When you paint inside your home, you’re not just choosing a colour - you’re choosing what you’ll live with every day. It’s the air you breathe, the walls and doors you touch, and the feeling you get every time you walk into the room.
That’s why safety matters just as much as style.
Whether you’re freshening up your kitchen cabinets, repainting the staircase, or breathing new life into an old wardrobe, the paint you choose makes a difference - not just in how your home looks, but how it feels.
And that’s exactly why we created The One for Wood: a paint that performs beautifully and protects the space you call home.
What Makes a Paint “Safe” for Indoors?
It’s easy to assume that all modern paints are safe - but sadly, that’s not always true. Many still contain ingredients that quietly release fumes and chemicals into the air long after the paint has dried.
A truly safe indoor paint should be:
· VOC-free (no volatile organic compounds)
· Low odour or odourless
· Non-toxic and gentle
· Bio-based wherever possible
· Quick-drying to reduce exposure
· Safe for children and pets
The tricky bit? Not every “eco” or “low-VOC” paint meets these standards. Labels can be confusing, and even paints that sound green sometimes rely on petroleum-based ingredients or synthetic additives.

The Problem with Traditional Paints
You know that strong “fresh paint” smell that lingers for days? That’s caused by VOCs - volatile organic compounds - being released into the air as paint dries.
While small amounts might not seem like a big deal, frequent or long-term exposure can cause:
· Headaches or dizziness
· Eye, nose, and throat irritation
· Nausea or fatigue
· Breathing difficulties
And here’s the thing: in modern, well-sealed homes, those fumes can hang around longer than you’d think. Even some paints labelled “low-VOC” can still emit noticeable amounts of these compounds - especially during drying and curing.
Why The One for Wood Is Different
We wanted to make decorating easier - and healthier. So, we created a paint that’s not only easy to use and beautifully durable, but also safe to live with.
Here’s what makes The One for Wood special:
VOC-Free & Odour-Free
Our formula is certified VOC-free (less than 0.01% VOCs), which means no harsh fumes, no lingering smells, and no need to throw open every window while you paint. You can comfortably paint in winter or while the family is at home - without worrying about what’s in the air.
Bio-Based & Sustainable
We’ve replaced harsh petrochemicals with naturally derived ingredients wherever possible. That means fewer synthetic substances in your home and a smaller environmental footprint overall. It’s better for your air — and better for the planet.
Safe for Children & Pets
No solvents. No toxins. No hidden nasties. The One for Wood is gentle enough for nurseries, kitchens, and even pet spaces. You can paint furniture, toy storage, or doors without second-guessing what little hands (or paws) might touch later.
Made in England with Care
Every tin is produced in the UK, following strict environmental and safety standards. Our packaging is fully recyclable, and we’re completely transparent about what goes in - no greenwashing, no gimmicks, just honest craftsmanship.
Why It Matters for Wood Projects
Think about what you’re painting:
· The staircase your toddler climbs every morning
· The cupboards where you store your dishes
· The wardrobe that keeps your clothes fresh
· The table where your family gathers for dinner
You’re not just adding colour - you’re shaping the environment your family lives in, day in and day out.
Choosing a safer, cleaner paint means:
🌿 Fresher indoor air
🌿 Less exposure to harmful chemicals
🌿 A calmer, healthier atmosphere
🌿 More confidence in what’s inside your home
Because your home should feel like a sanctuary - not somewhere you need to “air out” for days after painting.
No Compromise on Performance
Now, safety doesn’t mean you have to give up on quality.
Despite its gentle, sustainable formula, The One for Wood performs just as beautifully as professional-grade paint:
· Durable enough for everyday use
· Wipeable for easy cleaning
· Touch dry in one hour
· Ready for a second coat in four
· Available in over 50 timeless colours
From subtle neutrals to rich, characterful tones, you can transform your furniture and woodwork safely - without compromising on style or finish.
A Smarter Choice for a Safer Home
At Painting the Past, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and wellbeing.
With The One for Wood, you get both - a stunning, hard-wearing finish that’s clean, safe, and thoughtfully made. It’s the kind of paint that fits real homes: where people cook, play, laugh, and live.
So, whether you’re refreshing a kitchen cabinet, updating your doors, or reviving your stairs, you can do it with total confidence - and clear conscience.
Try it for yourself. Order your £1 samples today and see how small changes, made safely, can make your home feel even more like yours.