Answers to common questions about Thrive Natural Interior Paint, our plant-based wall paint, and Thrive Primer. See all FAQs.
What is Thrive paint, and what does plant-based mean?
Thrive Natural Interior Paint is our plant-based wall paint. Its binder is made from plant alcohol esters instead of petroleum, with mineral fillers, water, titanium dioxide, cellulose, organic acids, castor oil, potassium silicate and rapeseed-based surfactants. It contains no ethylene or propylene glycol, APEs or formaldehyde.
What makes plant-based paint different →
Is Thrive zero VOC? Does it smell?
Yes, Thrive is zero-VOC and very low odor. Because it's ready to recoat in 4 hours, you can repaint a room in a single day. Keep a window cracked or a fan running while it dries.
How to repaint a room in a day →
Is Thrive safe for a nursery or for people with allergies?
Yes. Zero VOCs, minimal preservatives and a hypoallergenic formula are why many families choose Thrive for nurseries, kids' rooms and homes with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities. As with any paint, keep little ones and pets out of the room until the walls are dry.
Thrive for nurseries and sensitive homes →
Is Thrive certified? Does it qualify for LEED?
Thrive is tested by independent labs against European indoor-air standards, including the German AgBB criteria and Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort GOLD. Its zero-VOC content (under 5 g/L) supports the LEED v4.1 Low-Emitting Materials credit. For project documentation, contact us.
Architect's specification guide →
Is Thrive washable? Can I scrub it?
Yes, Thrive dries to a durable, washable matte. Once fully cured, wipe marks gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid melamine erasers, scouring pads, bleach, ammonia and harsh degreasers.
Washability and cleaning tips →
Is Thrive breathable?
Yes. Thrive is vapor permeable: water vapor can pass through the paint instead of being trapped behind a plastic film, which helps prevent blistering, peeling and hidden moisture.
Do I need a primer for Thrive?
Sometimes. Use Thrive Primer on new drywall and on patches so the joint compound doesn't show through, and to help cover a big color change. Thrive Primer uses the same plant-based binders as the paint and covers about 300 sq ft per gallon.
Can I paint Thrive over my old paint?
Yes, usually. Thrive is self-priming, so painted walls in good shape with a similar color and matte finish just need cleaning first. Prime if the old paint is peeling, you're making a drastic color change, the wall has mixed or glossy finishes, or there are stains or repairs.
Can I just paint over old paint? →
How much does a gallon of Thrive cover?
About 360 sq ft per gallon, and about 90 sq ft per quart. A 12 × 14 ft bedroom with 8 ft ceilings (about 380 sq ft of wall) takes just over two gallons for two coats.
How many coats, and how long does it take to dry?
Two coats is typical. Thrive is dry to the touch in 1 hour and ready to recoat in 4 hours (at about 77°F and 50% humidity; cooler or more humid rooms take longer). Paint when the room is between 50°F and 90°F.
What sheen or finish does Thrive come in?
Thrive has a soft, ultra-matte finish that diffuses light and helps hide minor wall imperfections.
What colors does Thrive come in? Can I get a sample?
Thrive comes in a curated palette of earthy neutrals, muted greens and blues, and sophisticated off-whites. Each color is sold in gallons, quarts and 4 oz sample jars.
Can I use Thrive in a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, on bathroom and kitchen walls. Thrive is an interior wall paint and its breathability helps with humidity. For shower enclosures and kitchen backsplashes, which get direct water or heavy steam, tile or another dedicated surface is still the better choice.
Can I use Thrive paint on floors?
No. We don't recommend Thrive Natural Interior Paint for floors or any other surface you walk on.
How do I apply Thrive and clean up?
Use a brush and roller (a 3/8" microfiber cover works well), or spray it. Clean tools with warm, soapy water, and don't let the paint freeze.
Still have a question?
Our team is happy to help, Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm CST, at Support@JamesAlexanderPaint.com or 855-695-5333.
