Dry-Fog coatings

SCAQMD #1113: DRY-FOG COATINGS are coatings which are formulated only for spray application so that when sprayed, overspray droplets dry before falling on floors and other surfaces. I have always reported Dry Fall under this category.

To play it safe, specify Dry-Fog to comply with Green Seal Standard GS-11 (for “architectural paints & coatings applied to interior walls & ceilings”) or GC-03 if the coating has anti-corrosive properties. MasterSpec probably includes Dry-Fog because early editions of the LEED-2009 Reference Guide listed this coating type. Originally, Table 1 of Chapter IEQc4.2 was a complete list VOC limits for over 40 coating categories defined under SCAQMD 1113. USGBC issued Addenda in April & November 2010 that shortened Table 1 to include only the 3 paint types covered by Green Seal, plus just 17 SCAQMD coating categories. Dry-Fog Coating does not appear in the current Table. See http://www.usgbc.org/resources/low-emitting-materials-paints-and-coatings-addenda-11032010. At least one paint manufacturer’s interpretation is that, since the Addenda omitted coating types from Table 1, “those coatings shall be considered other categories within that table, e.g. flat/nonflat/floor/etc.” SCAQMD 1113-2004 is an old standard. Whatever the coating type, lower-VOC products are usually readily available to comply with current, more restrictive, regional VOC regulations. Using the lowest VOC products available protects IAQ during construction and after occupancy.

If it were me, I'd probably stop fighting the system and do a VOC budget method approach to not lose the credit. It shouldn't be that hard as it doesn't sound like there is much dry fall paint and your painting contractor can (and should) give you the volumes used and the volumes on the wall paint for the offset. If you make a reasonable case, write a short narrative on their conflicting guidelines and submit the budget, it shouldn't be a problem.

A little bird told me the following:The requirement is to be compliant with SCAQMD, and the list in the reference guide is for typical products but is not the comprehensive list. Using the applicable limit for dry fog as indicated in your inquiry is acceptable.

What ended up happening? I have the same question. I want to be on the conservative side.

An interesting thing I noticed: Sherwin Williams says their flat white Dry Fall is not LEED compliant but the egg shell Dry Fall is. I trust that they have their ducks in a row on this.