Environmental performance of spray-painted doors: How to choose Low-VOC coatings?

In modern home decoration, spray-painted doors are favored by many consumers for their beauty and durability. However, traditional spray painting processes often use paints containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into the air during the painting process, posing potential hazards to the environment and human health. Therefore, choosing low-VOC coatings is crucial for enhancing the environmental performance of spray-painted doors.

First, the definition and standards of low-VOC coatings
Low-voc coatings refer to products that meet the VOC content limit requirements stipulated in the GB/T 38597-2024 standard. These coatings have significantly reduced the content of harmful substances through advanced formulas and manufacturing processes. According to this standard, the VOC content limits for different types of coatings are as follows:
Interior wall coating: ≤20g/L
Wood lacquer: ≤50g/L
Exterior wall coating: ≤80g/L
Special functional coatings: ≤120g/L

Second, the selection criteria for low-VOC coatings
1.Water-based coatings
Water-based coatings are one of the most widely used environmentally friendly materials in spray painting processing in recent years. Compared with traditional solvent-based coatings, water-based coatings have significantly reduced VOC emissions and contain almost no or only a small amount of harmful substances. The main solvent of this coating is water, which reduces environmental pollution during the painting process and also lessens the health risks to the operators.

2. Powder coatings
Powder coating is a solvent-free form of coating that is applied in spray painting processing through electrostatic spraying technology. Powder coatings form a firm coating after curing, which has excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Because it does not require the use of solvents, powder coating processing emits almost no organic volatile substances, making it an extremely environmentally friendly choice.

3. Natural material coatings
Natural material coatings are mostly made from vegetable oils, waxes and mineral pigments. This type of coating is suitable for the development of environmentally friendly products in spray painting processing, such as linolain-based coatings. They not only have excellent adhesion and protective performance, but also have a relatively small impact on the environment.

Third, the impact of low-VOC coatings on indoor air quality
Choosing low-VOC coatings can significantly improve indoor air quality. Vocs are important precursors for the formation of smog. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of VOCs may lead to respiratory problems. The use of low-VOC coatings reduces the release of these harmful substances and helps protect the health of residents.

Fourth, how to choose low-VOC coatings
1.Check the product label
When purchasing coatings, be sure to check the product label to confirm whether it complies with the GB/T 38597-2024 standard. The VOC content should be clearly marked on the label to ensure that it is below the above-mentioned limit value.

2. Choose well-known brands
Choose well-known brands and reputable manufacturers whose products usually undergo strict quality inspection and environmental protection certification. Well-known brands are more likely to invest in research and development and innovation to ensure the environmental performance of their products.

3. Consider the application scenarios
Select the appropriate type of paint based on the application scenarios of the spray-painted door. For instance, interior spray-painted doors are suitable for interior wall coatings, while exterior spray-painted doors require the selection of exterior wall coatings with better weather resistance.

Fifth, Summary
The environmental performance of spray-painted doors largely depends on the paint used. Choosing low-VOC coatings not only reduces the impact on the environment but also improves indoor air quality and protects the health of residents. By checking the product label, choosing well-known brands and considering the application scenarios, you can select the most suitable low-VOC paint for the spray-painted door. It is hoped that the introduction in this article can help you better understand the selection criteria of low-VOC coatings and provide an environmentally friendly and healthy solution for your spray painting door project.