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It too often carries a negative connotation: To “slap a coat of paint” on something means going for the quickest, easiest spit-spine. Maybe you’re covering up prodigious crayon masterpieces. Maybe those picture-hanging strips that promise not to damage your wall did, in fact, damage your wall. Or maybe you’re just further procrastinating on a pricier, fancier renovation. When are tax refunds expected?
However – as with most things these days – it’s not too far-fetched to also apply the word ‘smart’ to paint. Thanks to continuously developing technologies and folks whose careers are built on research and innovations of the chemical kind, in 2024 we can look forward to the following trends in the paint and coating industry.
VOC vs. LOW VOC
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are chemicals found in traditional paints that emit harmful fumes, negatively affecting air quality and respiratory health. Coatings with a designation of “no” or “low” VOC contain a lesser amount of the bad stuff, therefore offering a more eco- and user-friendly decor product. VOC-free paints are also prostrate to stricter Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Cover Story, a startup company from Finland, utilizes a water-based solution and organic paint binders harvested from plant oils to manufacture a plastic- and VOC-free odorless paint.
Natural Ingredients
Speaking of organic, another trend in paint technology can perhaps be viewed as a regression of sorts. Because conventional paints contain complicated chemical compounds, solvents and pigments, there is now greater attention on producing sustainable, environmentally-conscious products. The industry is “going back to nature.” Extracting colors from plants, minerals and similar biodegradable elements is one step forward for the paint industry, focusing less on science, more on quality-of-life.
Self-Healing Paint
This 2024 trend has a decidedly sci-fi feel to it. Exactly what it sounds like, self-healing paint takes on damage and then [magically?] restores itself to the original condition. How, exactly? From the website, startus-insights.com, “these innovative coatings contain microcapsules that release restorative agents when the paint is damaged or scratched, effectively healing the surface and minimizing the appearance of imperfections.” Application is likely to be more widespread in industrial environments and is already well on its way in the automotive sect. Though as self-healing paints become more of a household phrase, junior’s dining room wall art may just one day … disappear.
Fast-Drying Paint
Again, exactly as it sounds, utilizing fast-drying paint products provides a savings both in time and in energy, perhaps our two greatest currencies. These paints can be water-based or oil-based, each with preferred applications and results. All contain elements that reduce the need for multiple coats and extended ventilation. Also, when drying elements are found within the paint itself, not the conditions of the immediate environment, climate control – humid vs. dry locales – becomes less of a consideration.
Anti-Bacterial Paint
When we live (and work) within walls coated with copious amounts of the colorful stuff, it would be nice to know it’s not growing bacteria, fungus and germs of any kind behind our backs. Anti-bacterial paint is manufactured with antimicrobial supplements that fight off creepy microscopical invasions. The result? As with most of the above, improved air quality, hygienic integrity, and environmentally sound conditions. Uses are perhaps best for rooms susceptible to higher moisture levels, like below ground basements or airy garages.
Fun Stuff
Don’t let the big scientific words and chemistry rhetoric be intimidating. Painting is still the most affordable and fun way to change the look and feel of spaces we occupy. While chalkboard, and even magnetic, paints have been on shelves for a while, now glow-in-the-dark paint is starting to emerge, paint that emits light after being exposed to such. Luminous paint applications are obvious to improve safety in low light conditions, with artistic uses being a bit more endless, and ageless.
Lastly, many paint distributors are starting to offer 3D color visualizers. Aimed at enhancing the customer experience of choosing and applying products, this digital technology allows consumers to virtually inhabit their living or business space and try out different applications (accent wall or no?) and colors. The interactivity makes the selection process less of a guessing game and more of a known known.
If you are taking strides to be eco-friendly with paint selection, make sure you are equally intentional with paint waste. According to Sherwin-Williams.com: “Never throw away leftover liquid paint or stain in your trash. Water-based paint or stain can be dried with absorbent material such as cat box filler, shredded newspaper or sawdust. Solvent-based paints or stains are ignitable and present additional hazards to the environment.” These oil-based leftovers should be saved for a local hazardous waste collection program or contact the state’s environmental protection agency for guidance.
Until global warming advances to a [literal] degree rendering walls unnecessary in which to contain ourselves, it’s worth utilizing – when convenient and financially viable – the latest in paint trends and technology. If only to stave off, well, global warming.
Nancy S. Moseley is a Blacksburg-based freelance writer. Don’t get her started on “wall safe” picture-hanging strips. She’s hoping someone, somewhere, is focused on advancing that technology, else her demeanor will no longer be environmentally-friendly.
