Our Top Eco-Friendly Painting Tips

In today’s climate-conscious world, many of us are looking for new and creative ways to be greener, and painting is no exception. Read our guide for our top tips to help lower the environmental footprint of your painting projects. .

Test Colour Samples to Avoid Re-painting

A chosen colour can look somewhat different in different environments – so we always recommend using colour testers in your home. These can be tested on multiple locations so that you get to feel comfortable with the colour. Take a few days to observe how the paint colour looks on different surfaces, in different lights and at different times of the day. This way, you can confidently get it right first time.

Only Buy the Paint You Need

Save money and minimise waste by calculating how much paint you'll need for your project before you start. Once you have chosen your paint, you can simply bring your measurements into your nearest branch of Pat McDonnell Paints and our team will assist you in calculating your requirements.

Embrace Water-Based, Low VOC Paint

When buying paint, look out for water-based and low VOC/ VOC-free products. These paints include ingredients that are kinder to the environment and to your health. Thanks to advanced technology, water-based paints now offer excellent coverage and quality – ensuring you’ll get a finish that is as stunning as it is sustainable.

For top-notch VOC-free paint, we recommend the Ralston BioSeries, which includes ExtraTex Matt, Aqua All-Primer and more. This range is made with bio-based materials and rated A+ for low VOC content. What’s more, Ralston has B Corp Certification – a highly-regarded seal of approval for brands that excel in making a sustainable and ethical impact.

Discover the Ralston BioSeries Range

Use Leftover Paint on Smaller Projects

Ask yourself, are the smaller projects you could do to utilise unused paint? By finding creative ways to repurpose leftover paint, not only do you cut down on waste, but you can also give your home a budget-friendly refresh. For example, you could upcycle a piece of old furniture or try your hand at painting a mural.

Recycle the Paint at Your Nearest Recycling Centre

Don't toss your leftover paint in the bin or down the drain! While paint is safe to use in our homes, it can be damaging to the environment if it isn’t disposed of properly. The best way to safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted paint is through your local Civic Amenity Site. Check out your local county/city council's website to see if your nearest centre offers paint recycling services.

Invest in Good-Quality Reusable Tools

Once you’ve caught the ‘paint happy’ bug - chances are you will paint many more times in your life, so it’s best to find good-quality tools and accessories (e.g., paintbrushes, rollers, trays etc.). While disposable tools are cheaper, they are often bad for the environment and will lead to a poorer finish. Well-made tools can be washed, stored, and kept aside for future projects.