When it comes to educational facilities, specifiers need look for materials that offer more – especially when it comes to paint. The education sector has a number of unique requirements when it comes to interior design, all facilitating the creation of a positive, welcoming and calm environment that inspires productivity.
While the chosen colour scheme can have a profound impact on student attention, behaviour and achievement, surfaces (such as walls) must also be able to stand up to significant wear and tear, whether from knocks and scuffs, or food and drink spillages.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
With education buildings in near constant use, the window of opportunity for refurbishment works can be quite slim, limited to either weekends or school holidays. As such, any ability to extend maintenance schedules will be invaluable to the school’s maintenance teams or estate manager. Selecting paint products that offer long-lasting performance and durability is key, extending maintenance schedules and reducing the amount of time and resources spent on upkeep.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SCRUBBABILITY
Opt for durable emulsions that can stand the test of time, with some products, such as Valspar Trade Tough Matt, being both stain resistant and scrubbable – allowing marks to be easily washed off.
For a paint to be deemed scrubbable, it must withstand thorough cleaning with a mild detergent solution without any visible damage to the finish. An ISO Class 1 scrub rating ensures that the paint loses less than five microns of thickness after 200 scrubbing cycles, guaranteeing exceptional durability and maintaining its original appearance.
SUPPORTING HEALTH AND WELLBEING T
here are multiple factors that can contribute to the creation of a comfortable internal environment, including lighting, humidity, temperature and the presence of chemicals and other contaminants, including indoor allergens. Within paint, VOCs serve an important purpose of aiding the application and drying process.
Specifiers can still take action to limit the presence of these compounds by choosing paint products that have lower VOCs – like many water-based products. The globe classification label can help you identify the level of VOCs, with these classifications ranging from ‘Very High’ (more than 50% VOC content) to ‘Minimal’ or ‘Trace’ (0% - 0.29%). Make sure you are picking products that read minimal or trace, to best promote physical wellbeing within a building.
THE IMPACT OF COLOUR ON LEARNING
Colour has long been proven to have a measurable impact on people and their wellbeing. Within education, it can help to create positive spaces that encourage student productivity, creativity and concentration.
It’s important to think carefully when choosing a classroom colour, striking a balance between a space being bright and welcoming, but not overstimulating. It has been widely accepted that cooler colours, like green, blue, grey or violet, have all been seen to promote calm and a feeling of well-being within a space. In comparison, brighter colours, such as yellows or oranges, can encourage creativity and engagement – perfect for more creative studies.
Green tones are useful for relaxing the nervous system and lessening feelings of stress, in addition to aiding communication and the development of speech skills. This makes it a good choice for spaces where reducing stimulation is a high priority, such as those where students with ADHD, autism or who experience hypersensitivity are studying. Creating spaces that are welcoming for those with neurodiversities is especially important, ensuring all those attending a school, college or university feel welcome and settled. www.valspartrade.co.uk