subject: Anti Graffiti Protection and Avoidance, and what to do if graffiti is on your property [print this page] Anti Graffiti Protection and Avoidance, and what to do if graffiti is on your property
Anti Graffiti Protection
Graffiti is a big issue around the world. In the UK it is classed as a criminal offence , and if the cost of the damage becomes greater than ?5,000, the crime can carry a maximum 10 year imprisonment for those aged over 18, or up to 2 years detention for those ages between 12 and 17 years of age. Lots of minor acts of graffiti will attract a fixed penalty of ?80.
In the UK, it is estimated that the cost of removing graffiti is in the region on ?1bn (2007). Graffiti is regularly harmful, unsightly and could create a distressing atmosphere as residents, tenants, shoppers and workers can often feel afraid where it occurs. For landlords, tenants are reluctant to rent out units, shops and houses where graffiti is an issue.
Traditionally, expert graffiti removal businesses have to be pursued to remove the offending graffiti using steam, chemicals or extreme pressure water jets. This could be expensive and interfering if required on a regular basis.
Recently, there have been some exciting developments employing nano-technology to help combat this problem where it is a common occurrence.
In a few parts, persistent attention from vandals daubing or spraying graffiti onto walls and buildings can be an issue. It could be the location, hidden away from view, a darkened corner or a prominent place where the graffiti can be easily seen. Fencing areas off can just move the graffiti problem from the building to the fence and additional measures can be unsightly or impractical, especially on public access buildings or historic monuments or listed buildings. The graffiti may be removed using graffiti removal equipment, but if the graffiti is a regular occurence, this may become not economically viable after an extended period of time.
Another option might be to treat the surface with a specialist clear coating to protect the stone, cladding, timber or brickwork. This will enable you to remove paint quickly and simply often using warm water and domestic detergent and no specialist equipment.
They work by filling the very small pores in surfaces, preventing oil based paints, ink from marker pens and even airborne pollutants like traffic film being soaked up by the microscopic pores in the underlying surface. They will supply protection on most surfaces.
These expert anti graffiti coatings are available in two types.
Sacrificial Anti Graffiti Coatings
As the name suggests, the sacrificial anti graffiti coatings are mainly to make removal of any graffiti applied easier to do away with and then require re-application to protect the surface once again. The sacrificial anti graffiti coatings are less expensive but not suitable for every surface
Permanent Anti Graffiti Coatings
Much more complex a compound, often based on nano-engineering principles, and therefore a more expensive option in the short term, but for high risk areas can be very economical to use, and extremely easy to remove any graffiti.
It is essential to get knowledgeable help while applying these coatings to guarantee even coverage and complete application. Coverage rates alternate depending on surface type, and while almost completely transparent, we recommend a trial region and survey to ensure compatibility and acceptable aesthetics before commencing a project to apply these coatings to any buildings, prior to full application.
