StoColor Climasan - the fresh air paint

FAQ: StoColor Climasan

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StoColor Climasan - the fresh air paint

• What is StoClimasan Color?

  StoClimasan Color is a high-quality interior paint which has an additional property. Under the effect of light, it degrades odours and certain airborne contaminants (e.g. formaldehyde).

• How does the paint work?

  Under the effect of light (daylight or any form of lamp light), a catalyst which is contained in StoClimasan Color eliminates many undesired substances from the ambient room air. This process takes place with the aid of oxygen on the surface of the coat of paint and results in harmless end products such as water and carbon dioxide.

• What type of catalyst is employed here?

  It is a variant of titanium dioxide, the most widespread white pigment, which is contained in virtually every wall paint, as well as in toothpaste, cosmetics and numerous foods. Classic titanium dioxide becomes active only under UV light, however. The enhanced version is more sensitive, responding to the visible light spectrum, too, and faster, which accelerates the degradation of harmful substances substantially.

• What kinds of odours and harmful substances are degraded?

  The substances concerned are known as “organic compounds”. Typical odours, such as occur in many homes, including kitchen fumes, cold cigarette smoke, etc. As well as certain harmful substances, such as solvents and plasticisers, which are commonly emitted from adhesives or coatings.

• Is StoClimasan Color suitable for food applications?

  Yes, the paint is also suitable for use in kitchens and at food-processing facilities.

• Does StoClimasan Color contain any harmful substances?

  The paint is totally free of solvents and plasticisers. This has been confirmed by TÜV Süddeutschland (Technical Control Board) and the Austrian federal office for agriculture and forestry.

• What will happen if my child touches a surface coated with StoClimasan Color?

  Nothing. StoClimasan Color is an interior paint approved by the TÜV Technical Control Board and is examined annually for contents such as solvents and plasticisers. The coated surfaces can be touched without any problem, just like other interior paints.

• Can new harmful substances arise when the contaminants are degraded?

  Life on earth is based on photosynthesis. Under the effect of light, plants produce oxygen from carbon dioxide and water. Photocatalysis is the reverse of this process: Here, water and carbon dioxide are the end products. In both reaction chains, the intermediate stages are extremely short-lived and cannot normally be released. The high reaction speed of the modified catalyst further increases this level of safety.

• Are the degradation products water and CO2 harmful?

  The degradation products are produced in only the most minimal quantities and are harmless to both the environment and to those using the buildings concerned.

• How quickly are odours eradicated?

  The time it takes to degrade organic substances depends on the size of the coated surface and the level of light applied. Here too, more light means a more effective process.

• Does the paint also eradicate cigarette smoke?

  The unpleasant odours that result from smoking (cold ashtray) and almost all the harmful substances resulting from smoking are degraded into harmless constituents.

• Are musty odours resulting from water damage also eradicated?

  Musty odours after water damage frequently result from fungal degradation products – which means they are organic in origin. These odours are degraded by StoClimasan Color. The paint does not eliminate the causes – that is, the fungal infestation.

• Do I actually need to ventilate my rooms any more?

  It is always a good idea to air rooms. As a general principle it is to be assumed that the outside air is better than the air indoors. StoClimasan Color does not improve or alter the humidity situation indoors. Airing is the only antidote to moisture indoors.

• Can the photocatalytic effect be speeded up?

  Yes. Increasing the light intensity will boost the activity of StoClimasan Color accordingly.

• What types of lighting does Sto recommend?

  Sto makes no recommendations on types of lighting. All standard types of indoor lighting are suitable.

• What happens behind pictures and cabinets and in areas where there is not enough light?

  Nothing! StoClimasan Color requires light. No photocatalysis takes place in the dark.

• What happens if there is no light?

  The process will become inactive as soon as the room turns dark or inadequate light energy is available.

• How long does the paint remain effective?

  StoClimasan Color’s effect remains constant. The special VLC catalyst is not subject to wear and does not alter.

• Does StoClimasan Color work on all substrates?

  StoClimasan Color can be used on all interior surfaces, just like a conventional interior paint.

• Does the paint also react with old substrates (e.g. dispersion coatings)?

  No, the activity is limited to the surface of the coating.

• When is the paint fully effective?

  Two to three weeks after application, depending on the light intensity.

• How many square metres should be coated in a room?

  As many as possible. It is not expedient to coat only small areas. The larger the coated surface, the more effectively the organic substances will be degraded. This means that ceiling surfaces are particularly suitable, as they are not normally concealed behind furniture.

• Where is it expedient to use StoClimasan Color?

  In every room which is regularly illuminated – either by lamps or by daylight.

• Is the paint more susceptible to soiling than other coatings?

  No.

• Can I clean or wash surfaces finished in StoClimasan Color?

  Yes. StoClimasan Color has been formulated as a matt interior paint of wet abrasion category 2 in accordance with EN 13,300. This means that the paint surfaces can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

• How is StoClimasan Color coated over?

  StoClimasan Color can be coated over with all standard interior coatings. After coating over StoClimasan Color, the surface will no longer by photocatalytically active, however, unless it is coated over once again with StoClimasan Color.

• Can StoClimasan Color be subsequently touched up?

  StoClimasan Color can be touched up just like a conventional interior paint. Carrying out repair work on such surfaces is a critical matter, however, as the effect may be impaired through the use of inappropriate tools or incorrect application. It should be noted that the activity of StoClimasan Color may result in minor differences in colour or whiteness.

• How is StoClimasan Color applied?

  Like a conventional interior paint. It can be applied to walls and ceilings with a roll, brush, etc.

• In what colours is StoClimasan Color available?

  StoClimasan Color is available in over 80 pastel tones (mineral pigments).

• Can StoClimasan Color also be used as a renovation-paint for Sto acoustic systems?

  Yes, but only on StoSilent Superfein