A List Of Non-Toxic Paints, Glues and Wood Finishes

Indoor paint can release toxic emissions into a room for months or even years.

Paint that is “Zero VOC” is a good choice for most people. If you are particularly sensitive to chemicals a “zero emission” paint is the best choice (e.g. AFM Safecoat or Auro Paints).

Non-Toxic Paints

Zero VOC and Low Emission Wall Paints

Non-Toxic Glues

All of the glues are non-toxic and have low VOC levels – this means they don’t release volatile organic compounds throughout their life. They are also free of xylene, toluene, light aliphatic naphtha, and N-hexane.

Non-Toxic All-Purpose Adhesives

Non-Toxic Silicone Adhesives

Non-Toxic Construction Adhesives

Non-Toxic Wood Finishes

Non-Toxic Furniture Finishes

Non-Toxic Floor Finishes

Outdoor Wood Non-Toxic Wood Finishes

Non-Toxic Paint Strippers

Most paint strippers contain methylene chloride and other toxic petroleum-based ingredients. These paint strippers are plant-based and non-toxic:

  • Citistrip – a citrus gel formula that stays active for up to 24 hours allowing the stripping of multiple layers in one step – can be used on wood, metal, and masonry surfaces
  • Dumond Chemicals Paint Remover – 100% biodegradable, water-based paint stripper that can remove multiple layers of architectural and industrial coating
  • Blue Bear 605 Pro Coating Remover – a zero VOC stripper that removes multiple layers of paint, varnish, enamel, and urethane
  • Paint Stripper Super Remover – this stripper claims to be the strongest paint remover available without methylene chloride or other toxic chemicals
  • Sunnyside 63432 Paint & Varnish Remover Gel – a stripping gel that removes multiple layers of paint or varnish in one application

Soy-Based Gel Paint Strippers

Soy-based paint removers contain methyl soyate – a methyl ester distilled from soybean oil.

This bio-based solvent is much more sustainable and environmentally friendly than petroleum-based products. It’s low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and it has low flammability.

Soy-based solvents are safe to use on wood, concrete, and metal. These solvents work effectively but take slightly longer to lift the paint from a surface. You can apply soy solvents with a paintbrush and it can be left on the paint surface for several hours because it does not evaporate. The longer a soy-based stripper remains on the paint, the easier the final removal will be.

Citrus-Based Paint Strippers

Citrus-based paint strippers contain terpenes – organic compounds derived from plants (usually oranges).

Citrus-based removers have an orange or citrus scent like soy-based gels, they work more slowly in removing paint than toxic products. They are safe to use on any painted or varnished surface. While these strippers are biodegradable, they still contain some harmful chemicals and should be disposed of properly.

2 thoughts on “A List Of Non-Toxic Paints, Glues and Wood Finishes”

  1. I am so grateful for these new non toxic no voc or low voc Products I was sick for 6 months because I had the outside of my sprayed painted with oil stain. It left me very sensitive to toxic products. Thanky you for making these new products.

  2. To be honest, I never thought about how many toxic substances surround us. It is literally in every substance that surrounds us. Now I realize that it is easier to find a toxic substance than one that will not harm us. This is especially true for paints and other materials. Renovating is one of the blows to our body precisely because more often we do not even read the composition of paint, varnish, or glue. Therefore, the list of those manufacturers who care not only about their pocket but also about our health is very important. For which special thanks to you. These manufacturers need to be supported.

Leave a Comment