Paint: Not Just for Color Anymore
Healthy paint technologies can eliminate 90% of bacteria!
You probably wouldn’t consider the impact that wall paint could have on the air quality in your home. Though you may have appreciated the fact that low and zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paint has long been a sought-after solution to the lingering odors from ongoing out-gassing a new paint job can create, that seemed to be the extent the paint material could be addressed.
But now new paints on the market can not only provide gorgeous color and finishes, they can literally help to purify your air, minimize odors, manage mold and mildew, and actually kill 90% of many bacteria.
Purifying Your Air
A variety of household products—from furniture to carpet, cabinetry to upholstery fabrics—contain formaldehyde and other aldehydes.
Based on numerous human and animal inhalation studies, the Department of Health and Human Services has determined that formaldehyde, commonly found in particle board, chipboard, the glues used in furniture, as well as in carpet backing (particularly those products produced in Asia or mass-produced here in the US) is a dangerous human carcinogen.
Gas stoves, wood burning stoves, and kerosene heaters can also raise formaldehyde levels indoors—in the air that you and your family breathe every day. Yikes!
A Simple Solution
But now help has arrived! When formaldehyde off-gassing from new carpet or cabinetry in your home comes in contact with a painted surface—your walls, for example— air-purifying technology in these new paints breaks down the organic compound at a molecular level. The paint disrupts the carbon chain, converting the formaldehyde into water molecules and harmless, inert gas. Viola! Formaldehydes are mostly neutralized.
Eliminating Odors
Similarly, certain new paints minimize odors. When airborne odor molecules encounter a surface painted with a coating containing odor-eliminating technology, the foul-smelling compounds are broken down, neutralizing the odor. Unpleasant smells dissipate. A great idea for kitchens and bathrooms.
Mold and Mildew
In addition to these benefits, antimicrobial agents formulated into some paints inhibit the surface growth of mold and mildew. Using this paint in bathrooms and laundry rooms can proactively help control mold and mildew, while contributing to better indoor air quality and a fresher, cleaner look.
Bacteria-Killing Capabilities
There’s more good news—maybe the best of all. EPA-registered paint with sanitizing technology contains an active ingredient commonly known as “quat,” a quaternary ammonium compound that has proven bacteria-killing capabilities.
On interior hard, non-porous surfaces such as walls, doors, and trim, this paint delivers continuous protection by killing 90% of Staph, MRSA, E. coli, VRE, and Klebsiella aerogenes bacteria for up to four years. If the wall, door, or trim is damaged, simply touch-up or repaint the surface. Presto! Your protection is back.
Furthermore, cleaning won’t impact the bacterial reduction performance of the painted surface, and no special cleaning products are needed. As long as the coating remains intact, washing the walls will have no effect on the effectiveness of the technology.
Not Just a Pretty Face
A fresh coat of paint has always been a way to redesign, renew and refresh your home. And with these new, scientifically advanced formulas, you get so much more than a beautiful surface.
Breathe in the beauty! Protect your family’s health at the same time you beautify your home. Discover these paints and coatings featuring a 3rd-party-certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) such as NSF International. You can search NSF International to identify products with an EPD.
Stacey Lapuk, ASID
President
Stacey Lapuk, ASID is celebrating her 30th year with her firm. Named “One of America’s Ten Designers To Watch” by Design Times Magazine, one of the “Top 100 Interior Designer in North America” by Blink Art Resources, and the winner of multiple national design awards. Her goal is simple: To co-create with her clients the home of their dreams with responsive and comprehensive solutions, and timeless, beautiful results.
Her full service firm attracts clients desiring the finest workmanship, materials and custom design. Facets of work include partnering with architects on new construction, remodels, kitchen design and bath design, color consultation, custom furniture, flooring, area carpets, wall and window treatments, lighting design, art procurement and antique acquisition. Service areas include but are not limited to Marin County, San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, Ross, Kentfield, Belvedere, Tiburon, San Rafael, and Pacific Heights.
www.staceylapukinteriors.com