Using and managing solvents
Solvent limits in paints and varnishes
If you place paints and varnishes on the market that contain organic solvents (volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) you must ensure that they comply with the relevant limit value. These restrict the amount of solvent that the ready-to-use product can contain.
Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers, including businesses that only mix paint, must check the VOC content of their products.
The table below shows the maximum VOC content limit values for paints and varnishes. The limit values are stated in grams per litre (g/l) when the product is ready to use.
Maximum VOC content limit values for paints and varnishes
| Product* | Coating type | VOC limit (g/l) |
|---|---|---|
| Interior matt walls and ceilings (degree of gloss ≤25 at 60°) | Water borne | 30 |
| Solvent borne | 30 | |
| Interior glossy walls and ceilings (degree of gloss >25 at 60°) | Water borne | 100 |
| Solvent borne | 100 | |
| Exterior walls of mineral substrate | Water borne | 40 |
| Solvent borne | 430 | |
| Interior/exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal | Water borne | 130 |
| Solvent borne | 300 | |
| Interior/exterior trim varnishes and woodstains, including opaque woodstains | Water borne | 130 |
| Solvent borne | 400 | |
| Interior and exterior minimal build woodstains | Water borne | 130 |
| Solvent borne | 700 | |
| Primers | Water borne | 30 |
| Solvent borne | 350 | |
| Binding primers | Water borne | 30 |
| Solvent borne | 750 | |
| One-pack performance coatings | Water borne | 140 |
| Solvent borne | 500 | |
| Two-pack reactive performance coatings for specific end use, eg floors | Water borne | 140 |
| Solvent borne | 500 | |
| Multi-coloured coatings | Water borne | 100 |
| Solvent borne | 100 | |
| Decorative effect coatings | Water borne | 200 |
| Solvent borne | 200 |
*For a more detailed definition of the products covered, read schedule 1 of the Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005.