Edinburgh Napier University

  Attempts are being made to incorporate copper into clear varnish in order to coat environmental surfaces in hospitals with the long-term goal of reducing healthcare-acquired infections (HAI). The performance of a nanocopper-containing polyacrylic emulsion, NanoCote HD-WR, on bedrails, footboards, control panels, tables and lockers was evaluated. The paint was applied in four coats using conventional spraying technology according to the manufacturer’s instructions to give a total thickness of c. 30 μm. After overnight curing the “clear” coat appeared rough, with uneven mottling, and remained clearly visible on all surfaces to which it had been applied. The coating demonstrated an unpleasant rubbery feel, engendering complaints from patients. Even the merest contact with water, such as light touching with a damp cloth, caused immediate blanching of the coating and the surface became extremely slippery. Contact with a lightly soiled cloth caused irreversible discoloration of the coating. The physical properties of this coating render it unacceptable for
application in hospitals.