{"id":55384,"date":"2018-03-01T09:27:41","date_gmt":"2018-03-01T14:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=55384"},"modified":"2018-03-01T09:35:39","modified_gmt":"2018-03-01T14:35:39","slug":"understanding-recent-advancements-coating-technologies-terminology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/understanding-recent-advancements-coating-technologies-terminology\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding recent advancements in coating technologies and terminology"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Steve Revnew<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Paints formulated with microbicidal substances or compounds are designed to kill bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms.
All photos courtesy Sherwin-Williams<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When it comes to specifying coatings for projects, one must consider both performance and aesthetics. Recent advancements in technology have resulted in paints offering unexpected benefits such as killing harmful pathogens on coated surfaces as well as helping reduce odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a space.<\/p>\n

To select the right coating for facilities ranging from healthcare to commercial, it is essential for architects and specifiers to understand new advancements in the industry and also know the difference in classification to ensure the correct product is chosen for the job. The terms \u2018antimicrobial,\u2019 \u2018antibacterial,\u2019 and \u2018microbicidal\u2019 are confusing for many. Each term refers to specific benefits, and it is important design professionals understand where each type works best.<\/p>\n

Antimicrobial<\/strong><\/p>\n

When microbes grow on a painted surface, they can stain and deteriorate the paint film, thereby reducing the coating system\u2019s integrity. Coatings containing an antimicrobial agent can inhibit the growth of microorganisms (e.g.<\/em> mildew and mold) and bacterial odor as well as protect the film from degradation.<\/p>\n

Antimicrobial paints should be specified in areas where moisture\/dampness is present because coating film in these regions can attract mold and mildew, which results in deterioration.<\/p>\n

The term \u2018antimicrobial\u2019 can be used in a variety of product claims across industries. However, products claiming antimicrobial properties with a public or nonpublic health tag must go through appropriate testing by product type to demonstrate efficacy and then be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency<\/a> (EPA).<\/p>\n

Antibacterial<\/strong><\/p>\n

While antimicrobials act against all agents (e.g.<\/em> bacteria, virus, and fungus), antibacterial paint only prevents the growth of common microbes making up harmful bacteria. Therefore, it can be employed to just protect the paint film. These coatings have limited distribution. They are employed in moist, damp, or highly humid areas to protect the paint film from degradation. Other features such as washability, scrubability, and overall durability are typically incorporated into these coatings.<\/p>\n

Microbicidal<\/strong><\/p>\n

Microbicidal substances or compounds go a step further by actually killing microscopic organisms on the surface. Paints formulated with these properties are designed to kill bacteria or other disease-causing microorganisms on painted surfaces.<\/p>\n

Any product with health-related claims of killing harmful microorganisms must be registered with the EPA. Unlike antimicrobial paint, microbicidals have an active ingredient\u2014quaternary ammonium compound (alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride), commonly known as \u2018quat\u2019\u2014that kills five types of harmful bacteria, including:<\/p>\n