Saving Europe’s monuments from graffiti
Surface coatings that protect against graffiti are of two types: permanent or sacrificial. Permanent coatings are applied to materials with low porosity, such as metal or concrete. However, they are not suitable for use on ancient porous materials used in monuments. Sacrificial coatings are sometimes used on monuments, but there is a risk that removal procedures may cause damage to the substrate. The Graffitage project developed a new coating that can help protect against the scourge of graffiti. The new system avoided the disadvantages associated with conventional anti-graffiti materials. Researchers created a new form of anti-graffiti coating that can safeguard historical monuments by preventing paint from sticking to their surface. The coating comprised a polyampholyte complex with polymeric amines modified by fluorocarbon residues. Criteria for the new anti-graffiti coating required that it should be transparent, permanent under out-door conditions, and permeable to water vapour but impermeable to liquid water. In addition, the coating must have a low surface energy, allowing graffiti to be removed using a specially designed mild cleaning system. The totally new formula can be commercialised and applied by local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which can also conduct cleaning activities. The Graffitage project will have a significant industrial impact in a range of sectors, which include anti-graffiti manufacturers, restorers and graffiti cleaners. These activities will help the economy and benefit society by conserving Europe’s monuments and other cultural heritage.
