Coo-Var Guardcoat | Antibacterial Two-Pack Epoxy Floor & Wall Paint with Silver Ion Technology

• Apply an antibacterial coating to floors or walls in a hygiene-critical environment
• Coat concrete, wood, masonry, asphalt or tarmac floors and walls with a single product
• Apply a low-odour, non-flammable coating during working hours without disrupting operations
• Achieve a hard-wearing, off-gloss finish that withstands heavy foot and vehicle traffic
• Use over stable existing paint coverings without stripping back to bare substrate
• Choose from a range of colours including safety yellow for line marking and hazard areas

• The surface is contaminated with oil or grease and has not been treated — use Coo-Var Oil Remover before preparation
• The surface is smooth, polished or very porous concrete — use Coo-Var ProSeal High Performance Primer first
• The temperature is at or below 10°C during application or drying — do not apply in cold conditions
• You cannot use the mixed material within 2–4 hours — mix only what can be applied within the pot life
• You require a single-component product — Guardcoat is a two-pack system that must be mixed before use
• The recoat window of 72 hours has been exceeded — do not apply a second coat after 72 hours

Coo-Var Guardcoat is an antibacterial two-pack epoxy floor and wall paint formulated to inhibit the growth of bacteria using silver ion technology. Developed by Coo-Var — a British coatings manufacturer with over 115 years of heritage — it is designed for use in environments where hygiene is critical, including hospitals, schools, food production facilities, commercial kitchens, doctors' surgeries and other healthcare and public buildings.

The silver ion technology works by releasing silver ions that disrupt bacterial cell function, inhibiting growth on the coated surface. The two-pack epoxy formulation delivers an exceptionally hard-wearing, off-gloss finish that withstands heavy foot and vehicle traffic, cleaning chemicals and the demands of high-use commercial and industrial environments.

The water-based, low-VOC formula (below 10 g/litre) is non-flammable and low odour, allowing application during working hours without the need to evacuate or close the area. It can be applied to a wide range of substrates including concrete, wood, masonry, asphalt and tarmac, and can be used over stable existing paint coverings. Available in 7 colours in 5kg mixed units.

Key Benefits

• Silver ion antibacterial technology — inhibits bacterial growth on coated surfaces, supporting hygiene compliance in critical environments
• Exceptionally hard wearing — two-pack epoxy formulation withstands heavy foot and vehicle traffic, cleaning chemicals and mechanical wear
• Versatile substrate compatibility — suitable for concrete, wood, masonry, asphalt, tarmac, floors and walls
• Water-based, low VOC — below 10 g/litre, non-flammable, low odour; apply during working hours without disruption
• Interior and exterior use — suitable for a wide range of internal and external applications
• 7 colours available — White, Black, Safety Yellow, Forest Green, Flint Grey, Sterling Grey and Grey
• 115+ years of British expertise — trusted by facilities managers, contractors and healthcare professionals across the UK

Order before midday for next-day UK delivery.

Coo-Var Guardcoat is an excellent choice for antibacterial floor and wall coating across a wide range of hygiene-critical and high-traffic environments:

• Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities — Apply to floors and walls in wards, corridors, treatment rooms and clinical areas where bacterial contamination must be controlled. The silver ion technology inhibits bacterial growth on the coated surface, supporting infection control protocols and hygiene compliance.

• Food Production & Commercial Kitchens — Apply to floors and walls in food production facilities, commercial kitchens, food preparation areas and cold stores. The non-flammable, low-VOC formula is safe to use in food environments and the hard-wearing epoxy finish withstands daily cleaning with commercial detergents and food-grade chemicals.

• Schools & Educational Buildings — Apply to corridor floors, changing rooms, sports halls and toilet areas in schools and educational buildings. The antibacterial properties help maintain hygienic surfaces in high-use areas, and the low-odour formula allows application during school holidays with rapid return to use.

• Veterinary Surgeries & Animal Facilities — Apply to floors and walls in veterinary surgeries, kennels, catteries and animal handling areas where hygiene and easy cleaning are essential. The hard-wearing epoxy finish withstands regular disinfection and cleaning.

• Doctors' Surgeries & Dental Practices — Apply to waiting rooms, treatment rooms and corridors in GP surgeries and dental practices. The antibacterial coating supports hygiene compliance and the off-gloss finish is easy to clean and maintain.

• Industrial & Commercial Floors — Apply to warehouse, factory and commercial floors where heavy foot and vehicle traffic demands a durable, hard-wearing coating. The two-pack epoxy formulation withstands forklifts, pallet trucks and mechanical wear, and the Safety Yellow variant is suitable for line marking and hazard area identification.

If you need personalised advice on surface preparation, primer selection or colour choice, contact our experts via the live chat for tailored guidance.

Coverage: 6–10 m² per kg at recommended dry film thickness

Coverage per 5kg pack

• At maximum coverage (10 m²/kg): approximately 50 m² per 5kg pack
• At minimum coverage (6 m²/kg): approximately 30 m² per 5kg pack
• Typical coverage on prepared concrete: approximately 35–45 m² per 5kg pack

Coverage will vary depending on surface porosity, texture and application method. Porous or rough surfaces will absorb more product and reduce coverage.

Recommended coats

• 1 coat is standard on previously painted or sealed surfaces in good condition
• 2 coats recommended on bare concrete, porous surfaces or where maximum antibacterial protection and durability is required
• Recoat after a minimum of 16 hours — do not exceed the maximum recoat window of 72 hours

Important — Pot Life: Once the base and hardener are mixed, the material must be used within 2–4 hours at 20°C. Mix only what can be applied within the pot life. Do not attempt to use material that has exceeded the pot life.

Example calculations

• For a hospital ward floor of 100 m² (2 coats): approximately 4–7 x 5kg packs per coat — 8–14 packs total
• For a commercial kitchen of 30 m² (2 coats): approximately 1–2 x 5kg packs per coat — 2–4 packs total
• For a school corridor of 50 m² (1 coat): approximately 1–2 x 5kg packs

For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10–15% extra to account for surface variation and porosity.

Important — Pot Life: Once the base and hardener are mixed, the material must be used within 2–4 hours at 20°C. Mix only what can be applied within the pot life. Do not use material that has exceeded the pot life.

Surface Preparation

Concrete (Ordinary Stable Concrete)
• Apply direct to ordinary stable concrete — no primer required
• Power-floated, granolithic and smooth concrete must be roughened first to provide a key — abrade or blast mechanically, or treat chemically with Coo-Var Acid Etch
• New concrete must be allowed to cure thoroughly — this can take up to 3 months
• Remove all laitance, dust and contaminants before applying

Smooth, Polished or Porous Concrete
• Apply Coo-Var ProSeal High Performance Primer before Guardcoat on smooth, polished or very porous surfaces

Oil-Contaminated Concrete
• Treat with Coo-Var Oil Remover before mechanical preparation or acid etching

Wood, Masonry, Asphalt and Tarmac
• All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from contaminants
• Prime with a suitable primer for the substrate before applying Guardcoat

Existing Painted Surfaces
• Clean, degrease and sand to ensure an adequate key
• Remove all loose and flaking material and treat bare areas as new substrate

Mixing

1. You will have two containers — a larger one labelled Hardener and a smaller one labelled Base
2. Add the contents of the Base container into the larger Hardener container
3. Mix thoroughly using a slow-speed electric mixer
4. After mixing, add up to 500ml of clean tap water to the 5kg unit and mix again
5. Use within 2–4 hours of mixing — do not exceed the pot life

Application

1. Apply by brush or short pile roller to the prepared surface
2. Apply evenly, ensuring full coverage
3. Allow initial cure of 4 hours before light foot traffic
4. For a second coat, recoat after a minimum of 16 hours — do not exceed the maximum recoat window of 72 hours
5. Clean equipment immediately after use with water

Drying Times (at 20°C)

• Initial cure: 4 hours
• Hard dry: 8–12 hours
• Full cure: 5–7 days
• Recoat interval: Minimum 16 hours — maximum 72 hours

Drying times will be longer in cold or humid conditions. Do not apply below 10°C.

Recommended System Products

Free delivery on orders over £75 — stock up on everything you need in one go and complete the job properly.

Coo-Var Oil Remover: Remove oil and hydrocarbon contamination from concrete floors before mechanical preparation or acid etching. Essential first step on oil-contaminated surfaces.

Coo-Var Acid Etch: Apply to smooth or power-floated concrete to provide an adequate key for Guardcoat. Removes laitance and opens the concrete surface chemically.

Coo-Var ProSeal High Performance Primer: Apply to smooth, polished or very porous concrete before Guardcoat. Provides a sound, sealed base for the topcoat on difficult surfaces.

Paint Brushes, Rollers & Paint Trays: Use a brush or short pile roller for application. Clean with water immediately after use.

These products are commonly combined for best long-term results.

How does the antibacterial action work?
Guardcoat uses silver ion technology. Silver ions are released from the coating and disrupt bacterial cell function, inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the coated surface.

Is it a two-component product?
Yes. Guardcoat is a two-pack epoxy system — base and hardener must be mixed together before use. Add the base to the hardener container, mix thoroughly with a slow-speed electric mixer, then add up to 500ml of clean water and mix again.

What is the pot life?
Once mixed, the material must be used within 2–4 hours at 20°C. Mix only what can be applied within the pot life. Do not use material that has exceeded the pot life.

What surfaces can it be applied to?
Concrete, wood, masonry, asphalt and tarmac — floors and walls. It can also be used over stable existing paint coverings. On smooth, polished or very porous concrete, apply Coo-Var ProSeal High Performance Primer first.

Do I need a primer?
On ordinary stable concrete, apply direct without a primer. On smooth, polished or very porous concrete, use Coo-Var ProSeal High Performance Primer first. On other substrates, use a suitable primer for that substrate.

What colours are available?
White, Black, Safety Yellow, Forest Green, Flint Grey, Sterling Grey and Grey — all available in 5kg mixed units. Other colours are available to order — contact us for details.

What pack size is available?
5kg mixed units (base + hardener).

How much does it cover?
Coverage is 6–10 m² per kg, giving 30–50 m² per 5kg pack depending on surface porosity and application method.

How long before it can be walked on?
Initial cure is 4 hours at 20°C. Full cure is 5–7 days.

How soon can I apply a second coat?
Apply a second coat after a minimum of 16 hours. Do not exceed the maximum recoat window of 72 hours — overcoating after 72 hours may result in adhesion failure between coats.

Is it flammable?
No. Guardcoat is non-flammable and water-based with a VOC content below 10 g/litre.

What temperature do I need to apply it?
Do not apply if the temperature is at or below 10°C during application or drying.

How do I clean my equipment?
Clean brushes, rollers and trays with water immediately after use.

Do you offer next-day delivery?
Yes. Order before midday for next-day delivery to mainland UK addresses. Contact us for delivery options to Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and other remote areas.

Safety data sheet - all tints & grey
Safety data sheet - tile red, black, white, green, safety red & yellow
Safety data sheet - all except green
Safety data sheet - hardener for green
Technical data sheet

We recommend these system products to achieve the best results with Coo-Var Guardcoat. Free delivery on orders over £75

Coo-Var Oil Remover — remove oil and hydrocarbon contamination from concrete floors before mechanical preparation or acid etching; essential first step on oil-contaminated surfaces

Coo-Var Acid Etch — apply to smooth or power-floated concrete to provide an adequate key for Guardcoat; removes laitance and opens the concrete surface chemically

Coo-Var ProSeal High Performance Primer — apply to smooth, polished or very porous concrete before Guardcoat; provides a sound, sealed base for the topcoat on difficult surfaces

Paint Brushes, Rollers & Paint Trays — use a brush or short pile roller for application; clean with water immediately after use

Not sure which preparation products or primer is right for your surface? Contact our experts via live chat for free, tailored advice — we will help you choose the right system and get the best result.

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.