When designing your dream house, you pick paints that reflect your personality, have a strong appeal, and are safe for friends and family. Deciding on colours is slightly easier when you are looking to redo your home or rooms than picking what goes on the walls of public facilities. So, choosing colours for schools, hospitals, and other facilities is a struggle.
Before hiring painters to paint the space, you’ll have to consider the visitors, the location, why you want to colour it, and many other factors. Most places, like schools, eateries, or hospitals, have to adhere to specific compliance guidelines. The right paint should maintain the indoor air quality, prevent bacterial growth, and be safe for visitors. Are you unsure what paint to choose and whether your choice matches the needs? Relax. Our professional painters explain the compliance requirements and paint choices in detail here!
Why Does Paint Choice Matter in a Regulated Environment?
Paint choices in regulated places like schools, hospitals, or food services matter more than anywhere else because, first, the impact is greater, and second, the places need to be hygienic and safe. Experts offeringpainting services in Hamilton suggest that when picking paint for these places, consider the following:
- Safety of occupants, be it children or patients
- Frequency of cleaning and standards of sanitation
- Support for air quality and hygiene goals
- Compliance with relevant health and safety regulations
When redoing your space, use paints with less chemical content, which are resistant to bacterial growth. Stick to the compliance codes to avoid any costly renovations in the future.
What Constitutes a “Compliance-Friendly” Paint?
Here are expert features to look for when selecting paints for sensitive areas:
Low or No VOCs
Pick paints with low VOCs to avoid respiratory system issues, allergic reactions, or other long-term health problems. Low-VOC or no-VOC paint is an ideal choice for indoor use, as it won’t leave behind the volatile compounds that cause health problems.
Antimicrobial or Bacteria-Resistant
It would be smart to pick paints that can prevent the growth of mould, mildew, or bacteria in your facility. Since the areas are sensitive, it is your responsibility to choose colours that help maintain hygiene and safety in the space.
Washable & Durable Finishes
Any facility with high foot traffic will need walls that can be regularly washed without the paint peeling or fading. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are the best for this. So, even if the area is cleaned frequently, the walls remain unaffected.
Non-toxic and Certified
Look for paints that also have independent third-party certification, including:
- Green Seal
- GREENGUARD Gold
- LEED-compliant
Master Painters Institute Approved
A certified paint product shows that the product you are considering meets required industry standards of safety, performance, and even environmental responsibility.
Preferred Paint Solutions by Facility Type
Let’s study the paint options available for different facilities.
1. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
When picking paint for healthcare facilities, consider infection control, hygiene, and non-toxic solutions.
Preferred Paint Types:
- Antimicrobial coatings in wards, intensive care units, and corridors
- Zero-VOC, low-odour paints to lessen discomfort to patients
- Highly scrubbable finishes to withstand constant cleanings
Application areas:
- Operating theatres
- Waiting areas
- Laboratories
- Patient rooms
Pro Tip: To avoid chemicals and bacterial or fungal growth, use epoxy-based coatings when painting a healthcare facility.
2. Schools and Educational Facilities
Schools and education facilities need child-safe materials, clean indoor air, and durability.
Preferred Paint Types:
- Zero-VOC, latex-based paints
- Washable, scuff-resistant finishes
- Dry-erase and chalkboard paints
Application areas:
- Classrooms
- Cafeterias
- Washrooms
- Libraries
Pro Tip: You need to pick hypoallergenic formulas for your school. In any case, avoid using paints with strong odours that can affect sensitive individuals.
3. Eateries, Cafes, and Food Processing Areas
When redoing your eatery, you must ensure the paint contains food-safe chemicals, is stain-resistant, and promotes hygiene.
Preferred Paint Types:
- Food-grade epoxy paints
- High-gloss or enamel paints
- Moisture- and grease-resistant coatings
Application areas:
- Kitchen walls
- Dining rooms
- Washrooms
- Food prep areas
Pro Tip: Always confirm with local food safety regulations.
Paint Selection: Your Quick Checklist
When picking your paint, there are a few things you need to consider. Some of the questions to ask are:
- Are you choosing a low- or zero-VOC paint?
- Does the brand have any health or environmental safety certificates?
- Does your paint prevent mould, and is it anti-microbial?
- Can simple washing help extend the look of your space?
- Does your paint stick to the safety standards?
Choose paint that meets all the above criteria to ensure your visitors and staff breathe in a fresh and healthy environment.
Key Takeaway
Paint isn’t just about how the surface of your space looks; it’s more about the health and safety of the infrastructure of your space. Whether you are simply repainting your restaurant kitchen, working on a hospital room, or putting things together for kids, it is vital to meet local compliance requirements.
With compliant-friendly options, you give your customers and staff a protected space and prevent frequent maintenance costs. If you aren’t sure what to pick, simply connect with a team of commercial painters who can narrow down the choices and help you pick the most compliant products!
