Many products need a layer of finish or sealer on their surface to ensure durability–which means we are in direct contact with finishes more than with the material itself. Also, finishes can shed particles through use and wear. These particles can contain unwanted toxics, making them particularly impactful on human health.
During application, sealants and finishes frequently off-gas VOCs. And they can contain toxic binders, yet their ingredients are often not disclosed. As a result, it’s difficult to know which potentially harmful substances remain in many finishes today. Natural oils, without harmful additives or synthetic accelerators, offer the healthiest option for finishes and sealants.
Below are a few examples of finishes that meet our rigorous evaluation. For further help on your own search for healthier finishes, scroll down to "Spec Guidance”.
Healthier Finishes + Sealers
15 products
About Our Collections
The goal of our collections is to help promote transparency in the material ingredients of building products by fostering knowledge and awareness of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available, and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.
Keep an eye out for the following symbols:
A Healthier Affordable Building Product
Products with the designation of "Healthier & Affordable" were specified and installed in at least one of our Case Studies of healthier affordable housing.
Available at the Donghia healthier Materials Library
The Donghia healthier Materials Library library is open to Parsons student and faculty. Learn more about access and opening hours here.
Low Embodied Carbon
“Embodied Carbon” is the total amount of carbon emitted during the process of making a material. *HML refers to a manufacturer's EPD to determine whether a product's A1-A3 carbon emissions falls within HML's threshold for Low Embodied Carbon.
New Product
This product has been added to the collection within the past six months.
Product in Development
Products with this designation identify they are currently scaling or only available in markets outside of the building industry. they could be experimental or in use in capsule collections.
Available in the EU
Products with this designation are currently available only in the European Union and identified as being an exemplary healthy option in the respective product group.
Ingredient Disclosures
There are several ways of evaluating a material’s health that we include with product information. Disclosures are reports by manufacturers about product ingredients, impacts, or other attributes.
Key Disclosures include:
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
A voluntary technical specification for reporting information on product contents and associated health information, intended to be the health-analogue to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Declare Label
Declare is a transparency platform and product database that answers three questions:
1. Where does a product come from?
2. What is it made of?
3. Where does it go at the end of its life?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
A standardized format for communicating the environmental effects associated with a product’s raw materials extraction, energy use, chemical makeup, waste generation, and emissions to air, soil, and water.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A reporting format that provides basic information about a material’s chemical ingredients, the potential safety hazards to installers, and recommended practices for installation.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products.
Other
Manufacturer | Product | Ingredient Disclosures |
---|---|---|
Viking | Viking Linseed Oil Wax |
Viking Linseed Oil WaxThe Viking Purified Linseed Oil Wax is 100% natural, combining the Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil and beeswax. It is made in the USA, food-safe and contains no petrochemical additives. Ideal for wood surfaces, including unfinished wood, and can also protect metal, ceramic, tile, and rubber. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_LinseedManufacturerVikingMaterial composition*100% Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil and Beeswax *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING16 oz, 32 oz CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJune 14, 2022 |
Rubio Monocoat | Oil Plus 2C |
Oil Plus 2CAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryRubio Monocoat's Oil Finish is a healthy option for wood finishing. A single layer of this product will protect wood from water, heat, and daily wear and tear trough molecular binding with the wood fiber. It is great for use on hardwood flooring, wood furniture or any other wood product. This product creates a finish that is easy to maintain, and it is free of VOCs and solvents. *Note: This product is sold in two components. Component A is the oil finish and Component B is an accelerator, which speeds the drying process. Although it helps with convenience, we recommend the product to be used without the accelerator as it contains isocyanates, listed as asthmagens and potential carcinogens by OSHA CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_LinseedManufacturerRubio MonocoatMaterial composition*Linseed Oil, Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, Plant Based Pigments *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 350 ml, 1.3 L and 3.5 L cans. COLORSAvailable in 14 colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Eurofins Gold Indoor Air Comfort
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedJanuary 17, 2024 |
Allback | Purified Boiled Linseed Oil |
Purified Boiled Linseed OilLinseed Oil is a natural, solvent-free finish coating derived from flax seeds. Not only does it perform better than petrochemical alternatives - it is also much healthier. Linseed oil is free of toxics such as isocyanates and bisphenols, which are found in polyurethane and epoxy resins. Allback manufactures their Purified Linseed Oil in Sweden. Their Purified Boiled Linseed oil is a drying oil, making it ideal for a final finish on wood and metal. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_LinseedManufacturerAllbackMaterial composition*Linseed Oil <99.01%, Manganese Drying Agent <0.09% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING5 Liters CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJuly 30, 2019 |
The Real Milk Paint | Pure Tung Oil |
Pure Tung OilAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryTung oil (sometimes called chinawood oil) is an all-natural hard drying wood oil that provides a tough, flexible, highly water-resistant coating or wood finish. Tung oil is available in 3 grades. The Real Milk Paint’s Pure Tung Oil is Grade 1 yellow, the highest grade available. This means that it offers faster drying, superior color, and a long-lasting finish. This product is free of VOCs and other harmful additives. Some prefer it over linseed oil because it dries faster and does not darken as much with age. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_TungManufacturerThe Real Milk PaintMaterial composition*Tung Oil 100% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 1 oz (sample), 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, 1 gallon, and 55 gallon bottles CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedAugust 02, 2023 |
The Real Milk Paint | Hemp Oil |
Hemp OilAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryHemp oil is a healthier finish and works particularly well on wood. The Real Milk Paint’s Hemp Oil is free of additives, preservatives, solvents, and VOCs. It is thinner than tung oil, making it easier to apply without the addition of a solvent. However, hemp oil is less durable and waterproof than tung oil. Hemp oil is food safe and works especially well on lightly used items. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_HempManufacturerThe Real Milk PaintMaterial composition*Industrial Hemp Oil 100% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZINGAvailable in 1 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, and 1 gallon bottles CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedAugust 02, 2023 |
Auson | Authentic Dark Pine Tar |
Authentic Dark Pine TarAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryThe Auson Genuine Dark Pine Tar is a pure and natural wood preservative with no petrochemical additives. It creates a water repellent barrier on unfinished wood and has naturally antiseptic, UV and insect repelling properties. The Pine Tar is created from cooked-down pine stumps, creating a formulation high in naturally occurring resins and terpenes that the pine tree used to protect itself. These properties also give the Pine Tar its distinctive campfire smell which dissipates after about two weeks. Recommended to thin with the Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil. Used for outdoor applications only. CategoryPaint / Biobased, Cellulose ResinManufacturerAusonMaterial composition*100% Pine Tar *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJanuary 20, 2024 |
Ottosson | Ottosson Linseed Oil Soap |
Ottosson Linseed Oil SoapThe Ottosson Linseed Oil Soap is made from purified raw linseed oil, and contains no solvent or petroleum additives. It can be used for cleaning wooden surfaces, prepping surfaces for painting, and to clean paintbrushes and tools. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_LinseedManufacturerOttossonMaterial composition*100% Saponified Linseed Oil *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING1 qt, 5 liter CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJune 03, 2022 |
Viking | Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil |
Viking Purified Raw Linseed OilAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryThe Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil is created from flax oil from North Dakota. This natural wood preservative is 100% linseed oil and processed in Upstate New York with no natural or synthetic driers or additional additives. On its own it brings out the natural grain and color of the wood to create a beautiful finish. It can also be mixed with other linseed oil products to create staines, paints, and waxes for desired end look. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_LinseedManufacturerVikingMaterial composition*100% Raw Linseed Oil, Purified & Sterilized *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING8oz, 32oz, 1 gallon, 5 gallon, and 55 gallon drums (upon request) CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJune 07, 2022 |
Prosoco | Consolideck® LS/CS® |
Consolideck® LS/CS®Available At the Donghia Materials LibraryConsolideck® LS/CS® is a penetrating silicate treatment for flat concrete surfaces. This treatment reacts with concrete to produce a calcium silicate hydrate inside of concrete pores. It works with freshly troweled concrete or existing floors of any age. LS/CS's ingredients are disclosed per HPD, DECLARE, RED List Free and comply with the US EPA's AIM VOC standards and CDPH air quality standards. Lithium Silicate is a component we are keeping an eye on as more research is released. CategorySealer/ Surface, SilicateManufacturerProsocoMaterial composition*Water 85-90%, Lithium Silicate 3-20%, Potassium Siliconate 1-5% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING1-gal, 5-gal, 55-gal, 265-gal CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
SCS | Indoor Advantage Gold
Declare | Living Building Challenge Compliant
Contributes to LEED credits
Last UpdatedMarch 25, 2024 |
Eco Safety Products | Eco-Tuff Clearcoat Finish |
Eco-Tuff Clearcoat FinishThe Eco-Tuff Clearcoat is an NIPU (non-isocyanate) biobased polyurethane finish. It can be used to seal wood or concrete and is available in a matte, satin or gloss sheen. It avoids VOCs and PFAS. It is CDPH VOC Emissions Certified and qualifies for both WELL and LEED. Acrylic acid is being used to form the polymers. Once chemically bonded, it is not harmful in end-use. It currently still contains petrochemical derived acrylic, but this will gradually be replaced by biobased alternatives and post less harm throughout its entire life cycle. CategorySealer/ Surface, BiobasedManufacturerEco Safety ProductsMaterial composition*Water, Acrylic Acid 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)Propyl Ester, 1,2 Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-One, Undisclosed, Starch Nitrate, Alcohols C9-11 Ethoxylated, Alcohols C16-18 Ethoxylated, Castor Oil Polymer with TDI, Triethylamine, 2-Propenoic Acid 2-Methyl-Polymer with Ethyl 2-Propenoate, Benzenesulfonic Acid Dodecyl-Branched Sodium Salt, Benzenamine N,N'-Methanetetraylbis[2,6-BIS(1-Methylethyl), Fatty Acids C16-18 and C18- Unsatd. ME Esters, Xanthan Gum, Surfactant-Specific Amines *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING1 qt, 1 gal, 5 gal CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Declare | Red List Free
Free of Red List Ingredients
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedApril 01, 2024 |
Eco Safety Products | Acri-Soy Penetrating Sealer |
Acri-Soy Penetrating SealerThe Acri-Soy Penetrating Wood and Concrete Sealer uses a hybrid acrylic and biobased emulsion technology. It penetrates into concrete and leaves no surface film. It can also be used to seal wood. It avoids VOCs and PFAS, it is CDPH VOC Emissions Certified and qualifies for WELL and LEED. The product is biopreferred certified. Acrylic acid is used to form the polymers. Once chemically bonded, it is not harmful in end-use. It currently still contains petrochemical-derived acrylic, but this will gradually be replaced by biobased alternatives and post less harm throughout its entire life cycle. CategorySealer/ Surface, BiobasedManufacturerEco Safety ProductsMaterial composition*Water, Acrylic Acid, 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)Propyl Ester, Ethanol, 2,2'-(Butylimino)bis, Undisclosed, Alcohols, C9-11, Ethoxylated, Alcohols, C16-18, Ethoxylated, Benzenesulfonic Acid, Dodecyl-Branched, Sodium Salt, Benzenesulfonic Acid, Mono-C10-16-Alkyl Derivs., Sodium Salts, Fatty Acids, C16-18 and C18-Unsatd., ME Esters, 2-Propenoic Acid, 2-Methyl-Polymer with Ethyl 2-Propenoate, Xantham Gum, Soybean Oil, ME Ester *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING1 qt, 1 gal, 5 gal CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Free of Red List Ingredients
Last UpdatedApril 01, 2024 |
Limeworks | Ecologic Waterglass |
Ecologic WaterglassUsed in Healthier Affordable HousingAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryEcologic™ Waterglass by Limeworks is a paint primer and masonry consolidant. Potassium silicate is used as a binder which can fortify concrete, cement, brick, stucco, rock, and lime plaster. It is vapor permeable, and can be used as a thinner for silicate dispersion paints. Note: Methyl Methacrylate is used at up to 10%. Current research is not conclusive. HML is continuing to watch this component. CategorySealer/ Surface, SilicateManufacturerLimeworksMaterial composition*Water 50%, Liquid Potassium Silicate solution 25%, Methacrylate Dispersion 10%, Ammonia solution 1%, Sodium Phosphonate stabilizer 1%, Fatty Acid Defoamer 1% *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedAugust 02, 2023 |
Eco Safety Products | DuraSoy ONE Paint & Primer |
DuraSoy ONE Paint & PrimerThe Ecoprocote DuraSoy ONE Paint + Primer by Eco Safety Products is a dual water-based and acrylic interior/ exterior paint and primer. The product is VOC-free, APE and NPE-free, non-toxic, and formulated by crosslinking solvent free acrylic with biobased emulsion. The bonding technology provides stain resistance for the protection of stucco, plaster, wood, drywall and concrete. DuraSoy ONE Paint + Primer has been screened to contain no PFAS or PFC's, CDPH VOC Emissions Certified, and qualifies for WELL and LEED. The product is biopreferred certified. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide. CategoryPaint / Biobased, SoyManufacturerEco Safety ProductsMaterial composition*Water 40-50%, Titanium Dioxide 10-15%, 2-Propenoic Acid 2-Methyl-Polymer with 2-Ethylhexyl 2-Propenoate and Methyl 2-Methyl-Propenoate 10-15%, Glass Oxide Chemicals 5-15%, Kaolin 5-10%, Undisclosed 0-10%, Fatty Acids C16-18 and C18-Unsatd. ME Esters 0-5%, SC: Fuller’s Earth 0-1%, 2-Propenoic Acid 2-Methyl-Butyl Ester Polymer with Ethynylbenzene 0-1%, Titanium Oxide 0-1%, Potassium Oxide (K20) 0-1%, Magnesium Oxide (MGO) 0-1%, 2-Propenoic Acid Polymer with 2,5-Furandione Sodium Salt 0-1%, Sodium Oxide 0-1%, 2-Propenoic Acid 2-Methyl-Polymer with Ethyl 2-Propenoate, Undisclosed 0-1%, Ethanol 2,2-(Butylimino)Bis 0-1%, White Mineral Oil 0-1%, Quartz 0-0.1%, Benzenesulfonic Acid Dodecyl-Branched Sodium Salt 0-0.1%, Undisclosed 0-0.1%, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Titanium, Aluminum Impurity/Residual *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING1 qt, 1 gal, 5 gal CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Free of Red List Ingredients
Last UpdatedMarch 29, 2024 |
Fungi Force | Fungi Force - Bioshield |
Fungi Force - BioshieldAvailable in the EUFungi Force is an exterior wood stain that is made of two components - a water-based stain with Aureobasidium pullulans fungi and a linseed oil finish. It has a transparent matte black appearance. This is a living organism and therefore, the linseed oil serves as food for the fungus and also keeps the moisture out of the wood. The fungus protects the wood as well as the oil against UV radiation. It is recommended to regularly treat with linseed oil during the first year of use. After the first year, regular maintenance is recommended every 3 to 5 years and can be reapplied as needed if color fades. The fungus classifies as non-pathogenic to humans. Finished wood products are available under the brand Xyhlo. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_LinseedManufacturerFungi ForceMaterial composition*Aureobasidium pullulans fungi, linseed oil, water *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedAugust 27, 2024 |
The Real Milk Paint | Soapstone Sealer |
Soapstone SealerReal Milk Paint's Soapstone Sealer is a food contact safe finish for soapstone, slate, granite, and concrete countertops, as well as any raw or honed porous countertop that does not have a glossy or polished finish. It is made from food-grade Walnut Oil and T1 Carnauba Wax Flakes with no added solvents or fragrances. It has no VOCs and will provide a low luster finish without the continuous reapplication that is required with mineral oil. CategorySealer/ Surface, Oil_WalnutManufacturerThe Real Milk PaintMaterial composition*Food-grade Walnut Oil, T1 Carnauba Wax Flakes *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING4 oz., 8oz., 16 oz. CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJune 26, 2024 |
The products in this collection have all been evaluated holistically for their contents and performance. To be considered, a product must disclose at least 75% of its ingredients by weight and avoid the biggest health concerns, as indicated by their disclosure documentation. For finishes, this means that they are free of heavy metal drying agents, toluene, xylene, PFCs, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), isocyanates, and phthalates.
Spec Guidance
Prefer oil finishes without harmful additives. Products like purified linseed oil and tung oil are healthier alternatives to water-based synthetic finishes. But check the SDS! Some manufacturers sell products under these names that aren’t completely natural and include carcinogenic petroleum distillates.
Pure tung oil cures more quickly than linseed oil so does not require drying agents.
Look out for toxic drying agents. Raw linseed oil has a long curing time. To accelerate this, manufacturers add drying agents to create polymerized or boiled linseed oil (BLO). Historically, carcinogenic heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, beryllium, chromium, cadmium, nickel, and lead) have been used. The alternatively used cobalt is an aquatic toxic and should be avoided.
Avoid accelerators. Typically offered as one part of a 2-component formula, accelerators shorten curing time. However, they may contain toxic ingredients like isocyanates.
Avoid water-based finishes. Low disclosure rates for water-based finishes, e.g. lacquers and varnishes, make tracing hazards difficult. Especially concerning are high VOC levels and the presence of phthalates, flow aids containing PFCs, and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which is common in polyurethane and is a fetal toxin. These products commonly require high VOC solvents. They may contain xylene or toluene, which are carcinogenic.
Consider alternative finishing methods. Shou Sugi Ban, a Japanese technique, creates a beautiful, durable finish on wood by charring it with fire.
Updated August 1, 2019
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