Paint Shield® FAQ: What Painters Need to Know

Paint Shield® Microbicidal Paint is redefining what paint can do. Here are answers to six common questions about this revolutionary new coating.

1. What is Paint Shield?

It is the first-ever EPA-registered interior latex paint with the power to kill certain bacteria on painted surfaces within two hours of exposure. And it has the appearance and quality you expect from Sherwin-Williams paints.

2. What does it kill?

Paint Shield microbicidal paint kills 99.9 percent of Staph (Staphylococcus aureus), E. coli (Escherichia coli), MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis) and Enterobacter aerogenes on painted surfaces within two hours of exposure, and continues to kill 90 percent of bacteria for up to four years when the integrity of the surface is maintained.

3. How has it been tested?

The Paint Shield Microbicidal Paint formula is patented in the U.S. and EPA-registered. It has passed rigorous EPA test protocol conducted by third-party labs. Paint Shield underwent vigorous scrubbing tests and repeated exposure tests to make sure that when exposed to normal wear and tear, cleaning and scrubbing, it maintains its effectiveness (for up to four years when the integrity of the surface is maintained) and meets the high-quality standards of all Sherwin-Williams products.

4. Where and how should it be applied?

Paint Shield goes on just like any other interior paint, and can be applied on ceilings, walls, doors and trim throughout the home. Originally developed for health care facilities, athletic facilities, schools and other specialized business settings, Paint Shield is also ideal for any residence, especially in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. Just like any interior paint, two coats are required over a previously primed or painted surface. It can be applied with traditional paint brushes and rollers.

5. What colors and sheens does Paint Shield come in?

Paint Shield Microbicidal Paint is available in 550 colors and in the popular eg-shel sheen.

6. Where can I buy this product?

Paint Shield is only available in Sherwin-Williams stores. You can find your closest store at sherwin-williams.com/store-locator.

How does Paint Shield work in the real world? Read what an Atlanta-area professional painting contractor has to say about the product in this case study.