free paint, why do you have the level of voc on the
product label?
This is another interesting EU regulation. From January 2007, every single paint
manufacturer (natural & conventional) has to mention the level of VOC contained
in their paint. According to this new law, natural essential oils (the one you
buy from Neil’s yard or your independent health store) are now listed as voc,
hence why our Interior flat emulsion contains 1.5mg / litre of voc which is in
fact due to the essential oils of lavender, cedar, ylang ylang and orange. The
paint is however as safe as before and will not emit any toxic fumes in your
house.
Note that a conventional acrylic odour free emulsion will contain 2000mg/ litre
of voc’s; and they will not come from natural essential oil but toxic chemicals!
What would be the unique selling point of Biofa paints?
Sustainable, chemical free, durable and economical, the Biofa oil based paint
and varnishes have been tested and passed the European standard EN71-3 Children
toys security as well as the German food standard 53 160 and all the Biofa
emulsions are compostable.
Where has the Biofa natural paint been used?
Biofa paints have been used with success in public places such as the Oslo
Airport, Norwegian Parliament, The Brighton Jubilee Library, St Pancreas School
in Lewes, The Brighton Steiner School, The Brighton Children's Dolphin Clinic as
well as hospitals and schools in Germany and Ireland and numerous pubs and
restaurants throughout England and Wales.
What are chemical paints made of?
The information below gives you objective information regarding paint
ingredients. Note that the information below is not scare mongering but true
Ingredient
Type of Paint and Fumes
Effect
Acrylic resin
Oil based gloss, enamel and eggshell paints. Varnishes.Ú Acrylic emulsions
Causes allergies and eczema
Alcohol
Ethanol and methanol fumes
Irritation of the eyes, nausea and digestion problems
Asphalt
Paint, waterproof wallpaper
Causes cancer
Chlorobenzene
Pesticides, paint, varnish
Affects the liver, lungs and kidney
Dioxin
Found in many products used as wood treatment
Affects the skin, causes kidney, liver and stomach cancer
Formaldehyde
Used in furniture, curtains, wallpaper, glue and paint
Attacks the nervous system, causes, headaches, breathing problems, insomnia,
loss of memory and cancer
Glycol Ether
Solvent for water based paints
Cancer and congenital deformities.
Petrol
This forms the basis for numerous products
Irritation of the eyes, nose and larynx.Ú Provokes drowsiness
Polyurethane
Used by itself and in paint
Attacks the nervous system, causes digestive problems, is also known to cause
leukaemia
Trichloretyilene
Found in paint and wall paper glue
Causes respiratory problems, affects the nervous system, causes cancer.Ú
Contributes to acid rain
Toluene
Acrylic and emulsion paints
Affects the nervous system causing nausea and confusion. Long term exposure
causes more pronounced nervous disorders and kidney and liver damage.Ú
Vinyl Chloride
Essential components of PVC
Causes brain cancer, alters the immune system and causes congenital deformities.
The chemical paint industry is slowly trying to phase out high VOC emission
paints by offering water-based alternatives. However, there are fears that these
alternatives, which tend to be acrylic resin based paints, may be more harmful
than the original oil based product.
Back to
Biofa Page
|
Drinks,
Natural Cleaning Products,
Therapy and much, much more.
SPECIAL OFFER PAGE
