The right questions
Understanding paint’s different benefits and existing variables can help focus in on the proper product for a specific area of a healthcare facility.
When considering the environmental conditions of the painted area, one should question the:
- amount of water in the area;
- frequency of cleaning;
- traffic an area receives; and
- variability of the temperature.
Specifiers should also consider the substrate on which the paint will be applied. In some cases, paints can be applied directly. In others, a special primer may need to be specified. If it is a repaint, the history of the surface is important, as it will determine if a latex-based paint can be used, or if an oil-based paint is a better option.
It is also important to consider the:
- VOC regulations and whether the coating meets them;
- objectives in terms of green or sustainable building (as not all paints meet all certification requirements);
- maintenance requirements and the impact on patients
and employees; - color and sheen of paint to create the desired atmosphere;
- monochromatically, or accent colors of the paint; and
- availability of the paint where the project will occur.
Color selection
For the most part, the days of sterile healthcare facilities with stark white walls are gone (with the exception of operating rooms or laboratories, where anything but white could prove to be too distracting). Instead, there is now an emphasis on the comfort of the patients, and the staff’s role ensuring patients receive proper care. Warm, inviting spaces help patients heal, and are just as important to the well-being
of staff members.
Often, color selection is derived from permanent objects, such as the floorcoverings. Paint color is relatively easy to change, while floorcoverings, generally, are not. Therefore, initial decisions must be made with permanent items, and with the space’s intended function in mind. In many cases, a neutral foundational color is a good choice. Accent colors can be determined from this point. When this system is chosen, the color of accent walls can be changed more frequently, at less effort and cost than changing the color throughout an entire facility.
Healthcare spaces
It is critical to consider the space’s function when choosing a paint or coating.
Patient rooms
As these spaces are intended for healing, color choices should help advance that objective. For example, a medium-white hue—one that is not too stark, but not too warm—is a calming color and creates a sense of purity and well-being. This color can be used on its own, or in conjunction with a bolder accent color. In general, the accent color is located behind the bed, so the patient does not stare at it throughout the day. This ‘pop’ of color creates an inviting atmosphere for guests or hospital staff.
Rehabilitation/therapy rooms
The purpose of these rooms, as their name implies, is to provide space for people to heal and get better. In instances where people are exercising, for example, it makes sense to use brighter colors that provide an energetic atmosphere. While yellows and oranges may be too much on their own, using bright colors on accent walls is a good choice. On the other hand, if the room is used more for occupational therapy, such as relearning how to walk, then bold colors may be too distracting.
Assisted living areas
When spending a long time in one place, color choices should be reflective of what might appear in a personal home. Cool colors such as blues and blue-greens have a calming influence, but beiges, wood tones, and natural colors create warmth and a ‘homey’ feel. In these areas, vibrant colors may create anxiety, so they are generally used sparingly.
Children’s areas
Bolder colors create feelings of energy and playfulness in these areas, which can aid in the healing process. However, bold colors should be reserved for accent walls so as not to overwhelm patients, as children tend to prefer natural colors.
Wayfinding
For many people, a visit or stay in a hospital can be a stressful experience. The same is true for their loved ones. Having difficulty navigating a facility adds to this stress. As a result, it has become increasingly common for healthcare facilities to use colors to help people move from one area to another. The main corridors should be painted in a neutral color, and an easy-to-see accent wall should be used at the end of the hallway to help navigation.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many great benefits that come along with advancements in paint. By simplifying the specification process and asking the right questions, architects and specifiers for healthcare facilities can easily make the right selections for a positive outcome.
Nancy Hutchinson is director of marketing for Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores Group in North America. She is responsible for marketing strategy for hospitality, healthcare, multifamily, and commercial architect segments. Throughout her career she has also held various field sales, management, and learning and development positions. Hutchinson can be reached at nancy.j.hutchinson@sherwin.com.
