Connoisseur Spotlight

What you need to know about paint and VOCs.

If you are a property manager or a homeowner, you regularly come in contact with substrates that need painting. If you come in contact with substrates that need painting, then you need to know about VOC regulations.

VOC REGULATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

In September 2010, the Government of Canada passed legislation limiting the concentration levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in all architectural painting products. ¹

What are VOCs? VOCs are a family of chemicals emitted by many household products (such as oil-based paints). VOCs negatively impact the quality of air, both inside and outside your home and contribute to ground level smog and significantly increase the risk of respiratory and heart diseases. In fact, Environment Canada states that 26% of VOC emissions come from paint and other coatings. ²

As published in the Canada Gazette Vol. 143, No. 20, the Canadian government brought in the new federal VOC regulations effective September 2010. Because of the new regulations enacted, 47 of the 53 paint coating categories no longer meet the new VOC rules and are deemed non-compliant. Most notably among these coating categories are oil-based paints. As such, oil-based paints can no longer be manufactured or imported into Canada by any paint company. Paint companies have until September 2012 to sell through their existing stock of non-compliant product.

The Federal government has made it clear to the paint industry (paint manufacturers, retailers and contractors) that they will vigorously enforce these new regulations and all parties involved will be subject to investigation and scrutiny. Violation of the VOC regulations will result in stiff fines as mandated by the legislation.

What does this all mean? Simply put, while some non-compliant VOC coatings will still be available, the application of these paints will be highly restricted and primarily designated for industrial use. This poses some serious challenges for residential contractors when coating areas previously painted with an oil-based product.

Question: Under what circumstances can I use non-compliant products as part of an architectural painting project?

Q: What are some practical examples of when I can use a non-compliant product as part of an architectural painting project?

Q: What are some practical examples of when I CANNOT use a non-compliant industrial maintenance coating as part of an architectural paint project?

Q: I have high-rise corridor walls that were painted with oil paint. Can I still use an oil-based coating when it comes time to repaint?

As outlined in the new regulations, paint manufacturers have until September 2012 to sell through any remaining stock of non-compliant oil-based coatings. In fact, many major paint manufacturers have already done so and no longer have any stock of oil-based coatings for residential use. Knowing that these regulations were coming into effect, CPL has been working with our paint suppliers to determine which coating solutions perform best in a variety of applications. For the progressive contractor who has prepared for the new regulations, many compliant options are available that perform as well or better than traditional oil-based paints. From adhesion primers to acrylic modified alkyds and acrylic enamels, CPL has paint systems in place that will allow us to provide you with outstanding performance.

If you have existing substrates painted with oil-based paint and require a repaint, contact CPL and find out how we can make you look good.

References:
1. http://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/eng/regulations/detailReg.cfm?intReg=117
2. http://www.ec.gc.ca/cov-voc/default.asp?lang=En&n=59828567-1

We’re pleased to present a new Letter of Recommendation from Wilson Blanchard Management. Many thanks to Brad Wells, Property Manager.

We’re pleased to present a new Letter of Recommendation from TAG Management, Real estate Solutions. Many thanks to Barbara Lareau, Senior Property Manager.

We’re pleased to present a new Letter of Recommendation from York North Condominium Corporation No. 5. Many thanks to Jim Eves, Property Manager.

We’re pleased to present a new Letter of Recommendation from Maple Ridge Community Management. Many thanks to Craig McMillan, RCM.

BY PHIL VON MASSOW

Typically the parking garage is the largest common element in a high rise condominium and it is the primary entrance for most residents. You would think that maintenance would be a high priority. So, why do parking garages always look dark and dirty? Many of them do not even meet the basic guidelines of municipal by-laws and building code.

It always helps to talk to a professional when beginning any project. John Margaritis of Connoisseur Painting Ltd. has extensive experience co-ordinating large parking garage projects. On top of his ability to provide cost effective coating solutions, John has been able to help condominium managers bring their parking garages into compliance with provincial, federal and municipal building laws.

At first glance, the painting of an underground parking garage might appear to be a relatively straight forward process. “Underground parking garages don’t get painted often, so what you do now has to stand up and it has to be cost effective at the same time” noted Margaritis.
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Richard Lyons and Phil von Massow, of CPL Group (Connoisseur Painting Ltd. and CPL Condominium Design Interiors), are pleased to announce that Chris Lallouet has joined the team of design and construction professionals servicing the residential condominium marketplace in the Greater Toronto Area. Chris will manage business development for CPL Group.

Chris brings his 6 years of Chemical coatings sales experience with Sherwin Williams to provide superior business development and customer service to both our maintenance and refurbishment clients

Chris is a graduate of Brock University in business administration.