Brick Sealing is a great way to prevent vandalism and graffiti. It is applied as a barrier on the exterior of a building, and sacrificially impedes graffiti removal by forming a thin film between the graffiti and the treated surface. The material can be removed using high-pressure water, and it should be applied to porous or dry surfaces.
Barrier coatings
Barrier coatings are transparent films applied to bricks or stone surfaces to prevent vandalism and graffiti. These films are designed to make graffiti removal easier by preventing the ink from penetrating the surface of the masonry. Graffiti that is applied over the coating can be easily removed with low-pressure water, detergent, or solvent.
Barrier coatings are also available in pigmented varieties, which facilitate graffiti removal by preventing it from adhering to the surface. These paints can be used on non-historic masonry. However, they should not be used on unpainted historic masonry. While they can prevent graffiti, these paints can also change the appearance of the masonry and should only be used as temporary solutions.
Another option is to apply an anti-graffiti coating, which protects decorative walls from spray paint and removers. These protective coatings are categorized into "sacrificial" and "preventative." Sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings come off when they are blasted with hot water and are usually silicone or wax-based. After removing the old, graffiti-stained coating, a fresh coating is applied.
Graffiti Guard is another barrier coating, which creates a nanoscale 3D coating. This coating repels dirt and water and demonstrates that a person cares about their property and community. This product has a low VOC content and is an environmentally-friendly alternative to costly two-component coatings. It is non-yellowing and dries water-clear. It has a satin or gloss finish, depending on the type of substrate.
There are many types of barrier coatings on the market. Some are breathable and waterproof, while others may only work with a certain type of sealer. The best barrier coatings combine silicone and polymers to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. Silicone elastomers, for example, were originally developed by chemists seeking to improve insulation in homes and buildings. Corning Glass and General Electric laboratories were among the first to develop silicone elastomers. Silicone rubber is made up of polysiloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanes, and silanes.
Graffiti-resistant coatings are also available. These protective coatings prevent permanent staining on many types of surfaces. Graffiti-resistant coatings go on clear and are easy to apply. They are also water repellent and can prevent wind-driven rain from penetrating the surface.
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is a penetrating anti-graffiti barrier that prevents the penetration of graffiti and staining of the underlying surface. The coating can be cleaned with Graffiti Remover or a high pressure water wash, and then reapplied to keep the surface protected.
There are two main types of anti-graffiti coatings: sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings and permanent anti-graffiti coatings. Sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is a temporary barrier that can be removed with a high-pressure washer, while permanent anti-graffiti coatings need to be reapplied.
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is designed to remove graffiti without affecting the appearance of the brick surface. Unlike conventional coatings, sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings are made of biodegradable substances and only require water to remove. These coatings are most appropriate for bare brick substrates, but Tech-Dry recommends consulting a professional if the substrate you're working with is different.
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is the cheapest and most common type of anti-graffiti coating. While it's affordable, it's not permanent and will need to be reapplied after the graffiti removal process. For this reason, it's best suited for buildings that do not suffer frequent vandalism.
Non-sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings are an effective anti-graffiti solution for brick surfaces. These coatings are easy to apply and do not require mixing. In addition, they're easy to remove after graffiti removal.
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coating products are ideal for low risk areas where graffiti is not a major concern. However, they're not the best choice for high-risk areas. A barrier coating may make the masonry surface unsuitable for repointing or patching. It's best to consult with an architectural conservator before applying a barrier coating to a building. It's important to test the coating on a small, non-inconspicuous area before applying it to a larger area.
Pigmented anti-graffiti coatings are another option. They are effective for preventing graffiti from bonding to surfaces, but they can change the appearance of historic masonry. However, they should only be used as a temporary fix and shouldn't be applied permanently.
Invisible anti-graffiti paint
Anti-graffiti paint is a thin, invisible layer that bonds to the surface of a building and prevents it from being tagged. The paint is made up of a pigment and binder. The pigment provides the color and opacity of the paint. Pigments are white in color and are composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Dyes are added to the pigment to make it the color desired. The binder holds the paint together and is usually a polymer.
One type of anti-graffiti paint for bricks is VandlGuard. This non-sacrificial, high-quality coating resists permanent staining caused by commercial spray paint. It dries clear and has a material warranty for up to 10 years. VandlGuard is 100% breathable, invisible, and contains no carcinogens. Applying the product is simple and easy, and you can finish the job in one day.
Invisible anti-graffiti paint for masonry surfaces is a great way to protect masonry surfaces from vandals. It can protect the surface from permanent staining without compromising the aesthetics of the building. It is also good for preventing graffiti from damaging existing paint jobs. Graffiti shield systems can be used on signs, wood, plastic, and metal surfaces.
Another type of anti-graffiti paint is Stormdry AG Coat, which is a permanent water-resistant layer that provides anti-graffiti protection. It's compatible with other Stormdry products, and is a great top-coat for Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream.
When choosing an anti-graffiti paint for bricks, remember that anti-graffiti coatings for brick are invisible to the naked eye. There are two types: sacrificial and permanent anti-graffiti coatings. Sacrificial coatings are easily removed with a cleaning solvent while permanent coatings are permanent.