VOC Calculations

The EPA and most paint applicators are concerned with the amount of solvent, or volatile organic content (VOC), that is in the paint before it is applied. Most applicators must track and report to the EPA the amount of VOC they release each year. The VOC for each type of paint can vary greatly depending on whether it is solvent-based, water-based, or solvent free. Your specific paint needs can vary depending on the VOC limitations that your process requires. Just call us to discuss your VOC requirements and we will match those with a coating system that fits your needs.

Method I: “As applied” or “As packaged”/

This is the weight of solvent in 1 gallon of paint. This is the actual amount of emissions in one gallon of paint.

Example – Divide the weight of solvent by the volume of paint. If 100 gallons of paint contains 33.2 pounds of solvent, then:
VOC I = (33.20 lbs solvent) / (100 gallons of paint) = 0.332 lbs/gallon

Method II: “Less water”

This is the weight of solvent in 1 gallon of paint minus the volume of water in 1 gallon of paint. The EPA sometimes requires this method.

Example – Divide the weight of solvent by the volume of paint minus the volume of water.
If 100 gallons of paint contains 33.2 pounds of solvent and 62.4 gallons of water, then: VOC II = (33.20 lbs solvent) / (100 gallons – 62.40 gallons) = 0.883 lbs/gallon less water

Method III: “Per applied solid gallon”

This is the weight of the solvent in 1 gallon of paint minus the volume of water and the volume of solvent in 1 gallon of paint. This method was discontinued by TNRCC in February 1996.

Example – Divide the weight of solvent by the volume solids of the paint. If 100 gallons of paint contains 33.2 pounds of solvent and 33.06 gallons of solid material, then: VOC III = (33.20 lbs solvent) / (33.06 gallons (volume solids)) = 1.004 lbs/gallon

VOC Conversion Factors (all methods)

To convert lbs/gal to g/L; multiply by 119.83
To convert g/L to lbs/gal; multiply by 0.008345