Introducing
BEHR® Copper Force™
BEHR® COPPER FORCE™ Paint is an innovative interior coating that kills 99.9% of viruses† and bacteria‡ on the painted surface within two hours of exposure. Available in Eggshell and Semi-Gloss finishes, this paint & primer◊ is designed to continuously protect against viruses and bacteria for up to 6 years as long as the integrity of the paint film is maintained. It derives its antimicrobial potency from copper, which is one of the oldest, naturally-occurring materials that is scientifically proven to provide antimicrobial properties. BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint is designed for use on hard, non-porous surfaces (properly prepared drywall, wood, concrete, masonry, metal, etc.) found in residential and commercial settings, transforming them into surfaces that work as part of a comprehensive infection control program/protocol.
†SARS-CoV-2 and Feline calicivirus (EPA proxy for human noroviruses)
‡Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
EPA REGISTRATION PROCESS
BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint received U.S. EPA registration on December 23, 2021. This means that the product has passed rigorous EPA test protocol conducted by third-party microbiology labs. As the EPA determined that BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint could be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects, and all claims were independently validated, the product and its labeling were assigned an EPA registration number: 32273-10.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
EPA-Registered VIRUCIDAL† & ANTIBACTERIAL‡ Paint
Kills 99.9% of viruses† and bacteria‡ within two hours of contact on the painted surface and lasts for up to 6 years
Durable, Long-Lasting Finish
Enables repeated cleaning
Excellent Hide
Saves time and labor
Mildew Resistant Paint Finish
Provides effective protection against mildew growth on the dried paint film
Tintable to a Wide Range of Colors˄
Expands color options
Paint & Primer◊ Formula
Removes the step of using a separate primer
MPI-Approved
Meets performance and environmental requirements of commercial specifications
Zero VOC (< 5 g/L, excluding colorants)
Meets the most stringent VOC regulations nationwide
- This product, like most Zero VOC paints, emits very low amounts of VOCs.
- Most emissions occur during painting and for 48 hours after. Some continue for two weeks or longer.
- While VOC emissions are very low, sensitive groups such as babies and asthma/allergy sufferers should minimize exposure.
†SARS CoV-2 and Feline calicivirus (EPA Proxy for human noroviruses)
‡Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Effective for up to 6 years based on test method “Protocol for the Evaluation of Bactericidal Activity of Antimicrobial Coated Surfaces” (MRID 51062601) as long as the integrity of the surface is maintained and is part of a comprehensive infection control and hygiene program. Periodic cleaning to remove dirt and stains is necessary for good sanitization and to assure the effective virucidal and antibacterial performance of the surface. Cleaning does not reduce the virucidal and antibacterial performance of the surface. To ensure continuous protection, repaint surface if film becomes damaged (peeled, cracked, etc.) or if paint becomes covered with oils, grease, wax, other paints, and other foreign substances; or within 6 years.
The appropriate cleaning agent depends on the type of soiling and the measure of sanitization required. The preferred cleaning method is to use a soft damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent solution (a small amount of dishwashing liquid in water). Gently wipe the soiled area (using the least amount of pressure) until the stain is removed then follow by rinsing the surface with clean water. Do not scrub the surface as this can actually cause the stain to spread. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleansers or pads, which can scratch, burnish, or damage the paint film. DO NOT USE OXIDIZING CLEANERS/DISINFECTANTS, SUCH AS BLEACH AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, OR ENZYME-BASED CLEANING SOLUTIONS AS THEY WILL CAUSE DISCOLORATION AND REDUCE THE EFFICACY OF THE SURFACE.
˄Due to the inherent properties of the paint formulation, clean & vibrant colors and some of the lightest off-white colors are not available to be tinted in this product.
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
BEHIND THE SCIENCE
The antimicrobial properties of copper are well-known. For thousands of years, long before bacteria or viruses were discovered, people have known of copper’s disinfectant powers. Corning® Guardiant™ particles harness the benefits of metallic copper by stabilizing the most bioactive state of copper (copper ions) in a glass matrix. These encapsulated copper ions (Cu+) are steadily released from the painted surface, subsequently killing viruses† and bacteria‡ within two hours of contact on the painted surface.
An antimicrobial coating is only as good as its breadth of effectiveness. The most common viruses and bacteria fall into four categories that exist within a spectrum of difficulty-to-kill: enveloped viruses, gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses. BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint kills 99.9% of the following viruses and bacteria within two hours of contact on the painted surface and lasts for up to six years:
DISCOVER THE INNOVATION BEHIND BEHR® COPPER FORCE™ INTERIOR PAINT
See how BEHR COPPER FORCE keeps you and your client’s space protected by harnessing copper’s antimicrobial properties.
Effective for up to six years according to EPA test protocol as long as the integrity of the painted surface is maintained and is one part of a comprehensive infection control and hygiene program.
BEHR X CORNING COLLABORATION
Behr Paint Company has worked closely with Corning Incorporated to develop BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint powered by Corning® Guardiant™ antimicrobial copper ion technology. Corning Guardiant Antimicrobial Particles have the potency of copper, a naturally occurring, inorganic material.
LEARN MOREBEHR COPPER FORCE Paint
IDEAL USES IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SETTINGS
Ideal Use: Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, hallways.
Ideal Use: Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living spaces, lobbies, corridors, hallways, and other common areas.
Ideal Use: Resident rooms, recreation room, restrooms, lobbies, hallways, and other common areas.
Ideal Use: Patient rooms, examination and treatment rooms, laboratories, offices, medical staff lounges, breakrooms, kitchens, cafeterias, storage lockers, restrooms, reception areas, waiting areas, janitorial/custodial storage rooms, hallways, and other common areas.
Ideal Use: Classrooms, conference rooms, offices, library, computer lab, teacher lounges, kitchens, cafeterias, gymnasium, locker rooms, restrooms, janitorial/custodial storage rooms, hallways, and other common areas.
Ideal Use: Hotel rooms, ballrooms, conference rooms, kitchens, restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness center, restrooms, janitorial/custodial storage rooms, lobbies, corridors, hallways, and other common areas.
Ideal Use: Offices, lobbies, restrooms, fitting rooms, hallways, meeting rooms, break rooms, and other common areas.
Ideal Use: Federal, state, and local government facilities, housing authorities, K-12 and higher education, non-profit organizations, prison and corrections facilities, and parks and recreation.
BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint FAQs
DOWNLOAD FAQs PDFQ: What is BEHR® COPPER FORCE™ Paint?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint is an EPA-registered virucidal† and antibacterial‡ interior paint. It is designed to kill 99.9% of viruses† and bacteria‡ within two hours of contact on the painted surface and lasts for up to six years. It is available in Eggshell and Semi-Gloss finishes.
Q: How does BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint work?
A: Powered by Corning® Guardiant® antimicrobial copper ion technology, BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint continually eliminates viruses† and bacteria‡ on painted surfaces via contact killing. When viruses and bacteria land on the painted surface, the copper ion will destroy the lipid membrane/protein coat/cell membrane, making them non-functional. 1
Q: What types of viruses and bacteria will BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint provide protection against?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint has been tested and proven effective against SARS-CoV-2, Feline calicivirus (EPA proxy for human noroviruses), Staphylococcus aureus (commonly known as Staph), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Feline calicivirus is a non-enveloped virus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium. Both of these categories are at the higher end of the spectrum of hard-to-kill viruses and bacteria. 2
Q: Can BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint be classified as a disinfectant?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint does not meet EPA’s efficacy standards to qualify as a stand-alone disinfectant. However, EPA has determined that this product can provide additional layer of protection against viruses† and bacteria‡ when used in conjunction with an EPA-registered disinfectant. BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint is only intended as a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices. Users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection of painted surfaces. The painted surface material has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but does not necessarily prevent cross-contamination.
Q: What certifications and conformance does BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint have?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint is registered with the EPA (EPA Reg. Number: 32273-10). It meets and exceeds Master Painters Institute (MPI) performance standards and satisfies the three tiers of GREENGUARD® certification: GREENGUARD Certified, GREENGUARD Gold, and GREENGUARD Formaldehyde-Free. The GREENGUARD Formaldehyde-free certification is the most stringent of the three certifications and GREENGUARD Gold status is especially relevant in school and healthcare applications.
Q: How long will the virucidal and antibacterial properties in BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint remain effective?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint will continuously protect against viruses† and bacteria‡ for up to 6 years as long as the integrity of the paint film is maintained and in good condition, and the product is made one part of a comprehensive infection control and hygiene program.
Q: Will BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint contribute to development of antimicrobial resistance?
A: Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of microorganisms to develop immunity to the antimicrobial products that are designed to inhibit or kill them. BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint derives its virucidal† and antibacterial‡ properties from a copper-based material invented by Corning. Studies have shown that copper presents a low probability of developing antimicrobial resistance. Copper and its alloys have been used throughout centuries of history without evidence of full antimicrobial resistance being developed. 3
Q: What colors can BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint be tinted to?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint can be tinted to a curated color collection of more than 2,000 colors from the BEHR color palette. The untinted base will exhibit a brownish hue, which is the effect caused by the copper material. As a result, clean & vivid colors and some of the lightest off white colors are not available with this product.
Q: How does BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint compare to other BEHR® Interior Paints?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint provides the aesthetic appeal and performance that you have come to expect from BEHR premium interior paints, but with the added benefit of killing viruses† and bacteria‡ on painted surfaces.
Q: What surfaces can BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint be applied on?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint is recommended for application to properly prepared new or previously painted surfaces, such as drywall, concrete, masonry, wood, metal, and other common building materials.
Q: How is BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint applied?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint can be applied by brush, roller, or airless spray.
Q: Can I clean my walls after painting them with BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint? If yes, what is the preferred method?
A: Walls and other surfaces painted with BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint can be cleaned after allowing the paint to cure for at least 14 days. Periodic cleaning to remove dirt and stains is recommended and necessary for good sanitization, as well as to assure the effective virucidal and antibacterial performance of the surface.
A: The appropriate cleaning agent depends on the type of soiling and the measure of sanitization required. The preferred cleaning method is to use a soft damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent solution (a small amount of dishwashing liquid in water). Gently wipe the soiled area (using the least amount of pressure) until the stain is removed and follow by rinsing the surface with clean water. Do not scrub the surface as this can actually cause the stain to spread. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleansers or pads, which can scratch, burnish, or damage the paint film. DO NOT USE OXIDIZING CLEANERS/DISINFECTANTS, SUCH AS BLEACH AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, OR ENZYME-BASED CLEANING SOLUTIONS AS THEY WILL CAUSE DISCOLORATION AND REDUCE THE EFFICACY OF THE SURFACE.
Q: Where can I buy BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint?
A: BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint is exclusively available on homedepot.com or contact a BEHR PRO® Rep to order.
Q: How do I report false or misleading statements about BEHR® COPPER FORCE™ Paint?
A: In the event of false or misleading third party statements or publications made concerning BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint product, please visit behr.com/copperforce and REPORT the issue.
1. Różańska, A. et al. Antimicrobial effect of copper alloys on Acinetobacter species isolated from infections and hospital environment. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 7, 10 (2018). Retrieved January 15, 2022 from https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-018-0300-x
2. Field Summary of the Disinfection Hierarchy Workshop. (2016, February 23). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Pesticide Programs. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-02/documents/dh_final_summary_of_workshop_exploration_of_the_disinfection_hierarchy_meeting_summary_final_docx_2_4_16.pdf
3. Arendsen, L. et al. (2019). The Use of Copper as an Antimicrobial Agent in Health Care, Including Obstetrics and Gynecology. Clinical microbiology reviews, 32(4), e00125-18. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00125-18
†SARS-CoV-2 and Feline calicivirus (EPA proxy for human noroviruses)
‡Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
REPORTING FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS
Please complete the form below to report any false or misleading third-party statements or publications made about BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint.
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INFECTION CONTROL ORGANIZATIONS
As a condition of the EPA registration for BEHR COPPER FORCE Paint as a coating that continuously kills harmful bacteria† and viruses‡, we are providing the links below to organizations that are focused on education and outreach in the infection control community.
†SARS‐CoV‐2 and Feline calicivirus (EPA proxy for human noroviruses)
‡Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
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