If you’ve ever walked into a freshly painted room and felt your head go a bit fuzzy, that’s not your imagination. It’s the fumes. For most people it passes once a window gets opened. For a child, someone with asthma, or anyone spending hours in a newly painted room, it can be a real problem.
This reaction is dependent on VOCs, which stands for volatile organic compounds and is based on how many of them there are in your chosen paint. If you are thinking about repainting your apartment, house or office, then getting informed about low-VOC paints can help you make the right choice.
Here, we will go over what low-VOC paints really are, the significance of low-VOC paints, the difference between low-VOC, no-VOC, and zero-VOC paints, and what you need to know when choosing paints or painting contractors in Auckland.
What Is Low-VOC Paint, Exactly?
VOCs, which stand for Volatile Organic Compounds, are chemicals that are emitted as the paint dries and cures. These are the substances causing that smell in rooms with “the fresh paint smell” and it is the process of emission from paint to the air we breathe.
The solvent-borne traditional paints usually contain a larger amount of VOCs due to the use of solvents keeping the paints liquid. During the curing of paints, these solvents are released to the room. In order to minimize this emission, the low-VOC paints are produced, using water as the liquid substance in them, as well as specially selected resins and additives.
The thing is that “low-VOC” does not represent a certain value for all markets and brands; thus, the content of VOCs may differ greatly from product to product, despite both of them being in the “low-VOC” category. It is another reason why it is better to pay attention to the particular data sheet.
Why Is It Best to Minimise VOCs?
Ever felt dizzy from paint fumes? It happens more often than people expect, and the effect is worse indoors where the fumes have nowhere to go, and worse again when a child is in the house.
Indoor air quality drops noticeably while paint is being applied and while it’s curing — not just on day one. Lowering the VOC content of the paint you use helps keep air quality more stable through both of these phases, rather than just masking the smell with an open window.
Not only is this about the reduction of fumes while you are doing the painting job. It also means that the smell should be cleared out quickly enough afterward so that the room will be ready for use without having people breathe in these substances. Paints containing solvents may cause odours to linger around for days in the room until they really become breathable.
The health side of this is where it really counts. Poor indoor air quality from high-VOC paint has been linked to headaches, nausea, dizziness, respiratory irritation and allergic reactions, and it can aggravate asthma in people who already have it. For landlords, this matters for tenant wellbeing. For homeowners, it matters for your own family. And for the painters doing the work, it makes for a safer, more comfortable job site — which is one reason experienced painting teams take ventilation and product choice seriously, not just as a compliance box to tick.
Low-VOC, No-VOC, Zero-VOC and Non-Toxic: What’s the Difference?
These terms get used loosely, and it causes confusion when people are comparing products.
- Low-VOC paints have a lower amount of volatile organic compounds than the conventional solvent-based paint, although not completely free from VOCs.
- No-VOC or zero-VOC paint is formulated to contain no added VOCs in the base product. Tinting a paint can sometimes introduce a small amount of VOCs even into a zero-VOC base, so the finished, tinted product may not be entirely VOC-free — this is worth asking about if you need the lowest possible level.
- The non-toxic label refers to a broader term. It means that the paint may not only be low-VOC but also have some other additives that should not be overlooked, and so it will be better to consult the data sheet of the product.
- Eco-friendly home paint is often used as a general marketing term covering VOC content, packaging, manufacturing process, or all three — it’s not a standardised label, so it’s worth digging into what specifically makes a product “eco-friendly” before assuming it meets your particular concern.
None of these terms tell you everything on their own. If VOC content matters to you — for health reasons, a rental with sensitive tenants, or a nursery — check the actual data sheet rather than relying on the tin’s front label.
How to Choose Low and No-Added-VOC Products
Once you know you want a lower-VOC option, the next question is which product actually delivers that.
Resene is one of the more established names in this space and carries an extensive Eco Choice approved range covering paints, wood stains, and clear and specialty finishes formulated to meet strict VOC criteria, for both interior and exterior work.
Resene Zylone Sheen has long been a popular low-sheen interior finish for both residential and commercial jobs, including projects where occupants are particularly sensitive to fumes. After a decade of Zylone Sheen holding Eco Choice approval, Resene developed Zylone Sheen Zero — a no-added-VOC version that keeps the same low-sheen finish without the added organic compounds.
The wider industry shift backs this up. Solventborne paint now makes up only a small share of decorative paint sold, and average VOC levels in decorative paint have dropped substantially over the past three decades as waterborne technology has improved. Products like Resene Enamacryl, Resene Lustacryl and Resene SpaceCote waterborne enamels mean many applications that once required solventborne products — trim, doors, high-use areas — can now be done with a waterborne, Eco Choice approved option instead.
NZ’s Top Low-VOC Paint Brands, Compared
If you are comparing between the two brand names which are most popular in New Zealand, the comparison on the basis of VOC range would be like this:
Resene
- Zylone Sheen Zero — no added VOCs, virtually odourless, used in settings like hospitals where fume sensitivity is a genuine concern. A good fit for anyone highly sensitive to smell or chemicals.
- Resene SpaceCote — durable, low-odour, and a solid general-purpose interior option for day-to-day living areas.
Dulux
- Dulux enviro2 — their flagship eco-range, formulated to very low VOC levels and certified by Global GreenTag.
- Dulux Wash&Wear — their standard, widely-used range, now reformulated to low-VOC, balancing everyday durability with reduced fume exposure.
The truth is that both companies have really developed their regular product range over the years as well, not just their eco-friendly variants. Should you be choosing between the two for a particular job, then check out our Resene vs Dulux comparison.
Local Considerations for Auckland Homes
Auckland’s climate adds a few practical wrinkles worth factoring in alongside VOC content.
Humidity slows paint curing, which means fumes can hang around longer than they would in a drier climate — all the more reason to ventilate properly and choose a faster-clearing product if the room needs to be back in use quickly. Older villas and bungalows, common across many Auckland suburbs, often have less passive airflow than newer builds, so a closed-up room can trap odour for longer than expected.
Coastal salt air and UV exposure matter more for exterior work than for VOC content specifically, but they do affect which exterior products hold up — another reason to talk through product choice with whoever’s doing the work rather than picking based on the tin alone.
Common Mistakes People Make With Low-VOC Paint
A few things trip people up repeatedly:
- Taking “low-VOC” to mean “odourless”. Some low-VOC paints may still be odorous when applied, although it dissipates quicker compared to a solvent-based paint.
- Tinting a zero-VOC base and assuming it stays zero-VOC. As mentioned above, tinting can introduce a small VOC load even into a VOC-free base.
- Not ventilating properly because “it’s low-VOC anyway.” Lower VOC content reduces risk — it doesn’t remove the need for airflow while painting and curing.
- Judging paint quality purely by VOC content. A low-VOC product still needs to be matched to the right surface, number of coats and preparation, or the finish and durability will suffer regardless of how “safe” the formulation is.
- Skipping proper surface preparation. This applies to any paint job, but it’s easy to overlook when the focus is entirely on product selection.
When to Bring in a Professional Painter
Choosing the right low-VOC product is one part of the job. Applying it correctly — with the right preparation, the right number of coats, and proper ventilation while it cures — is the part that actually determines how the finished room looks and how quickly it’s safe to use again.
Painters NZ operates around Auckland providing both residential and commercial painting services with our licensed painters guaranteeing 10 years of workmanship warranty. In case you are considering how best to go about your repainting, you may want to visit our page on the things to consider when hiring painters in Auckland, while our page on licensed painters in Auckland will shed light on the importance of licensing in relation to workmanship.
For landlords and homeowners planning a full interior repaint, our interior painters checklist for 2026 walks through what a proper quote and process should include. And if budget is the main question right now, our breakdown of the cost to paint a house in Auckland covers what actually drives price up or down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is low-VOC paint as durable as standard paint?
Modern low-VOC and waterborne formulations have closed much of the durability gap with older solventborne products. Performance still depends on the specific product, the surface it’s applied to, and how many coats are used — so it’s worth checking the data sheet for the finish you’re considering rather than assuming all low-VOC paints perform the same.
How long does low-VOC paint smell last after painting?
It varies by product, ventilation and humidity, but low-VOC and no-VOC paints generally clear faster than solventborne alternatives. In Auckland’s more humid conditions, allowing extra ventilation time is a sensible precaution, especially in rooms with limited airflow.
Can I apply low-VOC paint in a nursery or bedroom?
Yes, this is actually one of the most popular cases why people prefer low and no added-VOC paints. When you want to achieve maximum sensitivity, then a no added-VOC paint such as Zylone Sheen Zero is something to ask about.
Is low-VOC paint expensive than regular paint?
Prices depend on the manufacturer and type of range rather than on VOC content specifically. Certain regular ranges like Dulux Wash&Wear have been reformulated into low-VOC paints without creating any additional premium range, but no-added-VOC finishes can be priced higher.
Do I still need to ventilate a room if I use low-VOC paint?
Yes. Lower VOC content reduces the level of fumes released, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for airflow while the paint is being applied and while it cures, particularly in smaller or less-ventilated rooms.
What should I ask a painting contractor about the products they use?
Ask which specific paint range they’re proposing, whether it’s low-VOC or no-added-VOC, and whether that applies to the tinted, finished product or just the base. It’s also worth asking how many coats are included and how they handle ventilation during the job.
Next Step
If you’re planning a repaint and want the health and air quality side handled properly — from product selection through to preparation and finish — get in touch with Painters NZ for a free consultation. Our licensed painters work with Eco Choice approved Resene products across Auckland and can talk through which low-VOC or no-added-VOC option suits your project before any work begins.
