Healthier paint is the latest home trend

Choosing the perfect paint color can be daunting. But thanks to increasing technological advances, what used to be an even more formidable task — finding a paint that works well without toxic or harmful chemicals — is becoming easier all the time.

In 2016, Sherwin-Williams began offering Paint Shield, the world’s first paint that claims to kill 99.9 percent of several types of bacteria, including staph and E. coli. on surfaces for up to four years. The water-based latex paint, developed by more than 400 chemists, coating scientists and microbiologists, comes in 550 colors.

The paint, registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, is ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, says Steve Revnew, senior vice president of product innovation at Sherwin-Williams, based in Cleveland.

“Think about some of these organisms and where they come from,” he adds.

In an analysis and forecast report covering the years 2015 to 2022, Grand View Research predicted brisk growth for bio-based and low-VOC paints due to rising concerns about toxicity, environmental impact, odor and maintenance.