Antimicrobial compositions and methods are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful in providing antimicrobial capability to a wide-range of medical devices. In one aspect, the invention relates to a mild solvent coating using acrylate-type mild solution coating. These compositions include rheological modifiers as necessary. The compositions also include antimicrobial agents, which may be selected from a wide array of agents. Representative antimicrobial agents include cetyl pyridium chloride, cetrimide, alexidine, chlorexidine diacetate, benzalkonium chloride, and o-phthalaldehyde. Additionally, the compositions comprise one or more suitable mild solvents, such as a low molecular weight alcohol, alkane, ketone, and combinations thereof.