Tips for Your Home > Basement

Paint

Before you buy or use paint, consider some options that may help you save money, prevent waste, and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Reduce

Use latex rather than oil-based paint. Latex paint cleans up with just soap and water. Latex paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is better for the environment since these compounds contribute to air pollution and can cause adverse health effects.

Select the right amount of paint for each job. It takes approximately one gallon of paint to cover 350 square feet of smooth surface. Talk to your local paint retailer to determine how much paint is needed for your next paint job.

Use less-toxic paint and thinners or strippers. Protect yourself from exposure to potentially toxic fumes by avoiding thinners or strippers that contain methylene chloride—a potential cancer-causing agent. Try to use thinners or strippers that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When using paint or solvents, make sure to leave doors and windows open and to use a fan to circulate fresh air.

Consider purchasing recycled paint. Recycled paint is made with paint collected from residents and is available at most hardware and paint stores. It is completely re-manufactured to assure consistent performance.

Use reusable canvas drop cloths. Consider making a one-time purchase of reusable canvas drop cloths, which can be useful for a variety of repair projects. If you opt for plastic, use a heavy duty kind that will last through the project.

Reduce your family’s exposure to lead. Never dry scrape or sand when removing old paint, especially if your home was built before 1960. Prior to its ban in NYC in 1960, lead paint was commonly used as interior paint. Dust from lead paint is the most common cause of childhood lead poisoning. Children with lead poisoning can develop health, learning, and behavior problems. For more information on lead paint, see resources.

Reuse

Donate extra paint to community groups, theater groups, schools, or houses of worship. Visit donations for more information.

Store leftover paint for future projects: cover the opening with plastic wrap, and make sure the lid fits securely over the plastic. Then store the paint can upside down. This creates a tight seal, and keeps the paint fresh for years to come.

Recycle

Recycle empty metal paint cans. Let paint dry, or use kitty litter, newspaper, or other absorbent material to soak up paint. Then include cans with your metal, glass, and plastic recyclables.

Bring leftover latex paint to any of the NYC Department of Sanitation’s Special Waste Drop-Off Sites. NYC residents can bring up to five gallons per visit.

ALSO SEE paint section in resources for links to additional information, reducing workplace toxics in waste less at agencies & schools to see the chemical constituents of various painting products, and vendors to find low-VOC paints.

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