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) |
|---|---|---|
| Product*, Product* Interior matt walls and ceilings (degree of gloss ≤25 at 60°) | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 30 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 30 | |
| Product*, Product* Interior glossy walls and ceilings (degree of gloss >25 at 60°) | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 100 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 100 | |
| Product*, Product* Exterior walls of mineral substrate | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 40 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 430 | |
| Product*, Product* Interior/exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metal | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 130 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 300 | |
| Product*, Product* Interior/exterior trim varnishes and woodstains, including opaque woodstains | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 130 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 400 | |
| Product*, Product* Interior and exterior minimal build woodstains | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 130 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 700 | |
| Product*, Product* Primers | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 30 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 350 | |
| Product*, Product* Binding primers | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 30 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 750 | |
| Product*, Product* One-pack performance coatings | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 140 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 500 | |
| Product*, Product* Two-pack reactive performance coatings for specific end use, eg floors | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 140 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 500 | |
| Product*, Product* Multi-coloured coatings | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 100 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 100 | |
| Product*, Product* Decorative effect coatings | Coating type Water borne | VOC limit (g/l) 200 |
| Coating type Solvent borne | VOC limit (g/l) 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.