3 Eco-Friendly Tips for Painting Projects

An environmentally friendly lifestyle is beneficial for the planet and your wallet. At Hoover Paint, we're happy to help you find eco-friendly options for your painting projects. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you learn about tips for making your next painting project more eco-friendly.

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Painting?

Using eco-friendly paint in your home reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), an air pollutant, improving indoor air quality. Lower VOC emissions also help those with allergies and asthma, thanks to the better indoor air quality. These paints are durable and long-lasting, so you won't need to repaint or touch up, saving you money.

Sustainability doesn't just have to do with being good for the environment, but also for your wallet. When you save in one area, you have more money for other endeavors, whether spending more on home décor, painting more rooms throughout your home, or tossing extra cash into savings.

3 Painting Tips for Eco-Friendly Home Renovations

Here are our three tips at Hoover Paint to get the most out of your paint and budget:

1. Seal or Clean Paintbrushes Immediately

It can feel tempting to leave a paintbrush covered in paint out, especially when you're exhausted after tackling a project, but it’s better to take care of the brush immediately. If you don’t, you'll likely have to replace the whole brush next time you paint.

The best way to clean a paintbrush is to remove as much paint as possible and rinse it with warm water and soap. Then, use a towel to get as much of the excess water out as possible and reshape the bristles. Let it dry before putting it away.

Alternatively, if you plan on picking up where you left off in a few hours or the following day, wrap your paintbrush in a bag or plastic wrap, seal it airtight with a rubber band, and place it in your refrigerator.

2. Store or Dispose of Paint Properly

If you choose latex paint, you can dispose of it with your regular trash. Oil-based paint should be brought to a drop-off center, as it’s classified as a household hazardous waste according to the state of Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. You may also donate your leftover paint to local schools or theaters, community centers, or other non-profits in your area.

If you need to store your leftover paint, store the paint cans correctly so you can reuse them later. But how do you store paint properly? Here are a few tips:

• Seal the paint can using a rubber mallet to tap the lid into place.
• Store the can in a dark and cool place and avoid your garage, especially in Middle Tennessee, where the high humidity and heat can cause lumpy paint.
• Reopening the can is best done with a paint key. Avoid using a screwdriver as it can warp the lid, making it challenging to store again, if needed.

3. Purchase the Correct Amount of Paint

When you order paint, measure the room or rooms and work with our Hoover Paint staff to get as close to the correct amount as possible. This extra step allows you to purchase higher-quality paint, like Benjamin Moore, that provides better coverage and prevents you from buying excess.

Find Eco-Friendly Tips and Benjamin Moore Paint Near Central TN

When you're ready to start your next paint project, visit one of our Hoover Paint locations. We can help you pick paint colors and tools and determine the exact amount of paint you need, ensuring eco-friendly home renovations if that’s your goal.

To get started, contact us online, call (615) 893-5756, or text us! You can also visit one of our locations in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Cool Springs, Shelbyville, Cookeville, Green Hills, Manchester, Mt. Juliet, Clarksville, Pleasant View, and West Nashville, TN.