As the number of sources of high- and low-frequency radiation increases with the introduction of new technologies like 5G networks, the human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has increased as well. Widespread use of telecommunication technologies as well as high-tech electronic devices such as smart meters have greatly increased the amount of EMF radiation around us. As a result, it makes sense to explore new and better ways to protect ourselves from these harmful electromagnetic frequencies. One of the most effective and comprehensive ways of protecting yourself or your family from these waves starts with your home, bedroom or office.

In particular, some people choose to shield their homes, offices or businesses with EMF paint. If you are unfamiliar with EMF paint or are interested in learning more about it, read on to discover the effect EMF paint can have on reducing your exposure to RF radiation. 

The topics in this guide include:

• What is EMF paint?
• Does EMF paint work? 
• Is EMF paint safe?
• What are EMF paint additives? 
• What are the top EMF paint brands?
• How is EMF paint applied?
  • Things to keep in mind
  • Applying and grounding the paint 
  • Incorrectly applying EMF paint 

What is EMF Paint? 

Source: LessEMF

EMF paint, also known as EMF shielding paint or EMF blocking paint, is a conductive paint specifically formulated to protect against high-frequency EMFs as well as low-frequency radio waves and microwaves. Though different brands may have different formulas, most EMF paints on the market are pure silicate paints that contain no toxic chemicals or solvents. Besides their distinctive black color (which can later be covered by the paint of your choice), EMF paints look and have the same consistency as regular paints and can be applied the same way. 

What sets EMF paints apart are their special ingredients. Pure acrylic binder, graphite, and carbon black work together to block high-frequency radiation, which includes wireless communication devices such as modems and DECT phones, as well as television and radio stations, radar, cell phone and cell phone tower connections, wi-fi signals and smart meters. Different paint formulas offer different levels of protection. All paints mentioned in this post offer protection for frequencies anywhere between 5Hz, 18 GHz, 30 GHz, and even up to 120 GHz to prepare for the 5G networks that began rolling out in 2019.

There are many applications for EMF paint and several industries that could benefit from using it. Applying EMF paint to your living areas, such as the exterior of your house, living room and bedrooms can be especially helpful to reduce exposure to RF radiation in your home. Applying EMF paint in your home can block signals from nearby cell towers as well as wi-fi and cell phone signals from your neighbors. If you are hypersensitive to EMF radiation or are concerned about the health implications of prolonged exposure to these radio frequencies, using EMF paint in your home would be a fantastic solution.

Businesses that operate online or are concerned with cyber security would also benefit from EMF paint as the paint would prevent interception of data from outside wireless networks. Government buildings or organizations that work with highly sensitive or confidential information could use EMF paint to prevent offices or conference rooms from being bugged. Scientific and medical fields could use EMF paint to shield sensitive facilities and technical equipment from electromagnetic interference. Electromagnetic shielding could also benefit aviation and military industries who rely on technical equipment that could be interfered with. Industries relying heavily on electronics could also benefit from using EMF paint, which would reduce induction and interference. Other applications of EMF paint include: schools, nurseries, hotel rooms, hospital rooms, and prisons.

Does EMF Paint Work? 

Now that you understand how EMF paint is supposed to work, you might be wondering if it actually does what it advertises it can do. All of the companies mentioned in this post have performed and continue to perform tests on their own products to ensure they function as advertised and can withstand the ever-changing world of telecommunications. For example, some of these products can block 5G radiation while others cannot. However, this is almost always advertised by the manufacturer.

If you are looking for more proof than statements from the companies themselves, a study was conducted in 2014 by Dr. Mikko Ahonen and doctoral candidate Tarmo Koppel that researched the “most commonly used mitigation materials and methods of RF EMFs.”  The items used to conduct the study included a popular EMF shield paint, wire netting, foil paper, metalized fabric, transparent conductive film and other solutions. When testing the shielding capabilities of each method, measurements were carried out in the RF range of the electromagnetic spectrum (800-2500MHz). In other words, cell phones, smart meters, or wi-fi frequencies could have been present. Ahonen and Koppel found that the paint “reduced the RF EMF levels tenfold.” The authors of the study note that the test was completed with only one layer of paint, while most manufacturers recommend at least two coats of paint. Therefore, an additional coat of paint should have reduced exposure levels even further.

Is EMF Paint Safe?

EMF paints do not contain any toxic chemicals or solvents. Most EMF paint companies are tested frequently for the content of VOC (volatile organic compounds) and PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). These tests find that VOC and PAH content is so low that they are 100 times below the limit for paint on children’s toys. The only scenario where EMF paint could be considered hazardous is if the EMF has not been grounded or the grounding has not been done properly. It is important to remember EMF paint is conductive. Electrical wirings in your house or even lightning could electrically charge your EMF painted walls if they have not been grounded. However, if your EMF paint has been grounded by a licensed electrician, it is completely safe. To read more about grounding EMF paint, please refer to the last section in this post about how EMF paint is applied. 

What Are EMF Paint Additives?

There are two different types of EMF paint additives on the market. The first EMF paint additive is added to EMF paint. The additive, black like the paint, is added and mixed to your shielding paint in order to prevent cracks from forming in the substrate. The additive is also an extra step in ensuring your EMF paint is grounded as the additive contains long, electrically conductive carbon fibers. YSHIELD sells this product (AF3) in a 90 ml bottle which can then be mixed into a 5 liter EMF paint bucket.

The second type of EMF paint additive can be added to the paint color of your choice. AegisGuard LP Radiation Shield is an example of this type of additive. In order to use this additive effectively, it must be added to interior or exterior latex or acrylic primer. Once added to the paint color of your choice, it can be painted on many surfaces from walls to electronic equipment enclosures to cabinets. Once applied in two coats, the additive leaves behind “an invisible layer of particles that break up the long EMF waves into smaller waves.” These smaller waves contain a lower frequency and are therefore less harmful. If you have a gallon of paint, you will need 4 fl oz of the additive. For each addition gallon you have, you will need an additional 4 fl oz of the additive. AegisGuard sells two different types of this paint additive. The standard additive provides protection against frequencies from 5 Hz to 30 GHz. If you are concerned about 5G waves, the second type protects against frequencies from 5 Hz to 120 GHz. 

The main difference between EMF paint additives like the one above and regular EMF paint is the different aesthetic outcomes. With paint additives such as the one above, you can add it to the color of your choosing. The majority of EMF paints on the market are black and must be painted over with a topcoat. With a paint additive, it is possible to avoid this extra step, saving you time and money. A potential downside of choosing EMF paint additives over EMF paint may be that there are fewer paint additives on the market compared to EMF paints and this may make it harder to find or purchase a quality EMF paint additive. 

What Are the Top EMF Paint Brands?

The market for EMF paint and EMF paint additives is currently fairly limited. Although there is competition, only two to three brands really stick out as leaders in the industry with a few other paints trying to break into the market. The most prominent of these companies is YSHIELD. 

YSHIELD Paints

YSHIELD sells various shielding products, including EMF paint and accessories, such as grounding tools and measuring devices that are needed in order to apply EMF paint. All YSHIELD paints have excellent adhesion and can be applied to multiple different surfaces such as existing emulsion paints, sheetrock, wallpaper, cement, plaster, masonry, wood, glass, and plastic substrates. YSHIELD paints should be covered with plastic bonded, water-based emulsion paints or dispersion silicate paints. A 1 liter bottle of YSHIELD paint will cover up to 81 ft² while a 5 liter bucket will cover up to 405 ft². Be sure to measure the area you are painting before you order the paint. Running out of paint and applying paint too thinly on the wall lowers its shielding attenuation dramatically. Different YSHIELD EMF paints include: 

PRO54

PRO54 is a resilient shielding paint that is actually formulated without graphite. Its lack of graphite makes PRO54 an easy paint to paint over with your topcoat, especially if that topcoat is white or a similar color. The disadvantage of an EMF paint without graphite, of course, is lower shielding attenuation. In order to reach the typical 35-40 dB attenuation of other EMF paints, it is recommended to apply two layers of this paint. 

HSF54

This is by far YSHIELD’s most popular, most versatile shielding paint. HSF54 offers protection for frequencies up to 18 GHz. With only one layer of paint, you will find that the shielding attenuation measures at 36 dB with an effectiveness of 99.98%. A second layer provides shielding attenuation up to 43 dB with an effectiveness of 99.995%. This being said, at least two coats of paint are recommended by the manufacturer. 

HSF64

Source: YSHIELD

Unlike many other EMF paints, this EMF paint does not contain any preservation agents with ecological concerns in mind. Without preservation agents, this paint has limited moisture resistance and is recommended for interior use only. Shielding attenuation with one layer of paint is 32 dB, while with two layers it is 40 dB. 

NSF34

Unlike YSHIELD’s other EMF shielding paints, this paint only protects against low frequency electrical fields. NSF34 has a high water resistance, is environmentally friendly, and has a high corrosion resistance, making it a perfect, durable exterior paint. Its shielding attenuation is 40 dB in a single layer with a shielding effectiveness of 99%.

GEOVITAL Academy 

The GEOVITAL Academy for Radiation Protection and Environmental Medicine has been studying and working on projects to protect against radiation for over 30 years. Based in Germany, GEOVITAL has been developing ways to prevent or lessen radiation exposure. One of these products is, of course, EMF shielding paint. 

So far, GEOVITAL only sells one type of EMF shielding paint: GEOVITAL T98. T98 is a very effective shielding paint as its shielding effectiveness is 99.999%. Its shielding attenuation is up to 50 dB when protecting against frequencies of up to 10 GHz. However, it also provides excellent protection against frequencies up to 20 GHz. T98 is suitable for both exterior and interior use and it is recommended that two coats be applied. 5 liters of this paint will cover an area of about 430 ft².

Blocpaint 

Blocpaint is a radio frequency blocking paint developed in the United Kingdom by a company called Wireless Protection. This paint is a water-based carbon paint that can achieve a 99.9% reduction in cell phone, 3G network and DECT cordless phone radiation in just one coat. This paint is best for blocking low frequency radiation as it only provides protection up to 6 GHz. The majority of EMF shielding paints on the market must be applied with paint rollers but with Blocpaint you have the choice of being able to brush it on if you are painting a smaller area or an object.

CuPro-Cote Paint 

One thing that makes CuPro-Cote Paint different from its competitors is its color: glitter copper. Another important difference is that unlike most EMF paints, which will ruin spray equipment if used, CuPro-Cote is sprayable. CuPro-Cote is a water-based high-conductivity shielding coating which can also be applied with rollers and brushes. Instead of carbon or graphite, CuPro-Cote uses a specifically formulated copper as the conductive agent that blocks electric field and RF frequencies. CuPro-Cote can be applied to many surfaces such as acrylic, ABS and structural foams, solvent sensitive materials like polycarbonate and polystyrene, and other non-porous surfaces such as wallboard, wood and clean metals. CuPro-Cote protects against frequencies from 1 MHz to 1 GHz with a shielding attenuation of more than 75 dB. One gallon of paint will cover 670 ft². If you are going to use CuPro-Cote as an exterior paint, it must be covered with a latex paint topcoat. 

Gigahertz Solutions 

Gigahertz Solutions is a German company that mainly sells EMF/RF meters but has begun to manufacture their own EMF shielding paint called CFA40. CFA40 contains electrically conductive 3 mm carbon fibers that “ensure the surface connectivity” that is necessary for safe grounding by bridging any gaps or cracks in the surface. CFA40 protects against frequencies between 1 GHz and 18 GHz. Its shielding attenuation is up to 38 dB with only one layer, while two layers provides a shielding attenuation of up to 44 dB. CFA40 is suitable for both interior and exterior application.

How is EMF Paint Applied?

While EMF paint can be applied by anyone, there are certain precautions one should follow when doing so. Part of these precautions can include hiring a licensed electrician to ground your conductive EMF paint. First, let’s cover some important things to keep in mind before selecting EMF paint for your home, business or office.

Things to Keep in Mind

Firstly, we suggest, as do  most manufacturers, that you purchase a radiofrequency meter before you apply any EMF blocking paint. This way you can measure the radiation levels in the space you are protecting before and after the application of the paint. If you do this, you will be able to see exactly how much the RF levels were reduced.

Secondly, it is important to keep in mind that EMF paint is meant to be a primer that will need two coats of application in order to be the most effective at blocking RF radiation. Because most EMF shielding paints are black in color, be aware that covering up the black may be difficult and time consuming as it may involve multiple layers. Furthermore, the topcoat, depending on what the manufacturer suggests, should be a water-based emulsion paint or silicon resin paint.

Another important thing to remember is that EMF paint works and is incredibly effective. In other words, it will block unwanted cell tower connections and neighboring wi-fi signals but it will also block your own wi-fi signals if you are using your wi-fi network wirelessly. If this is the case, just be mindful of the rooms in your house that you decide to paint with EMF paint. For example, if your router is in one room, and you are in your EMF painted room with your device, the router’s signals will not be able to reach your device. 

Applying and Grounding the Paint 

When applying EMF paint to your walls, ceiling or floors, there are three important stages.

Stage One: Prepare for Painting 

The first stage in applying EMF paint correctly is to properly prepare for the paint to be applied. The following steps must be taken: 

• Prime the surface where the EMF paint will be applied. Properly priming the surface, either with an EMF paint primer or a non-oil based paint will ensure better adhesiveness to the surface. 
• As stated, the contents of EMF paint make it conductive. In order to apply EMF paint safely, the paint must be grounded, preferably by a licensed electrician. In order to ground the paint, a grounding plate and a grounding strap/cable/tape must be placed before the paint is applied. 
• First, you can mark where you plan to install the grounding plate. The grounding plate should be placed in an easily accessible place, preferably near an electrical outlet. One grounding plate is needed for each painted area (room). 
• After the location of the grounding plate has been marked, drill four holes (6 millimeters in diameter) and insert wall plugs or screw anchors. Apply one coat of EMF paint to this area, as well as the area where the grounding straps will be placed, and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. 
• Grounding straps, such as the YSHIELD Grounding Strap EB2, are available for purchase from most EMF paint manufacturers. These straps are self-adhesive and when applied under EMF paints they bridge cracks in the underground. 
• The grounding straps must be attached to the wall starting from the area where the grounding plate will be installed. It is important to note that grounding straps must be applied in one continuous piece and must be applied to each wall that will be painted. Once the grounding material has been put in place, you may begin painting. 

Source: ARCESHIELD MARKET

Stage Two: Apply the Paint 

After you have primed your painting surface and prepared to ground the paint, the paint is ready to be applied. 

• Most EMF paints must be applied with paint rollers. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of your EMF paint before you attempt to apply the paint with brushes or spray equipment. EMF paint is applied like any regular paint and the appropriate attire such as masks, goggles and gloves should be worn. 
• When painting near electrical outlets, you must not paint too closely to the outlet. 1-2 inches should be left around each outlet or any visible electrical wires. All grounding straps/cables/tape should be covered with paint. 
• Once applying at least two coats, the EMF paint should dry for at least 24 hours. Different EMF paints may have different drying times and the environment’s temperature and humidity could shorten or lengthen the time it takes the paint to dry. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions in order to figure out how long your EMF paint should dry. Once the EMF paint has dried, it will be effective at blocking EMF radiation. 

Stage Three: Finish Grounding the Paint 

After the EMF paint has been applied and has been given time to dry completely, you can finish grounding the paint by installing the ground connection plate. 

• Mount the ground connection plate to the wall and tighten the screws. 
• If you are planning to cover the EMF paint with a topcoat, use masking tape to cover the plate and apply your topcoat. 
• Once you have finished applying your topcoat and allowed it to dry, you can fasten the cable into the cable socket on the plate and connect it to the ground. For example, the cable can be connected to blank/bare heating pipes, grounding bars in outlets or fuse boxes. 
• Grounding kits, which include the plate, cables, screws, dowels and grounding tape can be purchased from most EMF paint manufacturers. 
• It is strongly suggested that the grounding plate should be installed by a licensed electrician. In some countries, it may be illegal to install the grounding plate without a licensed electrician. Therefore, installing it professionally really is the best and safest thing to do. 
• Lastly, it is possible to not ground the paint. However, the paint will not be as effective and will pose a risk of electrical shock. 

Incorrectly Applying EMF Paint

After you apply EMF paint, it is important to test its shielding attenuation. Using a RF EMF meter, you can see how much radiation remains in the area even with the EMF paint shield. If you find that the paint shield has not reduced the amount of radiation in the area, there may be a few reasons for this.

One cause of inferior shielding is that the paint was prepared incorrectly. EMF paint, just like any regular paint, must be shaken or mixed thoroughly before use. If the paint has been sitting for months, for example, many of the important particles and agents within the paint can settle on the bottom of the paint container. If this happens and the paint is not shaken or mixed, the paint will not be as effective. Another issue that might result in inferior shielding is if the paint is diluted with water or another type of paint. Because the formula has been altered with a foreign substance, the shielding performance will likely drop. Inferior shielding can also be the result of using the wrong equipment to apply the paint. As mentioned previously, most EMF paints require application with paint rollers (specifically high quality professional 15 mm  paint rollers). If lacquer rollers, brushes or spray equipment is used, the paint’s ability to block radiation may lower. Another possible cause for inferior shielding might be excessive coverage or too little coverage. If you over paint or under paint the surface contrary to what is suggested by the manufacturer, the paint’s conductivity and shielding abilities may be lowered. Lastly, lingering radiation in an area protected by EMF paint may be due to areas in the room not protected by the paint, such as windows. If painting a room with windows, you should also plan to shield the window. Special sprays, fabrics, netting, or foils can be used to cover windows and reduce the amount of radiation that passes through.

Conclusion 

EMF paint can come off as complicated and expensive but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you have read up on EMF paint and consulted the right professionals, EMF paint can be the perfect solution to your EMF radiation problem. There are many EMF paints that provide a wide range of protection against different frequencies, which ensures protection against the smallest of smart meters to the largest cell tower in your neighborhood. Many online writers who share their experiences reducing EMF radiation in their homes have found EMF paint to be vital in reducing exposure. One such review on EMF paint reads, “I found the money I’ve saved on other EMF blocking products has easily covered the cost of the paint.” So while EMF paint might be more expensive than run-of-the-mill paint, EMF bed canopies or shields for your devices, it offers a great amount of protection at a very high efficiency. So when investing in EMF shielding products, we encourage you to put EMF paint at the top of your list.