ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
Antibacterial properties
of our decorative surfaces
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
What is a
Microorganism?
Microorganisms are microscopic living organisms.
There are microorganisms that cause diseases
(pathogens), but many that are not harmful and some
even benefit us for example:
Yoghurt Intestinal Soil
bacteria flora bacteria bacteria
2
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
What is a
pathogenic Pathogenic microorganism
microorganism? = it causes disease.
microscopic parasites that replicate inside the cells
VIRUS of an organism (influenza, AIDS, dengue, the current ANTIVIRAL
COVID-19, etc).
Prokaryotic cell organisms that reproduce without
BACTERIA ANTIBACTERIA
invading the cell (tuberculosis, cholera, etc.)
ANTIMICROBIAL
Eukaryotic single cells (malaria, etc)
PROTOZOA ANTIPARASITIC
Unicellular or multicellular (fungus Candida)
FUNGUS ANTIFUNGUS
Prion of spongiform encephalopathy
PRIONS
(mad cow disease, etc.)
3
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
Surfaces
with antimicrobial
properties
Materials and surfaces can be a refuge for
microorganisms and can be a source of cross-
contamination when there is contact with a
contaminated surface.
For this reason, it is desirable to provide materials
with antimicrobial characteristics to provide products What is the difference between antimicrobial and
that are safer from a hygienic and sanitary point antibacterial?
of view. But still it is vital to maintain an adequate
cleaning protocol to avoid possible infections. Antimicrobial is effective against a wide spectrum of
microorganisms. This includes bacteria, mould, fungus
and even some types of virus.
Antibacterial is only effective against bacteria.
4
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
Surfaces
with antibacterial
properties
Surfaces with antibacterial
characteristics must:
- Inhibit the ability of bacteria to grow on its
surface (bacteriostatic effect);
- Or eliminate them (bactericidal effect).
Therefore, antibacterial surfaces:
- Contribute to cleaner spaces and a
healthier life.
- Improve the quality of the indoor
environment.
- Prevent the development of infectious
diseases.
In any case, an antibacterial surface
does not substitute for regular cleaning
practices as specified by product
manufacturers.
5
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
Materials
with antibacterial
properties
Finsa’s range has the following materials with
antibacterial properties:
- Our Laminate Flooring (FinFloor, PureFloor
and exclusive brands). As per the Standard ISO 22196
- All FINSA melamine surfaces have
antibacterial properties, across all baseboards
and thicknesses. As per ISO 22196: 2011 (JIS Z 2801)
· Duo Collection
· Studio Collection
· CompacMel
· All melamine with exclusive
customer designs
- Fintop+ worktops. As per ISO 22196.
- Ideal Glow and Ideal Matt textures from Duo
Collection. As per ISO 22196
6
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
Which documents accredits this?
The external laboratory Industrial Microbio-
logical Service LTD (IMLS) has tested the
surface of our melamines under ISO 22196.
The test shows that 24h after contact the
number of bacteria is reduced by > 99.99%.
The test was done for two types of bacte-
rial pathogens: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and
Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus).
The surface of our melamine inhibit the
growth or proliferation of bacteria, it pre-
vents their reproduction and bacteria age
and die. The antibacterial effect is main-
tained during the useful life of the pro-
duct.
7
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
And also…
We offer veneer surfaces, with natural
wood veneer in a variety of formats,
thicknesses and qualities. As a presanded,
unfinished material it can be treated with
transparent or coloured formulations
including additives to obtain surfaces with
antibacterial, antifungal and anti-algal
properties.
We have checked with varnish
manufacturers and all have these special
products. We recommend that you check
directly with them and follow their
instructions to obtain the desired efficacy.
Our painted board, called Fibraprint, can
be manufactured with fungicide additives
(product available on request).
8
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
Recommendations for
cleaning and disinfection
Melamine surfaces are natural, non-porous,
hygienic and durable materials. They are
easy to clean and they do not need special
care.
Under EN 14323 (Wood-based panels. Me-
lamine faced boards for interior uses) the
test methods cover substances that cau-
se alterations or staining in the melamine
surface and also mention some agents to
clean and disinfect it.
Melamine surfaces require only regular
cleaning. In general, it is only necessary to
remove the dust with a cloth, or soft spon-
ge, preferably with warm water. But in the
case that the stains are more persistent,
other methods of cleaning can be used:
9
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
- It is recommended to clean up spills of For disinfection of these surfaces you can
liquids as soon as possible, especially if it’s use products like diluted bleach in water as
wine or coffee. per manufacturer instructions (active in-
gredient Sodium Hypochlorite), alcohol 70º
- In the presence of grease stains or visibly (active ingredient Ethanol) or disinfecting
dirty surfaces, it is recommended to apply soap solutions for domestic use following
non-abrasive cleaning products like liquid always manufacturer instructions.
soap or window cleaner.
After that, surfaces should be rinsed with
- In the case of difficult stains such as inks, clean water.
paints, varnishes, lacquers nail polish or
water-based adhesives, it is recommended Never use scourers or metallic sponges,
the use of alcohol mixed with water or ace- they can produce irreversible damages on
tone. the melamine surface. Do not use abrasive
cleaning products or highly acidic / alkaline
substances.
Paint thinners are not recommended. Do
not apply waxes or polishes as they will de-
finitely affect the brightness and even the
colour of melamine surfaces.
It is essential to dry the surface with a
clean and dry cloth after cleaning or disin-
fecting.
10
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES | FINSA
We hope that this information has been
useful. Do not hesitate to contact our
commercial network with any additional
query or if you require further clarification.
www.finsa.com
11
