Graffiti

To some, graffiti is a form of art. For most people however, it is a form of vandalism. A thorn in the eye for the public image. Graffiti is always placed where it will be seen most. That is exactly why buildings, viaducts, bridges and public transport are often the victim of graffiti.

Types graffiti

Sprays
Perhaps the most common form of graffiti. Spray paint generally consists of the following ingredients:
– Binder (acrylates, oil)
– Solvent (white spirit, xylene, alcohols)
– Colour pigments
– Additives

Solvent is added to carry the graffiti from the can to a surface, after which it will evaporate and the pigment and the binder are left. Solvent also ensures that the pigment is carried deep into the pores of the surface, making it harder to remove. Pigment determines the colour and the colour intensity of the graffiti. The binder improves adhesion to the surface and often makes graffiti difficult to remove. Additives are added to almost all types of paint. Additive scan have many different functions such as improving the elasticity, improving adhesion, changing the viscosity and lowering the price using so-called ‘fillers’.

Graffiti paints

The world of graffiti is always changing. Nowadays increasingly strong and harsher paints are used. These paints contain improved ingredients and more pigments. The result is that graffiti is becoming harder to remove, and will continue to do so in te future.

Because there are so many different types of graffiti, and many different types of surfaces, it is almost impossible to create one product effective in every situation. MAVRO has developed a wide range of graffitiremovers suited for every type of graffiti and every type of surface.

Depending on the surface, for example hard/soft, vulnerable/tough, porous/non-porous our technical advisors can advise a suitable product. Another factor in choosing a suitable remover is the quality of the paint and for how long the graffiti has been on the surface.

Our products

Our assortment of graffiti removers ranges in power from EXTRA LITE to STRONG.

GRAFFITIREMOVER LITE and GRAFFITIREMOVER EXTRA LITE were developed for hard and vulnerable surfaces like plastics, traffic signs and glass. These mild products effectively remove graffiti without damaging the underlying surface.

Gel products such as GRAFFITIREMOVER GEL and GRAFFITIREMOVER GEL STRONG were developed for removing graffiti from mineral surfaces such as concrete and brick. Gel products are more effective on vertical surfaces because it allows for an increased dwell time. These removers are always used in combination with high-pressure and hot water.

MAVRO has also developed the GRAFFITIGEL 221 RS specifically for removing graffiti from rolling stock. This product has a special composition preventing the vulnerable surface of trains, trams and busses from being damaged, while effectively removing graffiti. GRAFFITIGEL 221 RS is an establlished product and has been used succesfully by many (inter)national transport companies including the Nederlanse Spoorwegen (national dutch railway company) for many years.

Always contact our technical advisors to discuss the situation and to choose the correct product based on pictures or testing on location.

Read more about graffiti removal?

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.

Interested in anti-graffiti coatings?