logo
Painting Advice and Premium Products from Experienced Professionals.

VOC Restrictions and the use of Waterlox Products

You can still buy all Waterlox products in quarts in all 50 states.  For clients who live in states listed below with VOC restrictions, there is a line of VOC compliant versions of the two most popular Waterlox products, Original Sealer/Finish (TB6038) and Original Satin Finish (TB6035), both of which are available in gallons. These products can be shipped in gallons to all states (exception: SCAQMD in CA).

Restricted States Allowable Waterlox Products

Arizona(Maricopa County), California ( except SCAQMD),

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine,

Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,

New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia.



VOC Compliant vs. Traditional Waterlox Formulations .

The definition of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) is as follows: “Any volatile compound containing at least an atom of carbon”. Waterlox's 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 Original Tung oil finishes come in two different formulations – Traditional and VOC Compliant (low VOC). The VOC compliant products have been available and in-use since December 2004. Waterlox R&D goal was to formulate and produce products that meet the regulations without changing the results their customers have become accustomed to over the last 100 years. We truly believe that they have succeeded in accomplishing this goal. Below are the conclusions they found through their extensive lab and field-testing and product use:

Dry times remain the same, 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 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.
The Satin Finish has no settling, and a more consistent and lower gloss level.

Waterlox feels that you will experience little change in their new formulations, even though there are differences in the actual make-up of the formulation. This is primarily due to the fact that the core ingredients remain the same (Tung Oil, phenolic resin, etc.).

Can Traditional and VOC Compliant be used in combination?

Although there is no real appreciable difference between the end-result of the two finishing systems, they should not be used interchangeably / in combination with each other.

Traditional Product Codes:

TB 5284 – Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish

TB 6044 – Waterlox Original Satin Finish


VOC Complaint Product Codes:

TB 6038 – VOC Compliant Sealer/Finish

TB 6035 & TB 6045 – VOC Compliant Satin Finish

When coating a project with our Traditional formulations, careful attention should be used to continue through the entire project with the Traditional formulation. The VOC Compliant (low VOC) products should not be used over top of the Traditional formulations.
When coating a project with our VOC compliant formulations, careful attention should be used to continue through the entire project with the VOC Compliant formulation. The Traditional products should not be used under the VOC compliant formulations.
The Traditional formulations can be used over top of the VOC complaint formulations.

How Does This Apply to You?

The 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.

Because there are numerous exemptions, ongoing changes, and various interpretations of many of these rules, it is wise to consult with the local regulating agency for specific rules, allowable VOC emissions, and methods of compliance.

Go to Waterlox.com for current VOC Restrictions regarding use of Waterlox.

Waterlox VOC Compliant Sealer Finish

Waterlox VOC Compliant Satin Finish