The search for non-toxic spray paint was not a straightforward one, it took a lot of searching through brands, looking at ingredient lists, and even testing some myself.
I started by looking at water-based aerosol paints since they are lower odor and have fewer fumes than solvent-based paints.
However, even water-based spray paints are not technically low-VOC, since the propellant is a solvent. Still, they can be fast to offgas and are certainly less toxic than solvent-based paint.
Next up, I found a lot of hybrids – water and ethanol-based paints. While those paints do aerosolize alcohol, this alcohol is very fast to evaporate and so this is still a great paint for those looking for safer options.
Then, finally, I tested the solvent paint options from major brands to see which ones become odorless when dry (and how many days exactly does it take to finish offgassing and become non-toxic).
The last section covers no-VOC paints that are not aerosols but can be spray-applied. If you want a paint without VOCs, without any solvents including propellants, but you still need to cover difficult-to-paint surfaces, these are the options to look at.
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Spray paint resins include acrylic (also called latex), polyurethane, alkyd (enamel), and nitrocellulose. In my experience acrylic resin water-based paint has been the lowest in odor, though I don’t discount the other options, especially if you need something durable.
There is also a hybrid of water and ethanol. Ethanol is overall a much safer solvent than those used in heavy petroleum solvent-based paints. You do have to be careful with inhaling it when wet, but it evaporates very fast. I’ve included the ethanol-water hybrid in the water-based section because it’s so safe.
Water-based spray paints are slower to dry, and less durable, but less toxic. They are lower odor and are safe to use inside. Many are safe for kids to use for small projects.
You will want to check if your project requires a primer or even a top coat over your water-based spray paint to be durable.
Solvent-based spray paints are more durable, and can usually stick to a wider variety of surfaces, they dry very fast but are certainly much more toxic when wet and take days or weeks to fully cure and stop offgassing.
Solvents can include heavy aromatic solvents, which are quite harsh at first. Other solvents like acetone are preferred, partially because of how fast that one flashes off. On the other hand, acetone is an exempt VOC, it won’t be counted on the total VOC content.
I do list the VOC content when the company provides it, but it’s hardly useful in determining the safest aerosol spray paint, why:
Rust-Oleum® paints are unleaded and safe for use on toys and furniture. Once the paint is fully cured, the solvents have evaporated and are no longer in the coating, making it non-hazardous.
Evolve Agua Water-Based Spray Paint
New on the market, this water-based spray paint is marketed as odorless & eco-friendly. It’s intended for both indoor & outdoor use and comes in vibrant colors with a flat finish.
Evolve Agua is certainly the most affordable option on this list at $8 a can including shipping.
Uses: Graffiti and street art, DIY and craft projects, indoor projects, studio work, murals, canvas work, sculptures, kid and school projects, and outdoor projects.
Where to use: Indoor and outdoor.
Clean up: Soap and water.
Colors: 30 bright colors plus white (no black).
Reviews: Some good reviews including people saying it’s low odor. Like with all water-based spray paints there are complaints about the spray capacity.
Where to buy (US): Amazon
What Should You Look for in a Non-Toxic Spray Paint:
- Water-based formula.
- Water and ethanol formula is also great, just be sure not to inhale it.
- Very few spray paints have an inert gas propellant, DME and propane are common and therefore rather unavoidable. I only saw one paint with nitrogen or carbon dioxide as the propellant.
- Consider the use of a zero-VOC spray applied (non-aerosol) paint in the last section (no propellants and no VOCs).
- If going with a solvent-based paint, look for options that are heavy in acetone and light in aromatic petroleum solvents.
- If you go with one of the solvent-based spray paints I tested, I would recommend applying it outside and waiting for the full cure time that I mention in the post before bringing it inside for use by sensitive folks, babies, kids, or pets.
SPRAY PAINT ART KIDS CAN DO! (professional tutorial)
FAQ
Is Rustoleum spray paint safe for children?
Is it safe to spray paint kids toys?
What paint is child friendly?