Testing and Features: Understanding the Power of
Sherwin-Williams Paint Shield^® Microbicidal Paint

By now you’re likely aware of Sherwin-Williams new Paint Shield^® Microbicidal Paint, the first EPA-registered paint that kills greater than 99.9% of bacteria, including Staph (Staphylococcus aureus), MRSA, E. coli, VRE and Enterobacter aerogenes within two hours of exposure on a painted surface.

By killing these harmful bacteria on painted surfaces, Paint Shield^® offers you an additional, new way to help prevent the spread of disease-causing bacteria on high-traffic/high-touch painted surfaces.

In addition to exploring Paint Shield^® at swpaintshield.com, read on to learn how and why Paint Shield^® was third-party tested, which will help you make the right coatings decisions for your healthcare facility.

“Antimicrobial,” “antibacterial” and “microbicidal” are not the same thing

Understanding the differences between these confusing terms is the key to evaluating which performance properties suit your facility’s needs.

Antimicrobial agents in paints inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as mildew and mold that can stain and deteriorate a coating over time. Antimicrobial agents also inhibit bacterial odor growth.

Meanwhile, antibacterial agents in paint inhibit the growth of bacteria only. In paints, antibacterial agents protect just the paint film itself.

Finally, microbicidal compounds go a step further by actively killing a broad array of microscopic organisms, including both bacteria and other infection-causing microorganisms.

While the antimicrobial and antibacterial coatings already available on the market offer your facility specific advantages, Paint Shield^® is the first microbicidal paint on the market. This is what sets it apart.

Paint Shield^®’s microbicidal properties required the product to be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — and that meant comprehensive third-party testing.

How the EPA tested Paint Shield^®

To properly test Paint Shield^®, the EPA turned to regulated, third-party labs, as it routinely does as part of its procedures. In the case of Paint Shield^®, the testing protocol and results were as follows:

• Longevity test. This test measured Paint Shield^®’s ability to kill pathogens over time. Results showed that Paint Shield^® remains effective for up to four years if surface integrity is maintained.

• Continuous kill test. This test, which repeatedly exposed test panels to pathogens, recorded Paint Shield^® continuously killing bacteria at a rate of 90 percent.

• Washability test. This test exposed test panels to cleaning products and protocols common to healthcare facilities. It found that Paint Shield^® Microbicidal Paint passed vigorous washability tests, which exposed both kinds of test panels to cleaning products and protocols typically used in healthcare facilities according to CDC guidelines. Additional within-claim and continuous-kill tests to validate the claim followed after application of the cleaners and a scrub test.

• Toxicological review. Finally, the lab reviewed Paint Shield^®’s entire formula, including raw materials. This ensured all product components are on the EPA inert ingredients approved list and comply with human health and environmental guidelines.

Ultimately, the tests revealed that by continuing to kill MRSA and other bacteria, even after repeated contamination, Paint Shield^® can offer hospitals and other facilities an important new tool to help combat bacteria on painted surfaces. Many commercial and healthcare facilities have enacted sanitation or disinfection programs. Paint Shield^® can help supplement these programs.

The exclusive patented technology in Paint Shield^® represents the culmination of extensive research and collaboration between Sherwin-Williams coatings scientists and expert microbiologists.

Paint Shield^® can be applied on interior hard, nonporous ceilings, walls, doors and trim. It is ideal for a variety of settings such as healthcare facilities, athletic facilities, schools, day care centers, senior care communities, residential housing, hospitality settings and cruise ships.

Featuring quality coating performance, great hide and durability, Paint Shield^® is available in 550 colors and comes in the popular eg-shel finish.