Important information regarding new Illinois VOC laws and your deck 

New AIM/VOC (volatile Organic Compounds) regulations for paints and stains went into effect on 07/01/09 in Illinois. These regulations are similar to those that have been implemented in other states such as Maine, Delaware, DC and Ohio.Under the new regulations, lower VOC limits will be in effect for approximately 54 coating categories, such as flats, non-flats, primers, stains, varnishes and industrial maintenance coatings. All coatings sold or used within Illinois must comply with the new VOC limits.  

What does this mean for you, the homeowner? 

Many existing oil-based primers and finishes are not compliant with the new regulations and are being replaced by low VOC alternatives. Unfortunately, almost all of the major paint and stain manufactures have replaced these products with new hybrid acrylic alternatives, finding it more cost effective to do so vs reformulating their oil based stains to comply. It is very difficult, if not impossible to find oil based stains on the shelves in Illinois these days. 

There are many drawbacks to using these new “hybrid” products. These types of coatings are generally tacky or sticky on touch which makes the application process more difficult. They are also prone to peel and flake much like a traditional paint would do. Further confusing the consumer, a good number of them say “penetrating oil formula” on the can, when in fact they have no oil in them at all and adhere more as a film former vs. a penetrating one. Lastly, these coatings are very difficult to remove should you ever decide to change the color or when it comes time to restore your deck or fence in the future. 

The technology and chemistry of the stain removers have not kept up with the technology of the stains themselves. The homeowner is often left with costly solutions. 1) Sand the deck down to bare wood. 2) Use extremely harsh chemicals such as Methelyne Chloride to strip the waterborne product which are far more dangerous than conventional deck strippers and are very environmentally unfriendly (which ironically defeats the purpose of the change to begin with)  or 3) Recoat the deck with a solid. 

Aqua Pro Cleaning Solutions Answer to this Change 

Many existing Aqua Pro customers have expressed their concern over these industry changes and have asked that we provide them with  a viable oil based alternative to the new hybrid acrylics on the market. We agree with our customer’s desire to meet this demand and are still of the opinion that penetrating oil based stains are what’s best for your exterior wooden structures. We have been conducting tests on various oil based stains that meet or exceed the new VOC laws set forth by the state of Illinois and are happy to announce that all of our current and/or new deck and fence restoration clientele that currently have an oil based product will still have access to VOC compliant penetrating oil stains in multiple colors.

Please call us today to set up your estimate.
-Tom McMillan
President
Aqua Pro Cleaning Solutions