Livingreen carries a wide variety of paint and finish products. Each is briefly described below, but if you have further questions, our staff can help you make the best product selection based on the specifics of your job.
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds, referred to frequently below, are unhealthy or toxic airborne particles off-gassed by many conventional materials, including paints and sealing finishes. The lower the VOC content, the healthier the product
American Pride Interior Paint
American Pride offers a line of zero VOC, earth-friendly latex paint and primers. Their company mission is to produce “high performance, environmentally responsible products.” Every American Pride product is Green Seal certified. Green Seal is an arduous third party process that evaluates every aspect of a company’s production. American Pride paint has virtually no odor and is California Proposition 65 compliant. (Prop 65 is concerned with two types of chemicals: carcinogens and reproductive toxins) American Pride does not use smog-producing hydrocarbon solvents and its manufacturing standards help minimize water pollution. With high durability and excellent coverage, American Pride Paint is spatter-resistant and has outstanding washability with performance that is equal to or better than conventional paint. American Pride offers 940 standard palette colors, plus 1232 signature colors and a 24 hr matching service. If you see a conventional paint color that you like, American Pride can formulate a non-toxic version.
Green Planet Natural Paints
Green Planet Paints® is dedicated to bringing you the finest quality natural clay paints. They do this by mixing fewer than a dozen ingredients including: water; marble; porcelain clay; clay and mineral pigments; and a soy-based resin. Their paints are zero-VOC, making them a positive choice for all of us, but in particular for pregnant women, parents of small children, and people with allergies or asthma. Their paint is produced responsibly to minimize harm.
YOLO Colorhouse
You can now choose an exclusive designer paint line that is responsibly manufactured and environmentally friendly. Founded by profession al artists and custom paint designers, YOLO Colorhouse paint is durable water-based paint with high scrubbability. Green Seal Certifified, these paints are also free from heavy metals, formaldehyde, crystalline silica, phenols, ammonia, chlorine, butyl ethers and other corrosive cleaning agents, as well as odor-masking chemicals and fragrances. YOLO paint is manufactured at an eco-friendly low-waste-producing facility . Available in both interior and exterior formulations, four bases and three sheens comprise a palette of colors designed with nature in mind such as: Air, Clay, Grain, Leaf, Petal, Stone, and Water, Prarie, Forest, and Canyon. Each color is created with complementary pigments to give it warmth, depth and harmony. You can purchase sample posters of actual dried paint to test various colors on your walls.
AFM Safecoat Paint
Safecoat’s top-of-the-line paints offer durable, long-lasting finishes that use the highest quality ingredients while avoiding extenders, drying agents, formaldehyde, mildewcides and fungicides. The result is a “safe synthetic” paint line. In addition, Safecoat seals in off-gassing from previously applied coats of paint or building materials. All Safecoat paints clean up easily with water. They can be tinted to virtually any color and are available in a variety of finishes:
- Flat – A soft sheen for areas not generally exposed to high traffic. Both low and zero VOC formulas are available.
- Eggshell – Eggshell sheen adds more durability. Both low and zero VOC formulas are available.
- Semi-Gloss – This is excellent for frequently cleaned walls. Both low and zero VOC formulas are available.
- Cabinet & Trim Enamel – This is a unique, super durable coating for high abuse areas such as cabinets, trim, baseboards, chair rails and doors. It is available in eggshell and semi-gloss
finishes. - All Purpose Exterior Satin – This is a unique, weather resistant coating for multiple surfaces with very low VOC and very low odor.
Safecoat Transitional Primer
Safecoat Transitional Primer is a problem-solving primer for previously painted or non-drywall surfaces. It helps to transition from existing oil-based surfaces to water-based coatings. Whenproperly applied, it is effective as a stain blocker for knot holes, water stains, and the oils, tannins and terpenes in wood which can “bleed through” to the surface upon the application of traditional water-based primers.
Safecoat WaterShield
Safecoat WaterShield is a versatile water-repelling sealer which provides an invisible barrier against water and resists oils, grease and similar liquids. It is fast-drying, has excellent adhesion, is easy to apply, and can be used for interiors or exteriors. In addition to sealing and providing a protective barrier against water migration, it helps to harden, dust-proof and control efflorescence in masonry surfaces, and serves as a wooden deck sealer in combination with DuroStain Clear. It is not toxic, nonflammable, lead and formaldehyde-free, and does not contain surface contaminating silicones, so it may be used on painted surfaces and may be painted over when dry.
Safecoat New Wallboard Primecoat HPV
The drywall commercially available today is full of recycled paper, which creates serious finishing problems. It has a high level of water soluble acids which interfere with adhesion and the appearance of top coats. Moreover, the wallboard is extremely and inconsistently porous. Conventional primers can’t solve these problems. That’s why AFM created Safecoat New Wallboard Primecoat HPV, the only primer to use for true one-coat-coverage on new drywall, green board and high-recycled-content materials. Primecoat HPV helps eliminate decorating problems associated with new gypsum, textured sheet rock and tape joints on wallboard.
Safecoat Hard Seal
Because Safecoat Hard Seal forms a continuous membrane, when applied properly it is particularly effective at sealing in pollution or offgassing of toxic chemical compounds from surfaces. An excellent multi-use, water-based, general purpose clear sealer for vinyl, porous tile, plastics and unfinished (e.g. plywood) cabinetry. Multiple coats will build an attractive gloss finish. Do not apply Hard Seal to surfaces subject to standing water or heavy moisture.
Safecoat MexeSeal
Safecoat MexeSeal is one of the most durable sealers for porous, unpolished clay tile,stone, granite, slate, concrete and stone pavers, and masonry surfaces where oil and water-repellency are desired. Non-hazardous and non-flammable, MexeSeal is a total replacement for high solvent content floor sealing systems. Multiple coats will build an attractive gloss finish. Used in retail stores on their pavers, Mexeseal is great for the homeowner who wants a tough, but environmentally safe clear sealer.
Safecoat Safe Seal
Safecoat Safe Seal is a clear sealer designed to aid in blocking toxic offgassing from processed wood such as particle board, plywood and other porous materials. Safe Seal adds water-repellency to concrete and other porous surfaces, but it is not meant to provide a surface sheen. When used as a base coat, Safecoat Safe Seal improves the adhesion of covering adhesives and finish coats. It is for porous surfaces only.
Safecoat Penetrating WaterStop
Safecoat Penetrating Water Stop improves water-repellancy in new or unsealed surfaces such as brick walls, concrete foundations and stucco. It can be used on new or previously uncoated porous substrates, and is excellent as a maintenance sealer. Because Safecoat Penetrating WaterStop is low odor and non-toxic, it is ideal for use indoors instead of typical high-solvent-content sealers.
Safecoat Grout Sealer
Safecoat Grout Sealer is a clear, moisture-resistant sealer for porous tile grout. It actually reacts with and becomes a part of the grout, increasing water-resistance, minimizing the penetration of liquid, and helping to prevent staining.
Earth Plaster
100% Natural Earth Plaster uses natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments manufactured in and obtained from the United States. This interior finish also shows its commitment to the environment and to the future by maintaining low inherent energy use and less waste in production during the manufacturing process. Clay naturally controls climate by regulating arid and humid air, absorbing and releasing moisture in response to environmental changes. Warm to the touch in winter and surprisingly cool in summer, Earth Plaster creates a wall surface that is inviting to the senses. Earth Plasters are non-dusting, mold and fade- resistant, repairable and moisture controlling. American Clay Natural Earth Plasters bring the appealing finishes of nature to your home, office, school, business or anywhere you want to add healthful beauty to your interior walls and ceilings. Natural Earth Plasters from American Clay are easily adapted to Do-It-Yourself projects. American Clay surfaces are non-toxic, easy to repair, easily reworked, and exciting to learn. Plus, you can earn up to 4 LEED credits by finishing your walls with American Clay.
American Clay Natural Earth Plasters
Loma Finish
This original formulation has the characteristics of traditional plaster. You can vary the surface texture by using different finishing techniques. Using a tile sponge you can achieve a ‘sanded’ finish reminiscent of suede. If you use a stainless steel swimming pool trowel, you can have a smooth-but somewhat textured surface. A ‘skip-trowel’ finish can be produced by laying up the first coat as a ‘sanded’ finish described above-. Allow this to dry. Spritz the surface with a ‘garden’ sprayer and lay up a second 1/16th inch coat of Loma. Trowel on the second coat, leaving spaces, thus revealing the under texture. A coarse black sand can also added to the Loma which produces an almost ‘stone-like’ quality to the surface.
Maritimo Finish
Maritimo is a finish containing crushed oyster shells that gives a shiny, glittery effect. Its preparation is similar to both the Loma and Porcelina finishes with a 1/16 of an inch basecoat.
Porcelina Finish
This Venetian Plaster type finish is super-smooth and fine-grained, producing a satin, almost texture-free surface. Prized by artisans for centuries, the smooth surface can be reminiscent of fine marble. Troweled over abasecoat of Loma,Porcelina is a layer less than 1/16th of an inch. It can be worked with several colors to produce the mottled, Venetian plaster of Mediterranean and Italian villas. Burnishing this plaster requires no sanding between coats. It can be sealed with the clear sealer, gloss sealer, or carnauba clear wax.
OSMO Stains & Finishes
OSMO stains & finishes are solvent-free and contain no biocides or preservatives, only aliphatic low-odor mineral spirits that meet the German standard for purity which are often stricter than environmental health standards in the United States.
- Polyx Oil Not to be confused with traditional oil finishes, OSMO Polyx-Oil is a finish
engineered from plant oils and waxes and just enough highly refined mineral spirits to allow easy application. This remarkable finish offers excellent durability and renewability with a unique lustrous finish. - One Coat Only An oil-based semi-transparent stain for exterior wood. Dries to a satin matte. Not recommended for decks. Needs only a single coat. Available in 15 colors.
- Wood Wax Finish A combination stain and interior topcoat with a satin sheen.
Available in 11 colors.
Wall Coverings
The wall coverings at Livingreen are made either from recycled content or all natural materials. The recycled content includes nylons, pantyhose, and surgical bootie- manufacturing waste cleverly diverted away from landfills. Natural grasscloths, cork, sustainable fabrics, bamboo tambours, and reclaimed wood panels add warmth, texture, and color while maintaining healthy indoor air quality. These coverings are available in easy-to-maintain commercially-rated papers with a beautiful array of colors and finishes to choose from.