Current methods of graffiti removal: A review

Sanmartín, Patricia; Cappitelli, Francesca; Mitchell, Ralph

doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.08.093

Cited by 102 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…In fact, several organic solvents, usually applied confined in poultices using absorbing materials, such as kaolin, sepiolite, or cellulose pulp, are able to solubilize or attack spray paint layers, which usually include synthetic polymers, such as alkyd, acrylic, or vinyl, as binding media [1]. However, in this context, traditional chemical methods do not provide enough control on the removal action.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Chemical cleaning, often combined with some mechanical action (i.e., using abrasive systems) is the most traditional technique of graffiti removal [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. In fact, several organic solvents, usually applied confined in poultices using absorbing materials, such as kaolin, sepiolite, or cellulose pulp, are able to solubilize or attack spray paint layers, which usually include synthetic polymers, such as alkyd, acrylic, or vinyl, as binding media [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Nanofluids and chemical highly retentive hydrogels for controlled and selective removal of overpaintings and undesired graffiti from street art

Giorgi

Baglioni

2017

Anal Bioanal Chem

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One of the main problems connected to the conservation of street art is the selective removal of overlying undesired graffiti, i.e., drawings and tags. Unfortunately, selective and controlled removal of graffiti and overpaintings from street art is almost unachievable using traditional methodologies. Recently, the use of nanofluids confined in highly retentive pHEMA/PVP semi-interpenetrated polymer networks was proposed. Here, we report on the selective removal of acrylic overpaintings from a layer of acrylic paint on mortar mockups in laboratory tests. The results of the cleaning tests were characterized by visual and photographic observation, optical microscopy, and FT-IR microreflectance investigation. It was shown that this methodology represents a major advancement with respect to the use of nonconfined neat solvents.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanofluids and chemical highly retentive hydrogels for controlled and selective removal of overpaintings and undesired graffiti from street art

Giorgi

Baglioni

2017

Anal Bioanal Chem

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“…The problem of graffiti originated in the second half of the last century, causing a lot of damages to transport vehicle bodyworks as well as to buildings and public areas [1][2][3]. The cost of graffiti removal is very high.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of the Anti-Graffiti Properties of Powder Organic Coatings Applied in Train Field

et al. 2017

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Abstract:The widespread prevalence of the phenomenon of graffiti and the growth of the removal cost-in particular in public transport systems-has pushed the research for technical solutions to this problem. Suitable solutions to address graffiti-related concerns are needed in order to reduce the cleaning costs as well as the downtime of trains. Graffiti are a big problem for painted metal, because the protective coatings and graffiti have the same chemical nature (polymeric matter). A permanent coating is expected to be able to resist the highest possible number of cleanings of the graffiti without modifying its aesthetic and corrosion protection properties. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological approach for the characterization of graffiti-resistant organic coatings. For this purpose, a critical review of the existing standards is carried out. The anti-graffiti properties of a polyurethane organic coating were investigated before and after accelerated weathering. In order to understand the behavior of the coatings during cleaning, the aging of the coating in contact with the remover was carried out. The effect on the corrosion protection properties was assessed during the accelerated aging. The resistance of the coating was proved to be strongly affected by the surface finishing. UV exposure modified surface properties and graffiti removal efficiency.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Spray paints are the most widely applied because they can be quickly and easily applied to any type of substrate [2]. Their chemical composition can be highly varied, but they always contain [2,3]: Pigments, that give the colour; binders, as a matrix, to provide the adhesion to the painted surface; and solvents, to promote the spreading. Other substances can be present in the formulation-usually, plasticizing agents, to improve the adherence, and propellants, to produce the jet of the paint mixture [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of the Distribution of a Spray Paint on the Efficacy of Anti-Graffiti Coatings on a Highly Porous Natural Stone Material

Masieri

Lettieri

2017

Coatings

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Graffiti on facades often has a heavy impact in social and economic terms, particularly when historical and artistic artefacts are affected. To limit the damages to the surfaces, preventive plans are implemented and anti-graffiti coatings are used as a protective measure. In this study, the distribution of a spray paint inside a highly porous stone, with and without anti-graffiti protection, was investigated. Two commercial sacrificial anti-graffiti systems were used and an acrylic-based paint was applied as staining agent. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis were performed to characterise, from the morphological and chemical point of view, the anti-graffiti coatings and the paint. Maps of the main elements were acquired to locate the different products inside the stone. Chemical removers were used to clean the stained surfaces, then the effectiveness of the cleaning was assessed by visual observations and colour measurements, as well as on the basis of percentage of residual stain. The obtained results highlighted that the anti-graffiti efficacy strongly depended on the characteristics of the applied coating. This latter usually acted as a barrier, but good results were obtained only where the stain did not remain as a separate layer, but penetrated the protective coating. Microcracks in the anti-graffiti coating were able to nullify the protective action.

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Current methods of graffiti removal: A review

Cited by 102 publications

References 41 publications

Nanofluids and chemical highly retentive hydrogels for controlled and selective removal of overpaintings and undesired graffiti from street art

Nanofluids and chemical highly retentive hydrogels for controlled and selective removal of overpaintings and undesired graffiti from street art

Characterization of the Anti-Graffiti Properties of Powder Organic Coatings Applied in Train Field

Influence of the Distribution of a Spray Paint on the Efficacy of Anti-Graffiti Coatings on a Highly Porous Natural Stone Material

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