EPA approved, zero VOC, mold and mildew inhibitor for interior walls and ceilings

Caliwel Home and Office is a revolutionary, multi-patented, zero VOC, antimicrobial flat white paint that effectively and responsibly resists the growth of mold, mildew, algae, fungi and odor causing bacteria. It represents a whole new category of infectious disease control. As a mold remediation tool, it will inhibit its re-growth for many years to come. It also guards against deterioration and discoloration caused by microorganisms.

EPA approved — Caliwel's unique award-winning formula has three separate EPA approvals which required 7 years of testing. The EPA protocol is extremely stringent and validates each approval for safety and efficacy. Unlike most antimicrobial products that contain pesticides or other harmful VOCs, Caliwel has no biocides, zero VOCs and is extremely low odor when wet and virtually no odor when dry.

How it works — Caliwel utilizes as its active ingredient calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime), which is a highly alkaline naturally occurring mineral with the longest history of clean and effective use. It's an important component in pharmaceutical and dental products, supplements, as well as dairy, sugar and baking industries. (For more info about the benefits of hydrated lime, see side bar to right.) Caliwel's proprietary Bi-Neutralizing Agent (BNA) safely prolongs the neutralizing power of calcium hydroxide while resisting degradation long after it has been applied.

Where to use — Caliwel Home and Office antimicrobial paint is a full substitute for conventional architectural latex paint for use indoors only. (Caliwel Industrial is the same product but without the white pigment.) It is water-based, quick drying and easy to apply with a brush, roller or sprayer and takes effect immediately within minutes of application. Use on properly primed gypsum drywall, masonry/concrete, plaster, wood interior walls or spray foam insulation. It comes in a flat white color and covers 250 square feet per gallon. Two coats are recommended. Ideal for all interior residential, retail, healthcare, eldercare and educational facilities, manufacturing and warehouse facilities.

NOTE: Primer is required over new clean drywall, skimcoat, spackle, plaster, plywood, knots, OSB, pine boards, 2x4s, and when color difference is high. Caliwel is available in white and cannot be color matched to other brands. No primer is required over existing water-based interior white paint or existing Caliwel. The choice of primer is very important: use only high grade acrylic and no anti-fungal dry film properties. Kilz brand and other mold killing primers are not compatible with Caliwel BNA. Two coats of primer may be necessary over knots or wood with lots of tannins to prevent bleed through. No primer is needed over the Caliwel Industrial product.

NOTE2: Caliwel protects your surfaces from mold. However, should you decide to paint over it in the future, Caliwel will only protect the substrate core beneath it. We recommend waiting at least 6 months before painting as some paint may react with the high pH in Caliwel. As always, please test first before application.

Fire resistance — Caliwel also provides excellent fire resistance. It has a flame Spread Index (FSI): 0, Smoke Developed Index (SDI): 0 and Class I FSI 0 - 25. Caliwel BNA has been tested under Protocol: ASTM E84-99 “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Material” NFPA 255, ANSI/UL 723 and UBC 8-1.

Proactive choice — The growth of mold can be damaging to your building and your health. Whether you are building new or remodeling an old structure, removal of pathogens and preventing their return is of utmost concern. It can be very expensive to mitigate and remediate old surfaces, not to mention the cost of health care to those affected by pathogens. Caliwel with BNA is a proactive approach to creating and maintaining a cleaner indoor environment without the use of biocides, pesticides or toxic chemicals.

Caliwel's two other products: Caliwel Industrial Mold and Mildew Inhibitor for behind stud walls, crawl spaces and basements and Caliwel HVAC only for professionals to use inside HVAC ducts. Please call 800-405-0222 for more info.

Awards — Frost & Sullivan's 2005 Technology Innovation Award in the field of coatings and surface technologies. Building Magazine, 2002 Top 100 products.

This item description was written by Joel Hirshberg