JupiterImages/Thinkstock
DCL
Whether you inherited it, picked it up at a secondhand store, or rescued a landfill-bound treasure, saving a piece of furniture from the landfill is an excellent way to go green in your home, but the chemicals, paints, and varnishes many people use for refinishing are often anything but green. Often loaded with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals, many products aren't just bad for the planet, they're also bad for your health.
The good news is there are alternatives, old and new, that can help you green the furniture refinishing process, and a few precautions can prevent a variety of health hazards.
1. Work in your garage if you have one. This will prevent toxic dust, which can be carried away on a windy day, from contaminating your yard or neighborhood.
2. If you're sanding a piece of furniture, make sure you wear an N95 mask and vacuum up any dust to prevent potential exposure to lead in older paints.
3. Look for a non-toxic stripping agent to remove old paint or stain. Try Franmar's Soy Gel Paint & Urethane Remover, which is strong enough to remove lead paint, but gentle on the planet (it's 100 percent biodegradable). The thick formula traps particles, including lead, which prevents potential health hazards.
4. Vacuumed paint or urethane dust and rags soaked with paint/urethane removers are hazardous waste, so they should never go out with your household garbage. Bag these materials and take them to your local hazardous waste drop-off location.
5. Use VOC-free paints or urethane when refinishing furniture. Or consider milk paint products for the environment and, because antiques were often painted with milk paint, added authenticity.
With these simple tips, you can ensure your newly refinished furniture is as green as can be, and your health won't be compromised in the process.
