Spec Finish

FOCUS FEATURE An important, often unknown, benefit of architectural coatings is that they have the power to improve health and wellbeing. Here, TonyWalker , Technical Specification Controller at PPG Architectural Coatings, explains how. A PICTURE OF HEALTH 26 www.thefis.org T HERE’S no denying it – we are the indoor generation. On average, we spend 90% of our time inside – and that was before a world of self-isolation and social distancing. It should therefore come as no shock that the design of indoor spaces and the materials used in them have a strong ability to impact our wellbeing, both physically and mentally. The important part that architecture can play in supporting health and wellbeing has been recognised by several organisations, such as The WELL Building Standard and BREEAM. These ratings and best practice standards actively promote the use of materials that are able to support the health and wellbeing of occupants to provide a better quality of life. Reduce the spread of bacteria We couldn’t talk about health and wellbeing without discussing hospitals and healthcare facilities themselves. These environments require incredibly high levels of hygiene protection, and coatings can actually help to bolster their defence, with anti-bacterial coatings having been designed for these particular applications. These paints are formulated to restrict bacterial growth and stop the spread of contagious superbugs, including e.Coli and MRSA. When specifying such products, it’s important to look for options that provide enhanced durability and scrub-ability, as rigorous cleaning can, if not carried out correctly, wear down the protective layers over time. TonyWalker Technical Specification Controller TonyWalker, Technical Specification Controller, has been in the paint and coatings industry for 40 years, 23 of those years with PPG. Tony manages a team of technical specification and colour, design consultants, who provide clients with technical specification solutions and design services across the product portfolio from decorative finishes to protective coatings. His team works closely with architects, designers and trade decorator businesses.