The Cost Implications for an Advanced Coating

When examining the bids for a paint job on a project, it is probably not common knowledge that typically 85 percent of the cost represents labor costs, and the remaining 15 percent represents the cost of the actual paint. This ratio creates an opportunity for specifiers to select significantly better coating materials, without dramatically increasing the overall cost of the paint job.

Here's an example. Consider a $100,000 paint job. $85,000 is dedicated to labor. $15,000 buys the traditional paint. For the purpose of illustration, let's say there is a 40 percent premium on this new durable or odor-reducing, formaldehyde-reducing technology. This brings the total cost of the paint material up to $21,000, from $15,000, and the total cost of the painting job to $106,000. In the end, a superior product is in place for only a 6 percent increase in the total painting bid.

Contact Your Coatings Manufacturer

It can be a challenge for architects and designers to stay abreast of evolving coatings technologies like those discussed here. Fortunately, most of the major paint manufacturers offer assistance in the form of technical experts that specialize in working with architects, specifiers and designers. If the contacted manufacturer offers these advanced coatings, these experts can ensure that a design team working on an acute-care facility is at least made aware of the opportunity to coat patient rooms with the chemical-resistant, abrasion-resistant coating that can withstand the more rigorous cleaning regimens now common. They can identify the specific coating products that inhibit the growth of mildew and mold on the paint film. They can also make design teams aware of coating with formaldehyde-reducing technology or odor-eliminating technology that helps to make long-term care facilities fresher.

Contact your paint manufacturer and request a visit or ask to be connected with their technical representative specializing in commercial architectural coatings and specifications. These advisors will ensure that the paint specified on the project is the right paint for the project.

ENDNOTES
1	Deadly Admissions: Hospital-Acquired Infections Are 4th-Largest Killer in U.S., But Ohioans Cannot Get Statistics to Compare Facilities
2	“Behind One Hospital's Fight Against Deadly Infection,” Wall Street Journal, June 4, 2012

For over 145 years, Sherwin-Williams has satisfied the coating and color needs of the architectural community and is North America's largest single-source coatings supplier offering specification assistance; fast local service; color reliability; and consistent product performance to ensure the final results fulfill your vision. For product and compliance questions or to contact their coating specification advisers, call 800-321-8194. www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers