What is VOC? The definition of VOC
(Volatile Organic Compound) is as follows: “Any volatile compound
containing at least an atom of carbon”. Our solvent-based architectural
coatings contain Mineral Spirits, a petroleum distillate, containing
carbon. Further, VOC Content is defined as “the weight of VOC per volume of coating”.
Waterlox products. Waterlox ORIGINAL Tung oil finishes come in three different film-forming formulations – ORIGINAL, VOC COMPLIANT (low VOC), and H2OLOX (low odor and low VOC). ORIGINAL products have been marketed and available since our inception; VOC COMPLIANT products
have been available since 2004 and H2OLOX products have been available since 2018. Our R&D goal was
to formulate products that meet the regulations without
changing the results and usability our customers have become accustomed to over 110 years. We truly believe that we have succeeded in accomplishing
this goal.
Below are the conclusions we’ve found through our extensive
lab and field-testing and product use:
- Dry times remain the comparable, even though solids and dry film thickness are slightly increased.
- Film properties (water and chemical resistance) remain the same.
- Flexibility and impact resistance remain the same.
-
Film hardness for VOC COMPLIANT and H2OLOX was found to be
slightly higher or faster (rate to final hardness and over time)
resulting in slightly better mar and scuff resistance, which may be
viewed as better durability.
-
Flow, leveling, touch-up and absence of lap marks remain the same.
We feel that you will experience little if any changes in our new products, even though there are differences in the actual make-up. This is primarily due to the fact that the solids/film forming ingredients remain the same.
Can ORIGINAL, VOC COMPLIANT and H2OLOX be used in combination? Although there is no real appreciable difference between the end-result
of the finishing systems, they should not be used interchangeably /
in combination with each other.
ORIGINAL Codes:
TB 5284 – Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer/Finish
TB 6044 – Waterlox ORIGINAL Satin Finish
VOC COMPLIANT Codes:
TB 6038 – Waterlox VOC COMPLIANT Sealer/Finish
TB 6035 & TB 6045 – Waterlox VOC COMPLIANT Satin Finish
H2OLOX Codes:
TB 2003 –Waterlox H2OLOX Semi-Gloss Finish
TB 2001 - Waterlox H2OLOX Satin Finish
- When coating with Waterlox ORIGINAL,
careful attention should be used to continue through the entire project
with the ORIGINAL or H2OLOX. VOC COMPLIANT products
should NOT be used over top of the ORIGINAL or H2OLOX.
- When
coating with Waterlox VOC COMPLIANT, careful
attention should be used to continue through the entire project with the
VOC COMPLIANT. The ORIGINAL or H2OLOX should NOT be used
under the VOC compliant formulations.
- ORIGINAL or H2OLOX can be used over top of the VOC COMPLIANT.
Rule Applicability. VOC rules are applicable to any person who supplies, sells, offers for
sale, or manufactures any architectural coating for use within a VOC
restricted area, as well as any person who applies or solicits the
application of any architectural coating within the VOC restricted area.
For a full break down of VOC rules, visit VOC Rule Update PDF.