Updated 20 May 2026
With students spending upwards of six hours a day in the classroom, mischievous students with detention even longer, and most teachers even longer still, having good indoor air quality in the classroom is crucial.
Well-maintained school buildings and grounds are essential for a healthy learning environment and a good reputation. Regular painting of both the interior and exterior of the school plays an important part in this.
The Hidden Impact of Classroom Paint
One of the biggest contributors to poor air quality is the paint used on classroom walls and ceilings, and more specifically, the chemicals it emits. Possibly the most harmful chemicals found in paints are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
VOCs are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that vaporise into the air as paint dries. These VOCs are emitted up to five years after paint has been applied, with VOC levels rising as air quality decreases over time.
Health and Environmental Risks of VOCs
VOCs can have adverse effects on the health of those exposed, both short- and long-term. The known health effects include headaches, dizziness, and nausea, as well as exacerbating pre-existing conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and asthma. VOCs are also suspected of being carcinogenic.
VOCs are also a major concern for the environment, having been found to be a major contributor to ozone production.
The Low- and No-VOC Solution
As more has become known about VOCs and concerns about their impact on health and the environment have heightened, the development and availability of low- and even no-VOC paints over the past decade have increased.
Utilising low- or no-VOC paint services enables schools to maintain a high standard of appearance and contribute to a sustainable future, without risking the health and well-being of students and staff.
Provide a Safe Learning Environment with Professional Commercial Painting
Improving indoor air quality has been shown to have a positive impact on student health, productivity, attendance and test scores, and engaging with experts for school painting is a small investment that can reap great rewards.
At Programmed Commercial Painting, we balance flawless presentation with strict safety standards. Our commercial painting services utilise advanced low- and no-VOC coatings to refresh your classrooms without disruptive chemical odours or health risks. With decades of experience in the education sector, our professional commercial painting contractors work flexibly around your timetable.
Contact the expert team at Programmed Commercial Painting today to schedule a site assessment and to learn more about how our sustainable painting solutions can create a healthier space for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low- and No-VOC Paints
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What is a low-VOC paint?
Low VOC paint is a coating specifically formulated to contain significantly lower levels of Volatile Organic Compounds than traditional options. These paints release fewer harmful, carbon-based chemicals into the air as they dry and cure, resulting in a drastically reduced chemical odour and a smaller environmental footprint.
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Is low-VOC paint safe to breathe?
No, low-VOC paint is still not completely safe to breathe while drying. While it’s a much healthier alternative to standard coatings, “low-VOC” doesn’t mean “zero VOC,” and the paint still emits chemical vapours during application.
It’s vital to ensure continuous, thorough ventilation, such as using open windows and fans, during the painting process and the initial drying phase to protect painters and building occupants from inhaling any concentrated fumes.
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What is the difference between low-VOC and no-VOC paint?
The primary difference between low-VOC and no-VOC paint is the threshold of volatile organic compounds allowed in the liquid product, though neither is completely chemical-free.
Note, however, that even “no-VOC” paints can release trace emissions during application and curing. Proper ventilation is still necessary for both options to ensure a safe breathing environment.
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How does colour affect student learning?
Colour influences learning by altering mood, focus, and visual stimulation. While wrong choices can cause restlessness and eye strain, the right colours stimulate brain activity and help students transition smoothly between high-energy activities and quiet study.
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What colours attract children’s attention?
Bright primary and secondary colours, especially yellow, orange, and warm red, instantly attract attention. These energetic tones are perfect for nursery and early primary spaces, but should be balanced with neutral backgrounds to avoid sensory overload.
