Germ-Fighting Paint (and Other Unlikely Surprises)
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
by: Rachel Willis, Brad Stoner Painting

Section: Trends and Tips




While painting is not always known for being the most tech-savvy or innovative of trades, every now and then the paint and coating manufacturers surprise us.
 
From germ-fighting paint to walls you can write on, these unique products are well suited for your real estate managers’ toolbox. Keep reading and you just might find a solution for your next painting project.
 
EPA-Registered Paint
 
One of our favorite new innovations in paint is this EPA-registered, Paint Shield® Microbicidal Paint from the manufacturer Sherwin-Williams. This coating is the first of its kind and kills greater than 99.9% of a number of different bacteria. Specifically, according to Sherwin-Williams, this paint tackles “…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.” (Now try saying that five times fast.) We’ll just say, “Wow!”
 
The effectiveness of this product will last for up to four years on the walls of healthcare facilities, nursing homes, hospitality settings and more. This makes Paint Shield® Microbicidal Paint a great solution for property managers and owners looking to offer that extra level of protection.
 
Now you might be thinking, isn’t this already a thing? While you can find antimicrobial or antibacterial agents in other paints on the market, it’s the microbicidal properties that make this product unique. While antimicrobial or antibacterial substances work to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria or microorganisms, microbicidal substances actually kill off these microscopic organisms. In essence, this paint destroys what you don’t want on your walls and looks great doing it.
 
Available in 550 colors, this interior latex paint is the first of its kind! All this, and it comes in your average paint can. 
 
Read more about this product here, or ask your local painting contractor for more information.
 
Anti-Graffiti Coating
 
If you have been in property management for long, you know that graffiti is a problem that needs to be addressed quickly. It’s also an issue that can become quite costly over time when you need to paint and repaint, again and again. If you’re looking for an alternative to sending an engineer or on-site staff member running with a brush and can of paint, here’s a solution you may not have considered yet.
 
Anti-graffiti coatings come in many different forms, each requiring a unique application method, process for clean up and more. We’ve recently had the opportunity to learn more about Sherwin-Williams Anti-Graffiti Coating, and that’s the one we’ll be diving further into today. Depending on your circumstances, another manufacturer may offer a better product or solution for your surface. Ask your local paint manufacturer or painting contractor for suggestions!
 
Warring gangs, hate speech and other unwanted messages don’t have any place on your property, and with Sherwin-Williams Anti-Graffiti Coating, it’s easy to pressure wash off any unwanted paint without compromising that protective layer on your building. In fact, this siloxane product actually creates a non-stick surface so that spray paint and similar products are actually repelled. Pressure washing or a simple rag with water will then remove unsightly paint. Your engineer or on-site staff member may still need to come running… but this should save some time.
 
This weather-resistant product works great on surfaces in schools, public restrooms and shopping plazas, to name a few. If you are in need of an anti-graffiti coating, give your local contractor a call to see if this solution works for you.
 
Whiteboard Paint
 
While the other two coatings discussed here address concerns like safety, security and cleanliness, whiteboard paint is a whole new ball game. And much like the ball game, this paint is fun!
 
Whiteboard paint, also known as dry erase paint, is sold by various paint and coating manufacturers and does just what you would imagine – it turns whatever you paint into an easy-to-mark-up-and-erase wall area! For commercial or multi-family property managers, whiteboard paint offers an innovative way to update an office or common area space.
 
This paint does come at a higher price point than your average gallon of interior paint, but its’ versatility is worth the extra cost to many owners and tenants. Whether you’re looking to turn an entire wall into a creative space or simply upgrade a conference room, whiteboard paint can be applied to almost any surface – drywall, wood, glass, metal and more.
 
Some of the most common locations for these interior whiteboard painted walls are office buildings, schools, hotels, restaurants and homes. Whatever your need, be sure to check out the specifics of the actual brand you choose before application.
 
Read more about whiteboard paint from Benjamin Moore here and IdeaPaint here, just to list a few!
 
Did you find what you were looking for? We hope so. If not, call your local paint manufacturer or painting contractor with questions.
 
Thank you to Brad Stoner Painting for providing this educational content.