Paint Shield™ from Sherwin-Williams is an EPA-registered microbicidal interior latex paint. It has the power to continuously kill certain bacteria on painted surfaces after two hours of exposure. The active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium compound, or quat and the exclusive patented technology in this microbicidal paint represents the culmination of extensive research and collaboration between Sherwin-Williams coatings scientists and expert microbiologists.
By killing these infectious bacteria on painted surfaces, Paint Shield helps prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Surfaces painted with Paint Shield kill 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 after two hours of exposure. The microbicidal paint continues to kill 90% of bacteria for up to four years despite washing or repeated contamination when the integrity of the surface is maintained.
“Paint Shield is one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in our nearly 150 year history of innovation,” said Chris Connor, chairman and chief executive, Sherwin-Williams. “By killing infectious pathogens on painted surfaces, Paint Shield is a game-changing advancement in coatings technology.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, healthcare-associated infections are one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States. Further, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that approximately one in 25 U.S. patients contract at least one infection during the course of their hospital care.
“Continued progress in combating HAIs will require a broad array of measures, including passive methods that are less dependent on human intervention,” said Steve Revnew, senior vice president of Product Innovation, Sherwin-Williams. “By continuing to kill MRSA and other bacteria, even after repeated contamination, Paint Shield offers hospitals and other facilities an important new tool to help in the fight against the spread of HAIs.”
Paint Shield goes on just like any other interior paint and can be applied with traditional brushes and rollers on interior hard, non-porous ceilings, walls, doors, and trim. It is suitable for a variety of settings such as healthcare facilities, athletic facilities, schools, day care centers, senior care communities, hotels, and cruise ships. Two coats are required over a previously primed or painted surface.
Paint Shield microbicidal paint is available in one gallon and five gallon containers. It comes in 550 colors (e.g., Queen Anne Lilac, Classic Ivory, Pearl Gray, Rachel Pink, Warming Peach, Alluring White, Sky Fall) and in eg-shel sheen.
