consumer report, it didn't show a good rating

Forget consumer report,they pick Bher as #1,so that shows you how much they know,SW is fine as well as Ben Moore,Duron,etc,just go to a real paint store not the big boxes.

I used SW's Harmony (no-VOC) in my basement because I needed low-odor in a non-well-ventilated space (and I was doing the painting). It went on great, good coverage, etc. Of course, it's only been on the walls a month, so I have no idea as to durability, etc.

Tracey

tracey_b, I would love an update on your SW's HOarmony painted basement since my Durham Furniture is here and will soon be delivered so I can figure out what paint color would look good in my bedroom and not clash with my new linen black out cellular blinds.

"I needed low-odor"

Low VOC and low odor have nothing to do with each other.
There are uhndreds of compounds that are NOT VOCs that still stink up paint.
There are also a number of VOCs that are exempt from being listed as VOCs.
It is mostly a game.

If you are sensitive to regular paints, it's not a game and it's no joke.

My DH has been *allergic* to paint since he was a child. He experiences slight breathing irregularities, breaks out with patches of red, bumpy rashes and gets a feeling of being out of sorts and "foggy". He can't sleep in a freshly painted room for about two to three days -- even it is/was well ventilated.

The no/low VOC products have been a blessing in our household. He gets a brush slapped in his hand and has to help out like the rest of us! :-)

Had some old Citron paint pots that I wanted to paint out before they got too old. There were only a half dozen, so I rolled out the boards using my kitchen island as a worksurface. Granted the paint was not fresh and it had been poorly stored in the little plastic pots, so that may have made it worse - dunno - but my God, the man burst from dark olive skin to bright scarlet in a matter of minutes. I felt reaalllly bad! Didn't think that small amount would bother him. I was wrong. :-0

"My DH has been *allergic* to paint since he was a child. "

I would send him to the allergist to find out what ingredient is producing the reaction.
It may not be VOCs since they are still in many 'non-VOC' paints.
The EPA has a list of chemicals they have deemed 'VOC's for paint. There are some chemicals that actually are VOCs, but not on the list.
I have a painter that had to find another line of work when he developed a latex allergy.

Have no clue what it is about regular paints, but he tolerates the new low/no VOC paints. Pretty much have stuck with ICI's Lifemaster lately. Whatever is in *regular* paints is obviously (still feel a little guilty! :-0) an on-going problem. I wish he would go find out what specifically he's allergic to, but he won't. Especially since the newer paints provide a solution.

It's not about the smell for him either. I agree all paints have a *fragrance*. Whether the paint is super smelley or not, doesn't seem to matter in his case. The Citron samples had no odor at all and he still had a reaction.

"Especially since the newer paints provide a solution."

Till they change the formulation again...