A common issue in the paint business is the 'curing factor'. Let's outline some basics on this topic:

A. Paints cure or harden over a period of days or weeks after the 'volatiles' (mostly water) have left the film. Environmental conditions, modes of application and re-coating protocols all have a major impact on this curing/hardening process. This is consistent throughout the paint industry.

Reducing energy costs is on everyone's mind these days and so it should be. With the increase in housing costs skyrocketing through the roof, saving a couple bucks on your bills would be fantastic. One simple way to cut down on solar gain is to paint your roofs white.

AFM Safecoat Roofguard is the perfect solution for reducing heat gain on roofs. With it's exceptional durability and elasticity, it is what scientists say can be a simple solution to countering global warming.

Safecoat Naturals Oil Wax Finish was featured in a nice segment on the CBS Early Show last week – no label unfortunately but some great comments regarding how great it is to work with and how non-toxic it is:   

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5110003n 

Andy Pace of Safe Building Solutions/Green Design Center and an AFM dealer recently posted this very good discussion on VOC's.

"This is a topic I've been screaming about to deaf ears for quite a long time.  I'm glad it's starting to surface again.  According to the EPA, a volatile organic compound is classified as any carbon-based chemical that is readily vaporized at room temperature, that can react with nitrogen and UV,

Check out this article taken from this month’s issue of The Dirt. They highlight over seventeen years of milestones with SIREWALL insulated rammed earth, outlining how it is being used on the cutting edge of green building.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit, (which I will call HRTC to ease my slow typing fingers), is a non-refundable tax credit from the Government of Canada for works performed or items acquired in respect of an eligible dwelling. Basically, if you make alterations for the betterment of your house or your cottage that you and your immediate family personally use, you qualify for some free money.

Another blogger tells her story of working with AFM products first-hand. 'Green Frieda' shares her experiences with gardening, backyard chickens, crafts, DIY home improvement and resource efficiency. Here's what she had to say:

The Eco G Painters Blog from San Diego California posted a nice review of AFM Safecoat paints based on a job they recently completed for a client with chemical sensitivities.

Many of us dream of owning a cabin on a remote island accessible only by boat, nestled in pristine wilderness and far from the madding crowd. While this kind of inaccessibility ensures peace and quiet, it also raises challenges when it comes to actually building that cabin.

Alastair Moore, LEED AP

My North Vancouver residence (originally designed by Fred Hollingsworth in the late 1940's) is an example of the transformation of a classic west coast architecturally designed house in to a smart eco-residence.