S. Korean company develops paint capable of preventing spread of COVID-19 virus and microorganisms

SEOUL -- South Korean paint maker Samhwa has developed an anti-viral paint that can be used in multi-purpose facilities and medical centers to prevent the spread of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic viruses and microorganisms.

Samhwa said in a statement on November 17 that the company's new anti-virus paint was verified by the health ministry and the Korean branch of FITI Testing & Research Institute, an international test and authentication institute, to have anti-microbial capabilities.

Test results showed that non-enveloped viruses and porcine enteroviruses were 99 percent eradicated in 24 hours when they come in contact with the new paint. Non-enveloped viruses can survive longer than enveloped viruses in hostile conditions like the surface of a wall coated with an anti-virus product.

Samhwa's anti-virus paint was made purely from acrylic resin that creates a strong layer of washable film which is hard to contaminate. Samwha said that its paint can effectively prevent infection at hospitals, schools and other multi-purpose facilities. The company will apply its paint to factories operated by Hwami, a domestic food ingredient maker, in December.

Due to a COVID-19 pandemic, various coating materials have been developed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. According to the American Coatings Association, the global microbial coatings market will reach $6.3 billion by 2026.
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