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How should graphic arts paint or coatings be categorized?

The standards referenced for this credit have been updated since those listed in the LEED Reference Guide – does our project need to follow the latest SCAQMD Rules and Green Seal editions, or the ones listed in the reference guide?

How should handheld aerosol spray paints be handled?

What are the VOC limits for primers? They seem to be listed in both GS-11 and SCAQMD Rule 1113.

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NC-2009 IEQc4.2:Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings

High VOC coatings prior to closing a space

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Maya Karkour
EcoConsulting
LEEDuser Basic Member
549 thumbs up

Hello, Does anyone know if we can use paints or coatings with VOC content well above the LEED requirements, as long as the envelope walls are not yet constructed (i.e., the surfaces are considered exposed at the time of installation of paints, but these will be enclosed after a period of time)? My reasoning would be "NO" because the paints will still emit VOCs for months after application, and this contradicts with the intent of the credit. Just double checking if anyone had a previous experience with that, because one of the Contractors is "claiming" that he "previously heard that this is acceptable" - although I don't think this is true :) Thanks!

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Fri, 06/28/2013 - 20:55

Interesting question. LEED allows you to use any product without taking care of VOC content as long as the finishing has been applied to a material/component outside the project site. The perfect and simplest example of this is providing metal doors with paint already applied. It is something similar to this, the material/component with the paint has already been "aerated". Does anybody know anything about this situation?

Tue, 07/02/2013 - 12:48

All materials under credit EQ 4 must comply if they used on the interior of the building (i.e., inside of the weatherproofing system and applied on-site), even if applied before the building is enclosed. I have not encountered any situation where this was not the case. I suspect the logic is three-fold; 1. this way there is no debate to when the building is truly inclosed, 2. applying material on the interior, even before full enclosure, may cause other materials within the building to be contaminated, 3. There are varying time periods for different materials to "off-gas" (to your term "aerate") Offgassing is the evaporation of volatile chemicals in non-metallic materials at normal atmospheric pressure. This means that building materials can release chemicals into the air through evaporation. This evaporation can continue for years after the products are initially installed which means you continue to breathe these chemicals as you work, sleep and relax in your home or office.
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Maya Karkour
EcoConsulting
LEEDuser Basic Member
549 thumbs up

Tue, 07/02/2013 - 12:54

Thank you John, very helpful!

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 19:34

I will assume then that either open or closed enclousure everything need to comply in order to not cause confusion to LEED reviewers. It make sense after all. Thank you very much John.

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