Markers and ink
Permanent markers and inks are also a very common form of graffiti. Markers contain solvent and pigment, often in very high concentrations. Using a felt tip, the ink is applied onto a surface where the solvent will quickly evaporate. Permanent markers are also improving, making them harder to remove. Permanent markers are a common problems on the inside of buildings or public transport. Mainly because they can be used inconspicuously.
Tectyl
Tectyl is a special type of graffiti and is a mixture of wax and bitumen. Tectyl-graffitileaves a brownish greasy layer that is easy to recognize. Tectyl is originally used to protect bare metal against corrosion, mostyl in the automotive industry. From there it has made its way into the world of graffiti. Tectyl is a form of graffiti that is easily removed using a special TECTYLREMOVER developed by MAVRO.
Invisible Ink
A new form of graffiti is becoming a growing problem in recent years. This type of graffiti comes in the form of a pen/marker and is based on silver nitrate. In the graffiti world this type of graffiti is called ‘invisible ink’ or ‘stealth ink’. The silver nitrate markers are often used on the inside of public transport. When the markers are used, they leave an invisible trail. Shortly after, the silver nitrate reacts with sunlight and etches the surface and becomes black. The reacted silver nitrate is very hard to remove. Invisible ink is becoming increasingly common because they are easy to use and can be used without being seen. MAVRO has developed a very strong INVISIBLE INKREMOVER that can be used to remove this type of graffiti.
Paint
Regular paint is also used by graffiti ‘artists’. Regular paint is often used to completely cover an area which is then used as a canvas for a ‘piece’. Paint is designed to form a smooth and closed film of paint on the surface and is therefore easier removed than sprayed graffiti which is designed to reach deep into the pores of the surface. Paint-strippers are designed to effectively remove paint from a surface. Depending on the type of paint, either STRIP-OFF or STRIP-OFF HD can be used to efficiently remove paint.
Graffiti shadows
Graffiti shadows are not a type of graffiti but rather a side-effect of graffiti. The application of graffiti causes pigments in the paint to settle deep inside the pores of the surface. Especially mineral surfaces such as concrete and bricks have deep pores that can be filled by graffiti. After removing graffiti, almost always some for of shadow or silhouet will remain. The shadows are caused by the deep pigments that could not be removed the first time. In almost all cases, a second treatment is necessary to completely remover all graffiti. In some cases of mild shadows, a second application of a graffiti remover is sufficient.
However, most shadows are tough to remove and require a more specialised approach. The product must also enter deep into the pores of the surface to remove the remaining pigments. MAVRO has developed a specialised SHADOWREMOVER, which is designed to do exactly that. For extreme contaminations the SHADOWREMOVER STRONG is advised.
After removal
After graffiti- and shadow removal the surface will be restored to its original state. Unfortunately this also makes it the ideal canvas for new graffiti. In order to protect the surface against new graffiti and to make the removal of graffiti significantly easier, one should invest in anti-graffiti coatings.
