Features & reviews
Under the microscope
Antibacterial paints are widely used in hospitals and healthcare facilities, however these specialist coatings can deliver a variety of benefits in other settings, such as nursing homes, food preparation areas and schools. Chris Watts, Brand Manager for Specialist Products at Dulux Trade, gives decorators an overview of the science behind antibacterial paints and their wider applications.
Antibacterial coatings - or antimicrobial paints as they are sometimes known - have been used successfully in hospitals for a number of years to protect against the spread of superbugs such as MRSA. Bacteria such as these can be spread in many ways, including door handles and medical instruments, but a common route is via walls.
Bacteria can come into contact with walls and painted surfaces in a number of ways, through dust or fine aerosol deposits, direct human contact, or splashes of liquids. Some bacterial spores can survive on dry surfaces for intervals ranging from a few hours to a few days, and in rare cases, months or years, however, all bacteria need free water to grow. When contaminated water meets a surface it gradually dries out and during the drying period there is the opportunity for any bacteria in the liquid to develop.
The science bit
Antibacterial paints, such as Dulux Trade Sterishield, help in the fight against bacteria due to the presence of silver bactericide. Silver has been recognised as a natural disinfectant for over two thousand years - for instance, silver coins were previously put into water barrels to create drinkable water, and churches use silver-lined chalices for Holy Communion.
So what's special about silver? Unlike other organic disinfectants which destroy just the surface or cell wall of bacteria, silver works differently. Ions within the metal attach to the bacteria. These are then absorbed into the heart of the cell - its nucleus - ather than the wall. The silver then attacks the bacteria from the inside out, stopping it growing and replicating.
Beyond healthcare
As antibacterial paints help prevent the spread of bacteria, they are commonly used in healthcare environments. Yet the presence of bacteria isn't limited to hospital facilities, in fact, these bugs are all around us. It's estimated that 1 in 4 people carry MRSA, and Ecoli and Salmonella are commonly found in commercial and domestic kitchens. As bacteria is so widespread, there are a variety of spaces beyond the traditional healthcare setting that can benefit from antimicrobial coatings.
Schools are one such environment. In nursery or primary schools in particular, classroom walls are frequently touched or leant on by young people, meaning that bacteria is spread easily. Equally, school canteens and food preparation areas will benefit from antibacterial coatings as these solutions protect against common 'kitchen' viruses including Listeria and Campylobacter. Shower and changing facilities - or any area where water is present - will also profit from these coatings due to their ability to inhibit the deadly water borne bacteria, Legionella.
The benefits of antibacterial coatings also apply to communal spaces such as care homes, pubs, restaurants and community centres, where food is prepared and served on mass. Using antibacterial coatings such as Dulux Trade Sterishield in these areas will inhibit bacteria, meaning dangerous viruses are more difficult to spread.
Hidden talents
Although antibacterial paints have bacteria-inhibiting properties, their talents are very much hidden. Dulux Trade Sterishield for instance, is applied and disposed of in the same way as a standard emulsion, and as it is water-based and non-hazardous, appliers can be confident in using the product as they would any other coating.
The Sterishield range is also available in a wide palette of colours including BS4800 and the RAL colour ranges. Additionally, the portfolio includes a highly durable version, which boasts Dulux Diamond Technology. Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt is stain resistant and ten times tougher than vinyl silks. The paint itself is durable and washable, and withstands repeated cleaning cycles, making it ideal for high use areas that demand regular intensive cleaning. In fact, a rigorous testing programme showed that Sterishield actually increases its activity against bacteria when washed or scrubbed.1
As well as offering extensive colour choice and being easy and safe to use, antibacterial coatings can offer added benefits to decorators. Understanding antibacterial coatings and most importantly, how and where they work, will give appliers the advantage over their competitors. By being up to speed on these solutions, decorators and contractors can show off their knowledge and deliver added value to their customers.
1All tests were carried out by an independent laboratory using a novel procedure based on the Japanese Industrial Standard 'Test for Anti-microbial Activity and Efficacy' (JIS Z 2801: 2000). The novelty lies in the development of a 'real life' test procedure created to assess how long bacteria can survive on a paint film surface under ambient temperature and humidity conditions (20°C and 65% RH) for 24 hours.
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