Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating a surface, the method including steps of applying a surface treatment composition to a surface, wherein the surface treatment composition includes a substantially phenol-free cleansing agent and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising 9-decenoic acid, a salt of 9-decenoic acid, an ester of 9-decenoic acid, or a combination thereof, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount sufficient to control microbial growth. Also described are methods for treating a surface that include the step of applying a surface treatment composition having a pH in the range of 4.1 to 8.5 to a surface, wherein the surface treatment composition includes a cleansing agent and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising 9-decenoic acid, a salt of 9-decenoic acid, an ester of 9-decenoic acid, or a combination thereof, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount sufficient to control microbial growth.

Abstract: The invention provides surface coating compositions comprising a preservative comprising 9-decenoic acid, salts of 9-decenoic acid, esters of 9-decenoic acid, or combinations thereof. The surface coating compositions may be water-based coatings (e.g., a latex paint) or solvent-based coatings (e.g., a solvent-based paint). The surface coating compositions may be paints, stains, varnishes, concrete coatings, anti-graffiti coatings, and the like. Methods for protecting a surface coating composition from in-can spoilage and protecting a coating of the surface coating composition from deterioration by the action of microorganisms are also described.