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Greensteps Eco-friendly paint range - Technical information

The Trade Paint range is designed to have minimum health impact. Indoor air quality is now a major factor in health and is the cause of many allergic and auto-immume problems. Trade Paint white emulsion is a genuine solvent free, VOC free paint with no chlorinated preservatives, and no hormone mimics. The emulsions are also highly vapour permeable, thus assisting moisture control in buildings. Trade Paint Gloss and Eggshell are water based acrylic eggshells to ensure minimum solvent/ VOC pollution for decorators and occupiers.

Click here to see the Greensteps range of eco-friendly paints

Trade Paint emulsions have been reformulated to have 30% less embodied energy (and hence 30% less CO2 emissions) than similar conventional trade emulsions. Transport is also a major issue in terms of CO2 emissions, so it is very important that Trade Paint is manufactured in the UK. Trade Paint has over 25% less TiO2 than a standard emulsion, because this is the paint ingredient with not only the highest embodied energy, but also the greatest environmental impact in terms of resource use, habitat destruction and pollution. All ingredients and packaging have been assessed for environmental impact.

To read an article which explains the complex science of paint and its impact on the environment in straightforward terms, click here

Greensteps range of Emulsion paints - technical information

Coverage
Approximately 10 square metres per litre.
Preparation
Surfaces must be sound, absorbent, dry, clean, and free of dust & grease. Stabilise all sandy/powdery surfaces. All unstable (flaking or peeling) paint surfaces, especially water-soluble distempers, must be removed or washed off before applying Trade Emulsion. Oil paints must be lightly sanded and keyed appropriately. New lime plaster must be allowed to dry completely (a minimum of 4 weeks) before applying emulsion.
Application
Remove any skin that has formed on the surface. Always stir paint before use. Trade Emulsion can be applied with a brush, roller or spray gun. Thin with up to 10% water if too thick, this could be necessary when using roller or spray gun. For porous surfaces, such as plaster, limestone, etc., apply a mist of Trade Emulsion thinned with water (up to 25% water to paint). Problem areas such as nicotine stains, soot, water marks or timber knots, must be rubbed down and sealed with a proprietary problem solving primer (such as clear shellac) to help avoid stains coming through the Emulsion. For a hard-wearing quality finish apply two full finish coats of Trade Emulsion. Please note that due to the uniquely low TiO2/resin formula the paint appears more translucent on first application than standard emulsion paints, although it will dry to a trade standard opacity. Do not therefore apply additional paint unnecessarily. Apply the paint at the normal rate and in the normal manner.
Drying Time
In normal temperatures and humidity, allow 4 hours drying time between coats. The painted surface is wipeable after 2 days.
Cleaning
Wash tools with warm water.
Storage
Keep container tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry and frost-free place. Shelf life is 6 months for unopened containers.
Safety
Keep container sealed and out of the reach of children. Trade Emulsion is biodegradable but DO NOT empty into drains or watercourses.
Ingredients
Water, dolomite, clay, vinyl-acrylic polymer, ropaque, titanium dioxide, thickener, cellulose, mineral oil antifoam, acrylic dispersing agent, caustic soda, chlorine free preservative

Greensteps range of Eggshell paints - technical information

Coverage
Up to 14 square metres per litre, depending upon surface and porosity.
Preparation
Surfaces must be clean, dry and free from loose and flaking material, dirt, grease etc. Repairs should be carried out prior to painting. Areas contaminated with fungal or algal growth should be treated with a proprietary fungicidal wash or with 25% household bleach before painting. Problem areas such as nicotine stains, soot, water marks or timber knots, must be rubbed down and sealed with a proprietary problem solving primer (such as clear shellac) to help avoid stains coming through the Eggshell. Stabilise all sandy/powdery surfaces. Oil paints must be lightly sanded and keyed appropriately.
Priming
Where surfaces such as bare plaster or timber need priming, dilute the Trade Eggshell with water and apply thinly. For bare plaster dilute the eggshell with up to 25% water (depending on suction), and for bare timber 10% water. After priming bare timber, the grain will be raised, so a light sanding will be necessary prior to application of the Trade Eggshell topcoats.
For external applications and onto metal Oil based primer should be used. Onto external timber a minimum of 2 coats of Oil based primer undercoat should be used.
Application
Stir well before use. On timber two coats over a suitably primed surface are recommended for
maximum protection. On walls one coat over the mist coat will be sufficient in most circumstances. This top coat may be thinned up to 5% to assist application. Trade Eggshell can be applied with a brush, roller or airless spray gun. Do not apply below 5°C.
Drying Time
In normal temperatures and humidity, the paint is touch dry in 1-2 hours. Allow 4 hours drying time between coats.
Cleaning
Wash tools with warm water.
Storage
Keep container tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry and frost-free place. Shelf life is 6 months for unopened containers.
Safety
Keep container sealed and out of the reach of children. Trade Eggshell is biodegradable but DO NOT empty into drains or watercourses.
Ingredients
Water, Clay, Acrylic Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Thickener, Acrylic Dispersing Agent, mineral oil antifoam, Preservative, Fungicide, Sodium Benzoate, Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether

Greensteps range of Gloss paints - technical information

Properties
Trade Gloss has been formulated for reduced health risks in comparison with organic solvent based products. As it has very low levels of solvent it has a very low odour during application. It has excellent covering properties and is easy to apply.
Coverage
Up to 14 square metres per litre, depending upon surface profile and porosity.
Preparation
Surfaces must be clean, dry and free from loose and flaking material, dirt, grease etc. Repairs should be carried out prior to painting. Areas contaminated with fungal or algal growth should be treated with a proprietary fungicidal wash or with 25% household bleach before painting. Problem areas such as nicotine stains, soot, water marks or timber knots, must be rubbed down and sealed with a proprietary problem solving primer (such as clear shellac) to help avoid stains coming through the Gloss. Stabilise all sandy/powdery surfaces. Oil paints must be lightly sanded and keyed appropriately.
Priming
Trade Gloss is primed with Trade Eggshell (white) diluted 10% onto bare timber, and up to 25% onto surfaces with high suction (such as bare plaster). After priming bare timber, the grain will be raised, so a light sanding will be necessary prior to application of the Trade Gloss topcoats. For external applications and onto metal and PVC an Oil based primer undercoat should be used. Onto external timber a minimum of 2 coats of Oil based primer should be used.
Application
Stir well before use. Up to 5% water may be added to assist application. Two coats over a suitably primed surface are recommended for maximum protection. Trade Gloss can be applied with a brush, roller or airless spray gun. Do not apply below 5°C, or when likelihood of frost or rain.
Drying Time
In normal temperatures and humidity, the paint is touch dry in 1-2 hours. Allow 4 hours drying time between coats.
Cleaning
Wash tools with warm water.
Storage
Keep container tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry and frost-free place. Shelf life is 6 months for unopened containers.
Safety
Keep container sealed and out of the reach of children. Trade Gloss is biodegradable but DO NOT empty into drains or watercourses.
Ingredients
Water, Clay, Acrylic Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Thickener, Acrylic Dispersing Agent, Silicone
antifoam, Preservative, Fungicide, Sodium Benzoate, Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether, Propylene, Glycol mono - Methyl Ether
Note
Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure colour continuity, please make sure you have sufficient paint from the same batch to complete your work.

Greensteps range of primers - technical information

Properties
Primer is clear, rapid drying and water-resistant. It enhances the natural colour and grain of the wood, is anti-static and protects against dust.
Colour
Clear
Coverage
Approximately 20 square metres per litre.
Preparation
Surfaces must be sound and absorbent, dry, clean, free of dust and grease. Any timber knots should be sealed with a shellac knotting sealer. Planed timber should be sanded before application of Primer. Porous stone should be neutralised with undiluted household vinegar to remove any residue of grout. Rinse with water and allow to dry completely.
Application
Shake container before use. Primer can be applied with a brush or cloth. Apply one to two coats. Apply the Primer generously and leave for fifteen minutes to allow the Primer to soak in. Should Primer soak in quickly, a further amount can be applied while it is still wet. Allow to dry 24 hours and sand (using a pad or sandpaper grade 150/200) between coats. Primer can be applied as a seal over Casein Paint used on furniture and wooden floors, darkening the Casein by approximately 25%. Apply as above.
Drying Time
Depending on the temperature and the relative humidity, touch dry after approximately 2 hours; allow 8 hours drying time between full coats.
Cleaning
Tools can be cleaned with Citrus Thinners.
Storage
Keep containers tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry and frost-free place. Shelf life is 2 years for unopened containers.
Safety
Flammable UN 1263. This product is flammable and easily ignited. Do not smoke or use a naked flame whilst working. Cloths soaked with Primer can self ignite. Cloth should be spread out to dry or put into a sealed metal container. Keep containers sealed and out of the reach of children. Primer is biodegradable but DO NOT empty into drains or watercourses.
Ingredients
Linseed oil, tung oil, orange & pine oils, hydrocarbon solvent, cobalt & zinc salts.

This technical sheet is a guideline for paint users. However, the user is responsible for testing the product on the intended surface to ensure that it is suitable for their requirements.