When selecting paint systems for healthcare and educational facilities, the color isn’t the only thing that needs to be considered. The chemical characteristics of paint formulations are actually more important than the color palette. That’s because some paint systems can prevent the spread of different germs in enclosed environments, like medical facilities and schools.
Besides offering an extensive color palette, special paint systems, like Sherwin Williams’ Paint Shield, can kill harmful pathogens, reducing the spread of infectious diseases and preventing cross-contamination. To understand why increasing numbers of healthcare and educational facilities choose Paint Shield over other types of coatings, let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of this paint.
Paint Shield Is a Microbicidal Coating
A lesser-known aspect is that microbicidal coatings, like Paint Shield, are different from antibacterial and antimicrobial paints. As their name suggests, antibacterial paint systems can inhibit the proliferation of specific types of bacteria. Even though some bacterial strains may adhere to the paint film, the antibacterial agents embedded into the coating can hinder microbes from growing on painted surfaces.
Antimicrobial paints contain special additives that can maintain the integrity of the paint systems exposed to mildew and mold spores. These additives can keep painted surfaces mildew- and mold-free, preventing the staining and degradation that typically occur in the regular coatings affected by mildew or mold. Additionally, these coatings neutralize the musty smell that is frequently associated with mildew or mold infestations.
Microbicidal paint systems, like Paint Shield, are superior to antibacterial and antimicrobial paints because they can actually kill different bacteria within 2 hours of exposure. This paint system contains Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (ADBAC), which is one of the quaternary ammonium compounds proved effective in killing a variety of bacteria. This substance could be potentially efficient against some fungi and enveloped viruses as well.
The active ingredient in Paint Shield remains active for approximately 4 years, as long as the paint film is maintained intact. Proper surface preparation and professional paint application are two requirements that must be considered in order to get the maximum life out of this paint system. Because the paint is available in an eggshell finish, which is more durable than a flat finish, it can easily withstand normal wear and tear, cleaning, and scrubbing. Additionally, it can be used on any interior, non-porous surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, doors, and trim.
As this EPA-registered paint system can kill 99.9% of dangerous bacteria, including Staph, E-coli, MRSA, VRE, and E. aerogenes, it may have far-reaching benefits for a wide variety of specialized facilities, including hospitals, medical centers, schools, daycare centers, playrooms, retirement facilities, and even cruise ships.
Paint Shield Improves the Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality is often caused by airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most coating systems contain a variety of chemicals and solvents that can release organic byproducts into the air.
Since specialized environments, like hospitals, doctors’ offices, schools, daycare centers, and playrooms are subject to very strict VOC and performance standards, knowing if a paint system complies with the human health and environmental guidelines is very important.
Paint Shield contains 99.48% inactive ingredients, which can be found on the EPA’s inert ingredient list. The only active compound is ADBAC. Not only is this ingredient used in a small quantity; it also has lower toxicity compared to the active ingredients included in many antibacterial and antimicrobial paints. Because the use of Paint Shield can reduce the level of VOCs in a space once it has dried, it can promote better indoor air quality. Therefore, this paint system is appropriate for use in specialized environments, including medical facilities and schools.
Paint Shield Could Reduce Odors
Building owners and facility managers face many challenges when it comes to controlling odors in patient rooms, restrooms, and other enclosed environments. Since Paint Shield kills harmful pathogens and prevents their proliferation on painted surfaces, it may also inhibit the odor associated with specific types of bacteria. As a result, this coating can keep an indoor environment fresh for longer periods of time.
By killing harmful microorganisms, improving the indoor air quality, and reducing odors, Paint Shield provides a passive tool that can supplement the disinfection programs and good hygienic practices in medical facilities and schools. As this paint system is available in 550 colors that can fit any possible color scheme, it can be used not only to help in the fight against dangerous bacterias but also to create some inviting and relaxing environments.
If you’re looking for interior or exterior painting services for a hospital, medical center, school, daycare center, or retirement facility, Performance Painting Contractors can bring any building back to life through the professional application of a coating system of your choice.
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