If you are designing or improving your laboratory or clean room, a lot of your time s typically spent selecting casework and equipment such as fume hoods.
However, to ensure your laboratory is easy to clean and maintain you should also consider paying close attention to the finishes of both walls and ceilings.
Whilst standard paints and emulsions are cheap and easy to apply, they simply don’t stand up to the tough cleaning regimes and hygienic requirements of labs. So if you’re looking for an alternative here are the five essentials of a well performing laboratory wall finish.
1. Chemical Resistance
Your laboratory wall finish may need to be resistant to chemicals of many different kinds range ranging mild detergents, to strong acids, and even fumigation and decontamination products such as formaldehyde.
The best approach is to check the ACDP categorisation of your laboratory, and then choose a wall finish appropriate for the categorisation with documented resistance to the chemicals and substances found in the lab.
2. Scrub Resistance
Laboratory walls often become soiled in particular areas, which then require repeated scrubbing to clean. ASTM D2486 is a test method for determining the relative resistance of different paints to erosion when repeatedly scrubbed during the life of the paint. Scrub resistance is expressed in “cycles” and will give you a method for comparing wall finishes.
Similarly ASTM D1044 amd D3389 measure abrasion resistant, also in cycles. In both cases look for a wall finish with 4000+ cycles.
3. Anti-microbial
To reduce the risks of contamination and the spread of pathogens, look for a wall finish which inhibits the growth of both bacteria and fungi. Ideally, the microbial resistant agents should be non-leaching so that they don’t become a contaminant themselves.
For example, CS Wallglaze coatings contain a cocktail of non-leaching biocides that remain effective through the design life of the product.
4. Reinforcement
For areas likely to suffer from impact damage, you’ll need to consider upgrading to a more impact resistant wall finish. The most economical way to achieve this is typically with a fibreglass reinforcement.
For example, throughout the CS Wallglaze range of wall finishes we offer both a light and heavy fibreglass reinforcement for added durability and increased abrasion/impact resistance.
5. Re-coating
Last but not least, look for a wall finish that support re-coating, as this is a very cost-effective way of refurbishing the surface and significantly reduce long-term maintenance costs.
For example, the durability and resistance of CS Wallglaze will often exceed the quoted lifespan of 10 years, however re-coating will maintain optimum levels of protection and anti-microbial properties after this initial lifespan.
What next?
- Download the Wallglaze Brochure
- Give us a call on 01296 652800 or email enquiries@c-sgroup.co.uk and talk to us about how we can help you select the right wall finish for your laboratory.
