Anti-graffiti services

Here’s How Anti-Graffiti Services Work!

by Jo Charnock, onGraffiti CoatingGraffiti Removal , September 21, 2020

Have you ever wondered how anti-graffiti coatings and services work? In this article we will explain how and why you need them!

Have you ever wondered how anti-graffiti services and anti-graffiti coatings work? In this article we will explain the different types of anti-graffiti coatings, and how they work. But first let’s take a look at the different types of graffiti and the most common materials taggers use.

Types of Graffiti:

While there is an ongoing debate about what is street art and what is graffiti, it is safe to say that the main difference is that graffiti is illegal and the building owner has not given permission. However, graffiti still comes in many different forms. Here we explain some of the different types:

To Tag:

Firstly tagging is an identifying mark of the graffiti artist or tagger. It’s usually a simple design and only in one colour.

Throw-Up:

Likewise, a throw-up is like a more complicated tag. It usually has two or more colours and bubble-style lettering. Throw-ups are carried out quickly and repeatedly, just like a tag.

Blockbuster:

Similarly, a blockbuster is like a massive throw-up, usually in blocky letters. Blockbusters are used to cover a large area in a small amount of time. Blockbusters can be painted with rollers, which makes them faster and easier to do.

Stencil:

Stencil graffiti has been made famous by the anonymous street artist Banksy. It is a form of graffiti that makes use of stencils to create an image or text that is fast and easy to reproduce.

Posters:

Posters are quick and easy to put up and can be used to promote an event, party or used as an expression of art. Promoters and bill posters have the posters printed in advance and then paste them up all over the city.

Stickers:

A sticker, or slap, is like a small poster, and just as quick and easy to put up. Many stickers are simply tags on postage labels, but sometimes they are more professional.

Common Supplies Used for Graffiti:

While spray paint in aerosol cans is the number one medium for graffiti, there is a variety of modern supplies for creating graffiti. From these choices many different styles, technique, and abilities to form master works of graffiti have evolved.

Acrylic Spray Paint:

Acrylic paints are 100% weather proof and withstand the elements well. Moreover, spray paint is easily found at hardware and art stores. It comes in virtually every colour and is fast drying. In addition, acrylic spray paint covers brick, wood, concrete, metal, plastic, canvas and glass, and is difficult to remove. This is why it is a favourite medium amongst taggers.

Oil paints and crayons:

Oil paints and crayons are very permanent and difficult to get off. Above all, oil does not dissolve, therefore special chemicals are needed to remove this type of graffiti. In addition, they come in all sorts of different colours, even metallics, and are fast becoming a firm favourite with taggers.

Markers:

Similarly, markers allow artists to tag their creations on nearly any surface. They provide a fast way for taggers to leave their mark. Plus, as you are not dealing with spray paint they are less messy to use. Nowadays there is a vast choice of markers around that are suitable for any surface.

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The Mechanics of Graffiti Removal

There are four things to consider when consulting about anti-graffiti services:

  • Time – when you discover the graffiti you need to act fast. The longer the graffiti remains the deeper the graffiti will penetrate the surface of your property. The quicker you react then the easier it will be to remove.
  • Weather – Warmer weather speeds up the rate in which graffiti removal products operate. Colder weather will slow the process down.
  • Agitation – When graffiti removal products are applied by means of hard-bristled brushes or scourers, it helps to break the bond between the graffiti and the surface. However, you need to be careful on sensitive surfaces, otherwise, the underlying surface may be damaged.
  • Chemicals – Firstly, it’s important to use the right chemical for the task at hand. Using the wrong chemical can damage the surface you are trying to clean.

Anti-Graffiti Coatings

If you have become a target of repeated graffiti attacks then you should consider addressing the problem by some method other than just painting over it. For instance, painting over graffiti only presents the ‘artist’ with a new canvas, which usually results in additional defacement. You can protect the affected surfaces, for example, with commercially available anti-graffiti paint.

Unfortunately, there is no ‘one-paint-fits-all’ type of anti-graffiti coating. The important factor is understanding which type of anti-graffiti coating best suits your needs. There are 3 types of anti-graffiti coatings:

Sacrificial Coatings:

Sacrificial coatings are a clear coating that protects the surface from attacks of paint, spray paint, and permanent markers. To remove graffiti from a sacrificial coating, all you need to use is a pressure washer or mild solvent. During the cleaning process, the sacrificial coating comes off along with the graffiti. You need to reapply this coating after the graffiti has been cleaned off.

Permanent or Non-sacrificial Coatings:

Long-life coatings comprise a two-pack polyethylene base. The coating forms a hard base that allows you to use mild cleaning solutions. These solutions can dissolve and remove graffiti quickly without affecting the coating. Additionally, a permanent coating has a lifespan of up to 10 years, assuming you maintain and clean them correctly.

Invisible Coatings:

This new technology is a truly invisible protective system that is available in both sacrificial and non-sacrificial coatings. The advantages include:

  • Invisible in appearance
  • 3 to 4 year life span
  • Safe to apply in public spaces
  • Suitable for masonry surfaces like brick, bluestone, sandstone, concrete, limestone
  • Cleaning times reduced by 45%
  • Cleaning costs reduced by up to 50%
  • Comes in two variants, sacrificial (replace after each clean) and non-sacrificial (replace after 5 cleans)

How to Remove Graffiti With Ablate:

If you discover you have become the victim of a graffiti attack, contact us to discuss how we can provide you with the right service at a competitive price!

We offer anti-graffiti services in Melbourne and the surrounding areas.