We spoke to interior designer and colour expert Edward Bulmer about his passion for eco-friendly paint ahead of the House & Garden pop-up shop at Pentreath & Hall, where samples of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint will be available to buy
News: the House & Garden pop-up shop | Pop-up shop designers on the town | The November issue of House & Garden
Edward Bulmer is a man on a mission. The architectural historian's twin passions, interior __design and environmentalism, come together in the form of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. This 72-shade range of genuinely eco-friendly paint makes an important contribution to the modern paint industry, which is 'far too lightly regulated' in Edward's view.
'Chemicals that get banned in make-up or cleaning products don't tend to get banned in paint, and paint makers are not required to fully declare their ingredients. They use dangerous chemicals but argue that they are safe because they are used in small amounts.'
The first ever House & Garden pop-up shop, 17th - 30th October, will feature various items carefully curated by Decoration Director Gabby Deeming - including a small selection of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint samples. Ahead of its opening at Pentreath & Hall in Bloomsbury, we spoke to Edward himself about his high-quality products and the ethos behind them.
Why is it important for people to choose natural paint?
Firstly, you will know what you are buying, as natural paint ingredients are fully declared. We have used paints for 40,000 years and it is only in the last 100 years that they have been supplied by chemical companies using the by-products of oil refining.
In what way is non-eco paint damaging?
It can be harmful to people, buildings and our environment. Most modern water-based paints are labelled as eco-friendly so the term is really meaningless as no-one now genuinely claims that using crude oil is eco-friendly.
Which ingredients are in 'mainstream' paint that can't be found in natural paint?
Petrochemicals. The worst of these are:
- Glycol ethers - can be responsible for rhinitis, asthma, eczema
- Residual monomers - can cause cancer, respiratory and neurological problems and fetal abnormalities
- Amines - used to make azo dyes, can be carcinogenic
- Aromatic hydrocarbon solvents - carcinogenic, linked to childhood leukaemia and can cause skin irritation
- Phthalates - linked to reproductive and developmental abnormalities
Is it easy to replace those ingredients with more environmentally friendly alternatives?
Until the discovery of crude oil, paints were made with more environmentally friendly ingredients. Some were not good and have been withdrawn, like lead white. Paint needs binder, pigment and solvent. Natural paints obtain these from plant oils, tree resins, earths and minerals. Mainstream plastic paints use petrochemicals and some mineral/earth fillers.
What advantages does eco-friendly paint have over synthetic paint?
Our emulsion is 20 times more breathable than mainstream emulsions. This is crucial - it allows a building to breathe. If it cannot breathe, you will see cracks in plaster or trapped moisture leading to damp patches. If damp is trapped in woodwork, it will literally rot away.
Can natural paint be used on exteriors?
Limewash and silicate paints are ideal for exterior masonry and linseed oil gloss is the best paint for external joinery as it is breathable and nourishing.
Is the final finish different to that of acrylic paint?
Our emulsion is 1% on the gloss scale - a lot more matt than acrylic, which is often about 8%.
Is natural paint more difficult to apply? Are extra coats necessary?
Our emulsion needs two coats and no more. The linseed oil paints for woodwork need at least two coats and an undercoat. The emulsion is easy to apply if you keep a wet edge, which means working with a roller or large natural brush. There are some acrylic paints that are formulated for the DIY market and are easier to handle for the non-professional.
What are your top tips for DIY painting?
Always read the tech sheets and instructions and start off with the right tools. We prefer decorators and customers to call us so that we can understand their project and advise on the right products and application.
Get the November 2016 issue of House & Garden to see several Edward Bulmer paints being used as part of our decoration schemes.
Click here to order a free colour chart or call 01544388535 for a free colour consultancy.
edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk
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