What can I do to help?
Water-based vs. solvent-based products
One of the easiest environmentally-friendly choices you can make is to choose water-based products rather than solvent-based products. This will ensure you are minimising the solvent emissions when using your woodcare product, helping protect the quality of the air that you breathe, and reducing your carbon footprint.
Solvent-based products were traditionally used on wood and metal. Typically, these products have a strong odour, which is caused by the evaporation of the solvent or 'VOC' as it's often referred to, into the atmosphere.
Water-based products have improved dramatically in recent years and now offer a high-performance alternative to 'traditional' solvent-based products. Water-based products contain low levels of 'VOC', which means faster drying, less smell and much easier cleaning up. Brushes can be cleaned with soapy water rather than white spirit or solvent cleaners - further reducing the impact on the environment.
Cuprinol now offers a large selection of products and finishes that are water-based and we are continuing to work on reducing our VOC (solvent) levels in all our products.
Cleaning brushes and applicators
For help and advice on cleaning one of the Cuprinol woodcare applicators please use the following links:
How do I clean brushes and rollers?
If you intend to carry on with the job later or tomorrow, you might not have to clean your brushes/rollers yet. Just put them in an airtight plastic bag with masking tape or elastic bands around the handle to keep them sealed. This will keep them perfectly supple overnight.
When you do come to clean, follow these tips:
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Water-based products
When you have finished using your woodcare product, if you have been using water-based products just wash the equipment with soapy water and rinse. Remember to use water in a container rather than wasting running water from the tap.
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Solvent-based products
Unfortunately, solvent-based products will require the use of solvent cleaners which themselves release VOCs when used. To minimise the amount of cleaning agent used always scrape as much excess product off the equipment as possible onto newspaper and dispose of it responsibly, then use a container only slightly larger than the brush itself in which to clean it.
Sustainability in action
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Our commitment
At Cuprinol, we are committed to sustainable development and reducing the environmental impact of our products and our business.
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Reducing and recycling waste
We strive to find new ways to make our packaging more environmentally friendly, including using recycled materials in our plastic containers.
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Reducing VOCs
We're reducing the use of solvents in our products, and launching more sustainable products across our range.
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