Paint the town green when you redecorate

No matter what type of property you own or its value, there is one piece of advice that’s almost universal – a fresh coat of paint on the interior walls can improve selling prospects.  

Repainting using a neutral colour can lift your home’s value by anywhere between 2% and 25%. Conversely, an article by Ideal Home listed dark brown, bright yellow, citrus green and black as paint colours that could devalue your property.  

Therefore, it’s highly likely you’ll be heading to the DIY store before you put your home on the market. Today’s choice of paint colours and finishes is extensive but has it ever occurred to you that your choice of paint could also impact the environment?

There is a growing selection of more eco-focused paints that allow you to be green whatever colour you opt for. Here are some kinder-to-the-environment options:-  

Plant based paint

Edward Bulmer – a certified B corporation and paint manufacturer – sells a range of pioneering plant based paints. Formulated using natural ingredients instead of petrochemical-derived products, each tin of Edward Bulmer tin is water based, plastic free, non-toxic and carbon neutral. There are over 100 shades to choose from, in either eggshell, emulsion or gloss.   

Paint for people with chemical intolerances

Graphenstone recognises that paint can be a pollutant in the home, and therefore concentrates on manufacturing products that improve indoor air quality, limit pathogens derived from sick building syndrome, prevent mould growth, fungi and bacteria, promote safe domestic environments, and increase comfort and quality of life. Its paints are lime based and can absorb CO2 as they cure, while its range features GrafClean Premium – a Class A+ certified paint with only trace Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).  

UK-made vegan paint

If you’re looking to reduce air miles when decorating your home, Claybrook is an excellent choice. Its range is made in the North of England by a family firm, with the emphasis on low VOC products, vegan-friendly status and paint tins that can be recycled. Claybrook doesn’t send out testers in glass or metal pots in order to reduce landfill, instead dispatching hand painted sheets of paper that can be pinned to a wall. There are 55 shades to choose from available in both emulsion and eggshell finishes.  

Recycled paint

Little Green has developed a way to reuse unwanted and damaged paint, saving as much as 60,000 litres going to waste every year. Its Re:mix collection of recycled paint is reformulated by its in-house team to produce 20 colours that also feature in Little Greene’s main product range. Re:mix paints are available in 2.5 litre tins in limited run batches, sold as a flat emulsion finish for walls and ceilings.  

Pet and baby safe paint

Little Knights is fast becoming the paint supplier of choice for those with children and pets. Its water-based formula is 100% zero-VOC, free from carcinogens and petrochemicals and is odour free. Little Knights has Toy Safe accreditation (BS EN 71 – 3:2019 – Safety of Toys), so parents can confidently paint cots and furniture that may be nibbled! The paint’s formula also safely breaks down in waterways.   

If you would like advice about preparing your home for the open market – including redecorating ideas – please get in touch.