What Is an Antimicrobial Coating?
An antimicrobial coating is a surface covering containing an antimicrobial agent that makes it effective against bacterial and fungal growth. Antimicrobial coatings could include solvent, water-based, liquid, or powder coatings.
Enhanced Protection for Finished Products & Surfaces
On a regular surface, microbes can double in number every 20 minutes. This often leads to staining, bad odors, and even premature product degradation. In many circumstances, once microbes have begun to proliferate on a surface, constant cleaning is required to keep growth under control. However, frequent cleaning isn't always feasible and, in some cases, can severely decrease the lifespan of the product.
Coatings containing Microban® antimicrobial technology help keep products and surfaces cleaner by inhibiting the growth of microbes. Our customized chemistries are incorporated into coatings at the point of manufacture to provide ongoing product protection against a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold and mildew. The result is a coating that can enhance finished products and surfaces with proactive protection and an extended functional lifetime.
How Can You Create an Antimicrobial Coating?
Microban® has a portfolio of antimicrobial technologies that can be applied to thermoplastic, thermosetting, and other cross-linked or cured paints & coatings. Antimicrobial chemistries are carefully chosen in line with desired efficacy, regulatory compliance, material properties, and service conditions (light exposure, cleaning solvents, abrasiveness in use).
Delivery approaches, such as the use of granular, powdered, and liquid masterbatches, can be tuned to allow seamless incorporation into your manufacturing process without causing discoloration or affecting the final finish of the paint.
Microban's world-class research & development team includes experienced microbiologists and chemists. We will work directly with you to identify the best possible solutions for your coating products and help create the right formulation for you.
What Are Common Applications for Antimicrobial Coating Additives?
Microban® technologies are implemented by decorative, industrial, and speciality paint & coating manufacturers across the globe, for a variety of different applications. Consumer, commercial, healthcare, and building products all benefit from the added layer of protection provided by antimicrobial coatings. Examples include walls, flooring, kitchen surfaces, commercial refrigerators, hospital beds, light switches, metal surface coatings, and more.
Antimicrobial treatments for coatings also offer excellent in-can preservation properties.
What Are the Benefits of Built-In Microban® Antimicrobial Technology for Paints & Coatings?
Active 24/7
Microban® technology is a cost-effective solution that remains active for your coating product's expected lifetime.
Suitable for Hygiene-Critical Surfaces
Microban® protected paints & coatings are protected from the growth of harmful bacteria. This feature makes them perfect for use on surfaces in hygiene-critical environments such as hospitals, food processing facilities and schools.
Breaks the Mold*
Paints & coatings containing Microban® antimicrobial technology will resist the growth of unsightly mold and mildew, making them ideal for use in moist or humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Preserves Product Shelf-Life
Microban® additives have been proven to prolong the shelf-life of paints & coatings. Our technology's efficacy against bacteria, mold, and mildew helps to minimize the risk of premature coating degradation, ensuring the product remains usable and stink-free for longer.
Safe to Use
Microban® antimicrobial coating additives have undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and have a long history of safe use. The biocidal active components of Microban® antimicrobial coating additives are notified with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Food Contact Approved*
Microban® has a range of antimicrobial additives for paints & coatings that are approved for use on direct food-contact applications.
Trusted by Leading Manufacturers
Microban® antimicrobial technologies are used and trusted by some of the world's leading paint & coating manufacturers. Brand partners include Taubmans (PPG), TOA Paint, Davis Frost Paints, and Propan Raya.
Get an Antimicrobial Coating Additive Sample
If you are interested in developing an antimicrobial coating product, contact the Microban® team today to organize an additive sample.
*Subject to the performance properties of the specific antimicrobial coating additive manufactured into your product. Treated product efficacy claims against specific microbes are dependant on the results of laboratory testing.
