The Best Low-VOC Paints of 2024 for the Chemical-Conscious Painter 

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Low-VOC Paints of 2024 for the Chemical-Conscious Painter  and hope the blog can help you.

Keep your indoor air quality healthy with eco-friendly paint that has fewer toxic chemicals.

Most of us don’t think much about paint beyond its color, but there are chemicals in paint called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be toxic in non-low-VOC paint. VOCs are also found in paint stripper, primer, and household items like carpet, upholstery, and some furniture.

New eco-friendly paints are called low-VOC paints, and they contain fewer volatile chemicals than regular paints. The best low-VOC paint for you depends on the project you’re working on and the desired finish type. 

Our best low-VOC paint is the Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss Tintable Paint & Primer for its fast-drying, tintable formula; washable and scrubbable finish; and Greenguard certification. However, all of the hands-on tested or selected products on this list were thoroughly vetted for effectiveness and reliability. 

Below we’ve detailed what to look for when shopping for the best low-VOC paint along with our selected and hands-on tested recommendations for some top options. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss Tintable Paint & Primer
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White Interior Paint
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint
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4. KITCHENS AND BATHROOM PICK: Glidden Premium Base 1 Flat Interior Latex Paint
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5. BEST FOR FURNITURE: Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint 
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6. BEST FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Old Fashioned Milk Paint Non-VOC Powder Paint
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7. BEST PRIMER: Kilz 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Paint
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Low-VOC vs. No-VOC Paint

Before shopping for your paint project, it’s important to clarify the differences in the amount of toxic compounds contained in low-VOC paints compared to those classified as no-VOC.

Low-VOC

With low-VOC paint, there are no government guidelines for certifying a paint as such. But, some manufacturers have limited the amount of toxins in their low-VOC paints to less than 50 grams per liter (g/L) for flat finish paints and no more than 110 g/L for nonflat finish paints. 

Manufacturers who follow that guideline can have their paint products certified as GS-11 by the nonprofit organization Green Seal. Their paint can also earn a Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification from Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), a nonprofit safety organization; this indicates it is tested annually and complies with voluntary low-VOC standards.

No-VOC/Zero-VOC

No-VOC or zero-VOC paint products contain minimal—if any—volatile organic compounds, but they may contain trace amounts, up to 5 g/L. The color you tint the paint may contain small amounts of VOCs, but these are still among the least toxic paints on the market. 

A handful of VOC-free paints are available from major manufacturers. You can also find natural paints, such as milk paint that will not off-gas any fumes.

How We Chose the Best Low-VOC Paints 

The best low-VOC paint can increase your indoor air quality by providing low chemical emissions in homes with pets and children while still performing like conventional paints. Our hands-on tested or thoroughly researched picks for the best low-VOC paint generally contain fewer than 50 grams of volatile organic chemicals per liter, offer good coverage, can be applied with a brush or roller, and will clean up with just soap and water.

The above picks also vary between low-VOC and VOC-free paints to satisfy your personal preference. Though a few of these options require prep or dilution before applying, most come in large quantities, multiple color options, and varying finishes. Many of the above paints are also compatible with metal, ceramic, canvas, fiberglass, and trim. 

Drying time is also prioritized in this list as many of these picks only take 30 minutes to 1 hour to dry after applying the first coat. Finally, select paint options also offer mildew and mold resistance. 

Our Top Picks

Whether you need a low or no-VOC paint, the list below is filled with viable tested or thoroughly researched options for your next bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or whole-house upgrade. Each of our top picks comes with a list of notable product specs as well as some pros and cons. 

Best Overall

Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss Tintable Paint & Primer

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Product Specs 

• VOC level: Low-VOC
• Color and finish: Semi-gloss 
• Drying time: 1 hour (first coat), 2 hours (subsequent coats) 

Pros

• Tintable to any color required for peak versatility; the fade-resistant formula is long lasting 
• Fast drying; dry to the touch in 1 hour and a new coat can be added in 2 hours
• Comes in multiple finishes and quantities depending on the amount of product needed 
• Durable, washable, and scrubbable after application to keep walls looking their best 

Cons

• Not suitable for use on furniture
• Not pretinted or stain blocking; may not meet some users’ needs 

If you’re looking for a combination paint and primer product, look no further than Valspar Signature semi-gloss tintable interior paint. This low-VOC paint bears the Greenguard certification for low chemical emission standards. It has a dry time of 1 hour for the initial coat and 4 hours for subsequent coats. 

This Valspar Signature paint comes in a semi-gloss finish, making it durable and washable, and you can have it tinted in your choice of colors. One gallon covers up to 400 square feet and it is also safe to use on fiberglass, metal, and trim. Plus, this paint is tough enough to be washed or scrubbed if needed. 

Get the Valspar low-VOC paint at Lowe’s.

Best Bang for the Buck

Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White Interior Paint

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Product Specs 

• VOC level: Low-VOC
• Color and finish: Semi-gloss (comes in multiple finishes)
• Drying time: 1 hour (first coat), 2 hours (second coat) 

Pros

• Versatile option; can be tinted for creating multiple color options and comes in various finishes 
• Comes primer mixed for 2-in-1 functionality; creates excellent adhesion for longevity 
• Suitable for furniture, cabinets, shutters, doors, trim, cabinets, and more 
• Mold- and mildew-protecting formula for added convenience 

Cons

• Not recommended in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways 

You don’t have to spend a lot to get quality low-VOC paint. The Behr Premium Plus Ultra pure white interior paint delivers a durable finish that’s well suited for cabinets, doors, trim, furniture, and more. This paint is Greenguard certified and contains mold and mildew inhibitors, making it suitable for high-humidity spaces like bathrooms and laundry rooms. 

The Behr Premium Plus paint comes in multiple finishes with primer mixed in so there’s no need to apply a separate base coat. This eco-friendly paint dries to the touch in 1 hour, and you can apply a second coat after 2 hours. It comes in bright white but can be tinted, and 1 gallon covers up to 400 square feet.

Get the Behr low-VOC paint at The Home Depot.

Upgrade Pick

Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint

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Product Specs 

• VOC level: Low-VOC
• Color and finish: Eggshell, flat, ulti-matte, satin, and semi-gloss 
• Drying time: 1 hour (dry to the touch), 2 hours (dry to recoat)

Pros

• Comes in multiple finishes and colors to suit a given user’s space and preference 
• Integrated with stain-release technology that allows the user to scrub and wash walls when stained 
• Mildew- and fade-resistant formula provides peace of mind 
• Dries to the touch in an hour and subsequent coats can be applied in 2 hours

Cons

• Expensive compared to similar options on the market 

Neither bacteria nor direct sunlight will mar a coat of this mildew- and fade-resistant line of paints. This high-end acrylic paint and primer combo comes in a wide variety of colors to suit different interiors. The water-based paint is classified among low VOC paints and is formulated with stain-release technology, so it’s easy to wipe clean with minimal scrubbing. It also comes with a Green Seal certification.

This nontoxic interior paint dries in 1 hour, leaving virtually no brushstrokes behind. It’s pricier than other acrylic paints, but the quality formulation makes it worthy in the long run. 

Get the Benjamin Moore low-VOC paint at Benjamin Moore.

Kitchens and Bathroom Pick

Glidden Premium Base 1 Flat Interior Latex Paint

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Product Specs 

• VOC level: No-VOC
• Color and finish: Tintable; comes in many finish options 
• Drying time: 1 hour (dry to the touch) 

Pros

• Acts as a paint and primer; tintable formula can be made into any color desired 
• Comes in multiple finishes, including eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss, and more 
• Durable and mildew-protecting formula provides peace of mind 

Cons

• Some tints contain VOCs; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences 

For a durable finish and protection against mildew, check out this Glidden Premium paint. This paint is zero-VOC, but the tint you choose to color this paint may add a small amount of VOCs, especially if you opt for hues of red, yellow, or orange. 

This Glidden Premium nontoxic paint is an interior paint and primer combo, and 1 gallon will cover up to 400 square feet. It’s available in flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss, and ultra-flat finishes. Plus, this paint takes 1 hour to dry to the touch and is durable enough to scrub and wash if needed. This option also has a selection of exterior paints. 

Get the Glidden low-VOC paint at The Home Depot.

Best for Furniture

Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint

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Product Specs 

• VOC level: Low-VOC 
• Color and finish: Ultra matte 
• Drying time: 30 minutes (dry to the touch)

Pros

• Dries with a chalk-like smooth finish and is easily distressed for a vintage look
• Can be used on furniture, wood, metal, ceramics, canvas, and other decor
• Quick drying time of just 30 minutes; new coats can be applied quickly 
• Comes in 12 colors to suit a variety of user preferences 

Cons

• Primer may be needed for bare wood, redwood, mahogany, and fir 
• May not be suitable for drywall or trim 

If you’re looking for chalk paint, consider Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte interior paint. This low-VOC paint dries to a soft, matte finish and is suitable for use on your favorite furniture and home decor projects. The paint features high adhesion for metal, ceramic, canvas, and prepainted items, and it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes. 

The Rust-Oleum paint comes in a variety of premixed colors in a 30-ounce can, which is about a quarter of a gallon. One can provide up to 150 square feet of coverage.

Get the Rust-Oleum low-VOC paint at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or DK Hardware.

Best for the Environment

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Non-VOC Powder Paint

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Product Specs 

• VOC level: No-VOC 
• Color and finish: Matte
• Drying time: 30 minutes (dry to the touch)

Pros

• Nontoxic, all-natural paint is biobased; suitable for nurseries and homes with children and pets 
• Can be mixed with custom tints to create any color a user desires 
• Texture is customizable; can be distressed or glazed for a vintage look
• Comes in 32 color options for excellent user-friendliness 

Cons

• Custom pigments are sold separately 
• May require a brush or foam applicator for proper application 
• Requires dilution before use; does not provide the same user-friendliness as some other options 

For a completely VOC-free painting experience, try Old Fashioned Milk Paint non-VOC powder paint. This nontoxic, all-natural paint comes as a powder you mix with water to use. It’s available in 32 colors, or choose a white base and add your own natural pigments, such as ground mica pigment powder (sold separately) for a custom look. 

For the best results, apply Old Fashioned Milk Paint with a brush or foam applicator. This paint is also suitable for rag-type applications to achieve a textured, glazed, or distressed finish. Due to the variations in texture, this paint is not ideal for application with a spray gun. Coverage will depend on the thickness of the paint when mixed.

Get the Old Fashioned Milk Paint low-VOC paint at Amazon.

Best Primer

Kilz 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Paint