What is an Antimicrobial Coating for Furniture?

People and businesses are more conscious than ever about hygiene and cleanliness.

Furniture, especially wooden furniture, and upholstery can absorb microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and other fungi. Keeping surfaces clean can be a constant struggle.

However, if your property has well-made wooden furniture with a strong antimicrobial finish, that task becomes easier.

Starting in January of 2021, most Holsag products will come standard with a catalyzed lacquer finish that includes an antimicrobial coating. No upcharge will be applied for this crucial product benefit.

But what does this truly mean for you and the people you serve? We’ll break it down for you here.

A Short History of Antimicrobials

The Ancient Egyptians discovered the remarkable cleansing power of antimicrobials more than 2,000 years ago by using specific molds and plant entrants to treat infections. Evidence of this has been found by modern scientists studying uncovered bones from Ancient Egypt.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered the immense healing power of a natural antimicrobial fungus known as penicillin. Thus, antibiotics were born, and the healing power of antimicrobials was discovered by modern scientists.

What is an antimicrobial coating?

Antimicrobials control, destroy, or suppress the growth of microorganisms and their negative effects such as odor, staining, and deterioration. Antimicrobials do not all work the same. However, most antimicrobials work by leaching or moving microbials from the surface on which they live.

A furniture finish that includes an antimicrobial formula prevents the growth of bacteria and some viruses. Products finished with this formula have been proven to be environmentally friendly while protecting the health of those who use the products by preventing the spread of diseases. It also prevents garments from absorbing an unpleasant odor.

Are Antimicrobials Safe?

The EPA has assigned the antimicrobial toxicity rating to the safest category of chemicals. Therefore, they are certified and approved by the EPA for human use.

How is antimicrobial different from antibacterial?

An antibacterial agent destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria cells. An antimicrobial destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms or kills these organisms outright.

While antibacterial agents, such as soap and detergents, prevent the development of bacteria, antimicrobial agents, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and some viruses. This gives antimicrobials a broader scope of protection than the defense provided by antibacterials. In essence, antimicrobials can act as both an antibacterial and an antiparasitic.

Basically, an antibacterial can only target bacteria while an antimicrobial can kill pathogens or keep them from growing.

What is the process for applying this finish to Holsag Chairs?

The Holsag Research & Development and Manufacturing teams worked with suppliers to add an antimicrobial formula to the catalyzed lacquer finish used on Holsag wooden chairs.

A coat of catalyzed lacquer is sprayed onto the chair frame. The antimicrobial formula has the same shelf life and warranty as the lacquer formula.

What Holsag products do not include the antimicrobial formula in the finish?

All Holsag wooden products will come standard with the antimicrobial finish with the exception of:

• Carlo Chair in Natural
• Carlo Chair in Black & Natural
• Carlo Chair in Blank & Orange
• Carlo Chair in Black & Wild Cherry
• Campus 2 Chair in Natural
• Campus 2 Chair in Oak
• Campus 2 Chair in Wild Cherry

What is the best way to clean chair frames with the new antimicrobial formula?

Holsag chairs with the new antimicrobial finish can be cleaned and sanitized by using the same process as the other wooden chairs.

For general cleaning, use a mild solution of soap and water applied with a damp, soft, non-abrasive cloth. Dry the wood immediately because leaving water on the wood for an extended period might damage the finish.

Disinfect the chair frames by using a solution of 1-part bleach (5% sodium Hypochlorite), and 9-parts water applied with a soft cloth. After application, be sure to clean off all the bleach solution with a damp rag and then dry completely.

Get more cleaning and disinfecting tips here.

Does Holsag offer antimicrobial fabrics?

Some upholstery includes a finish that includes an antibacterial. Particularly, several types of vinyl and polyurethane upholstery contain a topcoat with a built-in antimicrobial formula. Other upholstery can have an antimicrobial topcoat added for an upcharge.

If you still have questions, we’re happy to help. Contact us for more information. Find your Sales Representative here.