Methods Of Graffiti Protection

Graffiti is still a common problem for property owners and can be very damaging if not protected against correctly. Glass is especially susceptible to damage and a lot of times can’t be repaired, so the whole section needs to be replaced, which is not cheap.

What can you do to protect against graffiti?

There are various methods you can use to protect your property which include coatings, film and removal methods should you need to remove graffiti that has been applied.

Coatings

There are various types of protective coatings which can be used as a prevention from graffiti damage. The two main types are sacrificial coatings, which can be removed if graffiti is applied, and permanent coatings which prevent the graffiti from sticking to the paint. Newer coatings are made of charged polymeric materials that form a gel on the surface.

Sacrificial Coatings

Sacrificial coatings form a clear barrier over the wall or surface you want to protected. If the surface does get vandalised, the coating can be removed using a high-pressure washer, taking the graffiti with it. The coating then must be reapplied. The materials used to make a sacrificial coating are usually inexpensive, clear polymers such as acrylates, biopolymers, and waxes which means it doesn’t cost a lot to replace. These polymers form weak bonds with the substrate to allow for easy removal.

Semi-Sacrificial Coatings – Semi sacrificial coatings, sometimes known as safety shields, are a penetrating sealer on the surface protecting the surface pores. If the surface is vandalised the coating can be removed using a combination of graffiti removal solvent and a water blaster. This coating is usually reapplied every second attack. It is possible to use only water blasting to remove the coating, however this will cause additional surface erosion.

Permanent coatings – Permanent coatings are more expensive than sacrificial coatings but only have to be applied once if used correctly. They create a protective surface that spray paint cannot bond to, making it easy to remove. If the surface does get vandalised, often all that is needed is a simple solvent and a little bit of manual labour. The surface and the protective coating remains unharmed.

Films

In the case of glass, protective films can be used to guard against graffiti and vandalism. Graffiti protection films are thick, sacrificial films that get applied to the exterior of glass and “take the hit”, should vandalism occur. Then, they can be peeled off and reapplied, saving your glass surface from damage. They work best to prevent paint, writing and light to medium scratching.

If you want to keep your windows and surfaces free of graffiti, speak to us today. We offer graffiti protection solutions and will ensure that your surfaces stay protected!