Evonik Degussa Protectosil - Systems Compared
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Graffiti Protection with Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® and Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® SP

Protectosil®: How to protect a surface effectively against graffiti

Systems Compared

Graffiti protection isn’t new. There are many types of systems on the market. The criteria „durability“ is often the most important for many customers. Compared to temporary, or sacrificial, systems durable, or non-sacrificial, systems do not have to be reapplied after every cleaning.

Sacrificial systems: often based on wax or polysaccharide

Non-sacrificial systems: 2K PU (polyurethane), acrylics, and Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI®.

There are advantages and disadvantages to almost every system but for the most important criteria Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® is the clear choice over other products:

Criterium Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® 2K PU Wax
Durable YES yes NO
Water vapor permeable (sd < 0,1 m) YES NO yes, but limited (1)
No reapplication required after cleaning YES yes NO
Hardly noticable on the substrate surface YES NO yes, but limited (1)
Easy application YES NO (2) yes
Easy removal of graffiti YES yes yes, but limited (1)

(1) Special hot-water pressure washers are required. The hot water softens the wax which is driven into the substrate’s pores by the water. The result is a decrease in the substrate’s water vapor permeability and also a decisive change in its appearance.

(2) Special primers are required and drying and curing times must be observed.

Protectosil®: How to protect a surface effectively against graffiti

 

One major strength of Protectosil® is its ability to offer unsurpassed protection without causing major change to the surface apppearance of the substrate. This is due to an innovative mechanism of action: Silane-based chemistry, one of the core competencies of Evonik. Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® and Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® SP are hydro- and oleophobic, so surfaces easily repel dirt and oil. Neither water nor solvent-based paints and markers can enterthe pores of the building material. Graffiti is repelled and runs down the surface. Because the paint does not penetrate the substrate, cleaning is in the majority of cases easy. Sprayers are frustrated by the “running” effect, as they are no longer able to create the desired image with their spray paint. To create a more or less legible “Hi!” the sprayer requires more than three times as much paint and time as usual. And both are generally not available.

The graph above shows schematically that Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® has a different and very effective way of protecting surfaces against liquid or oily substances. The distinct beading effect can be clearly seen. Unlike polyurethane systems, Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® does do not seal the surface and allows full water vapor permeability.

Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® is cost-effective

Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® is a unique product based on nanotechnology. The basic product and application costs per square meter are comparable to those of permanent polyurethane based graffiti control systems. Sacrificial systems appear inexpensive at first glance, but the labor costs of reapplication after each cleaning must be considered. When overall costs are considered, Protectosil ANTIGRAFFITI® offers significant advantages.

Free movement of water vapor means:

  • No damage to the substrate from trapped moisture
  • Optimal substrate climate is maintained
  • The surface of the structure is not “sealed“ and can breathe

Unique water vapor permeability.