Microbicidal paint might not be new, but given the current public health crisis, its uses are more important than ever. One product, Sherwin-Williams Paint Shield®, is a prime example of how microbicidal paints work.
What is Microbicidal Paint?
Microbicidal paint is paint that has the power to kill bacteria on surfaces.
Paint Shield® was the first EPA-registered microbicidal paint product in 2015. As mentioned on the Sherwin Williams website, Paint Shield® “kills greater than 99.9% of staph (Staphylococcus aureus), MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), E. coli (Escherichia coli), VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis) and Enterobacter aerogenes within two hours of exposure on painted surfaces. It continues to kill 90% of these bacteria even after repeated contamination on painted surfaces. The effectiveness lasts for up to four years as long as the integrity of the surface is maintained.”
Preventing Staph Growth
Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) is an extremely common bacteria found on surfaces. In addition to being common, it is highly contagious, making it important to remove from surfaces. While it can be easy to treat once diagnosed, there are also strains of staph that do not respond to common antibiotics. These are known as MRSA.
Paint Shield® not only inhibits the growth of both staph and MRSA, but it can kill the bacteria on surfaces. This one-two punch is what makes the product unique and powerful.
Microbicidal Paint for Hospitals and Healthcare Environments
Hospitals are prime candidates to use microbicidal paints to reduce healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). HAIs are infections that patients get while receiving treatment for another medical condition.
As cited by PatientCareLink, “in American hospitals alone, the CDC estimates that HAIs account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year.”
While there are many factors that contribute to reducing HAIs nationwide, prioritizing a safe, clean environment can help reduce risk. Microbicidal paints are another way to help create these safer healthcare environments.
Additional Uses
In addition to hospitals and healthcare environments, there are many industries that may benefit from this product. For instance, Paint Shield is an optimal product for high-traffic facilities such as:
- Schools
- Daycares
- Senior centers
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Food production facilities
Plus, they are a great option for kitchens and bathrooms in residential buildings or homes.
Microbicidal Paint Application
To ensure your microbicidal paint is applied properly to your interiors, it’s important to consult a painter with experience applying microbicidal paint. They can ensure a beautiful, high-quality application to help ensure the full product life of 4 years. If you’re in the Midwest, we know just the team to call.