Interior Finishes that Kill Germs

So germs.  They're everywhere.  And that has never been more apparent in our modern day world than these last couple of years.  Did you know that the antibacterial and antimicrobial movement has taken the interior finishes world by storm?!  While we can't and shouldn't eliminate ALL germs, we CAN do some things to prevent illnesses in our Libraries that won't require extra cleaning solutions and manual labor.  Believe it or not, you can create a much healthier environment for your patrons and staff just by making a few changes to your Library finishes. 

I've put together a brief list with links that will show you some ways you can improve the germ factor in your Library.  You can apply some of these to your existing space or you can save this list for your next renovation or new build.  Either way, now you can consider yourself armed with the knowledge necessary to eliminate germs in your Library all while giving your staff a bit of a break.  

Before we get started, if you want to know more about how to get your next Library project started, click HERE and join my FREE Library Design Bootcamp training.  It's only open for two more sessions.

PAINT

A great place to begin is paint.  As always, I encourage the use of paint changes in your space for a fresh update to your overall Library appearance.  But in this case, you can use paints like this one from Porter Paints called PPG Copper Armor to protect your walls from germs.  This product is "powered by Corning Guardiant Anti-Microbial Copper Ion Technology" and boasts protection in as little as two hours of application.  This product is even registered with the EPA as an anti-viral and anti-bacterial paint that kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on the painted surface.  These protective qualities last for up to 5 years and the paint is also a low-odor and zero-VOC product.  If you're looking to protect your walls, this is a great place to start.

Want to learn more?  Visit their website HERE.

WALLCOVERINGS

Another wall treatment that can help keep your Library germ-free is a wallcovering by National Solutions (one of my top go-tos for all my projects) that infuses a product called Fosshield in it.  Their product claims to be "FDA cleared antimicrobial technology that incorporates silver and copper ions into the fiber which naturally attack microbes thus delivering surface protection in addition to odor, mold and bacterial resistance."  What I love about this product is that you still get the amazing look and texture of wallcovering all while protecting your patrons and staff.  It's just a lovely combination.  You can learn more about their products HERE on their website.

QUARTZ SURFACES

I was actually going to write an entire post on why I prefer Quartz over Granite when it comes to solid surfaces when I recalled how great Quartz is to prevent germs.  And that's what inspired this product post instead.  Perhaps another day for the pros and cons of Quartz versus Granite.  In the meantime, let me tell you one of the MANY reasons why I love quartz. 

For starters, it is an excellent source of germ prevention.  Because it is man made, it is considered non-porous.  That means no tiny germs can penetrate its surface.  Not from a dirty cleaning cloth, your kid's lunch box or even your cell phone just sitting on the surface.  And as if the ridiculous durability of this product weren't enough of a reason to use this surface product in your Library, the fact that some manufacturers bake their antimicrobial agents into them is an even bigger plus.  Not to mention it's an environmentally friendly product as well.  You can find my favorite quartz lines below:

VICOSTONE QUARTZ

CAMBRIA QUARTZ

VINYL FLOORING

This one has been around for a while actually.  The healthcare industry has been using heat-welded seamed vinyl rolled goods to protect against germs for decades.  But the latest Silver Ion technology is now making those vinyl floors and even LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) a game changer for the commercial flooring world.  

Two products I've featured here are Specified Solutions Silver Tech LVT and Mannington Commercial's Microban Vinyl Floors.

The Silver Tech LVT offers planks and tiles so you get a beautiful and durable finish that is also a great noise reducer but still boasts reduced bacteria that comes in contact with the surface, specifically used for high traffic areas, 15 year warranty, excellent slip resistance and no waxing - EVER.  Plus there are plenty of finish options to choose from.

Mannington's Microban-infused Vinyl floors are great because they're using a techology that is well-known and highly used in products across the spectrum.  They say it works at the "microscopic level by not allowing bacteria to grow".  You can learn more about their technology on their website above.

IT'S EVEN IN CARPET!

Carpet seems iffy to me, and of course it's not going to be quite as awesome as some of those silver and copper-infused technologies, but Interface floors has produced a product called Intersept that is registered with the EPA and claims to "offer protection from bacteria and mold that can affect not only the life of the carpet but also indoor environmental quality" as well.  I won't be surprised over time to see carpet technology rise to the occassion even further.  You can learn more about the Interface carpet solutions HERE.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There are plenty of options for protecting your surfaces if you just know where to look.  And this list is a great jumping off point.  Hopefully this will encourage you to do a little more research on your own so you can see just how far the finishes industry has come.  

If you have any questions about any of these products or how they can be used in your Library, please just shoot me an email or hop on over to my DIY Library Design Facebook page to learn more.