ABSTRACT
Many constructions in our built environment are affected by graffiti smearing. Graffiti is not entirely a problem of urban areas but appears also frequently in rural communities and along our traffic infrastructure. Besides the aesthetical impact graffiti causes considerable costs for their removal and subsequent costs for repairing damages caused by improper graffiti cleaning. In particular sensible towards graffiti is concrete with its grey and homogeneous appearance. Therefore, concrete is overrepresented concerning affected areas and the cleaning of these is a very difficult task. Anti-graffiti systems (AGS) are meant to make the cleaning process more efficient by inserting a layer between the paint and the substrate. Studies of the hydrophobicity, oleophobicity and microscopic evaluation of the protecting layer are not included in any of the evaluation methods. High hydrophobicity and oleophobicity are assumed to give the best anti-graffiti protection. The goal of this study was to analyse the link between cleaning efficacy and the hydrophobic and oleophobic effect of a permanent and sacrificial AGS on concrete and natural stone panels.
