Antimicrobial. This seems to be the latest buzz word in the cabinet hardware industry. Two different manufacturer’s reps have been talking about it of late. So, if you haven’t heard about it yet, I thought I’d share these new little factoids with you.

It’s not a secret that I work for a large hardware company, so I get to see all the manufacturer’s reps on a regular basis as they come by to “do their thing” at our office. This week one of them was quick to show me his new line of antimicrobial cabinet knobs and pulls.

Berenson has introduced its new Cleantech line and it’s got some neat features that will be attractive to medical facilities as well as the home owner who just wants to reduce the opportunity for bacterial transfer in the home.

Cleantech features a multi-layer plating/coating system. The top layer is the one that has been shown, by independent testing, to kill bacteria, including E coli. As I understand it, the next layer down from that is colored red. That layer is revealed as the result of surface wear. Its appearance tells you when it’s time to replace the pull due to loss of the antimicrobial layer. In addition, these layers protect against nickel and chromium contact allergies. Did you know that 20% of people in the U.S. have problems with such allergies?

Cleantech knobs and pulls come in several popular styles. You can get information at www.berensonhardware.com. I looked at that website and Cleantech is featured on their homepage. You can also contact them via phone or e-mail at [email protected].

The other people buzzing about a surface protection are the folks at M.L. Campbell. They have introduced an addition to their rugged EuroX line of exterior coatings. Their Euro line consists of European technology two component polyurethanes in both solvent and water-borne varieties. To look at the specs for these products, visit www.mlcampbell.com and click on the Euro products tab. That will lead you where you need to go. There are some new additions to that line this year, including their Euro X Water Borne Nanotechnology System.

I will tell you more about this new coating next week.

Until next time…spray on!