Masonry Magazine March 2003 Page. 28
CLEANERS
The combination of a non-sacrificial graffiti barrier coating and a compatible cleaning treatment allowed for nearly 100 percent removal of the graffitis shown on the clean portion of the wall.
When it's 32 degrees F or below, rinse water can freeze in saturated masonry, causing more damage. However, during the cold months, if both air and masonry surface temperatures rise above 40 degrees (check the masonry with a thermometer), go ahead, with these precautions:
* Use hot water (180°) for prewetting and rinsing. Raising the surface temperature improves the efficiency of the cleaner.
* Extend dwell time by 10-20 percent, but don't let the cleaner dry in.
* Consider scaffolding covered with polyethylene. Space heaters inside may warm the surface enough for effective cleaning.
* A final caution - the test panels you did in warm weather won't be accurate for cold weather. Test in cold weather if you clean in cold weather.
Thou shalt not go it alone.
Never try to guess your way through problems or questions. Your distributor, sales rep or manufacturer's customer service is always happy to do all they can to help. The right answer is usually just a phone call away.
Gary Henry is a business communication specialist with PROSOCO, a manufacturer of products for cleaning, protecting and maintaining concrete, brick and stone.
TIME IS MONEY
CUT CLEANING TIME BY HALF OR MORE
ON YOUR MASONRY JOBS
AVERAGE SQUARE FEET OF NEW BRICK CLEANED
BY ONE MAN IS USUALLY 2000-3000 PER DAY
WITH CONSISTANT RESULTS
DON'T LET A BAD CLEANING JOB REFLECT ON
YOUR SUPERIOR MASONRY WORK
Distributor
Inquiries
Invited
See Us at Masonry Showcase Booth #701
For further information or to arrange a demonstration, call or write today.
UNIQUE INDUSTRIES, INC.
KEM-O-KLEEN DIVISION
FOR EXCELLENCE UNDER PRESSURE
10600 W. 50th Ave., Bldg 13, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone 800-274-4121
www.kem-o-kleen.com
STOPPING GRAFFITI VANDALISM
Billions of dollars. While an exact figure is hard to come by, authorities generally concede that's how much graffiti-vandalism costs the nation in time, material, labor and reduced property values. When graffiti hits your property or your jobsite, however, you probably don't care about the statistics. Your own cost is high enough.
The good news is that you can stop graffiti vandalism with minimum effort and aggravation. Stopping graffiti is an art, one with just a few easily mastered rules.
Rapid removal is rule number one. Studies show that graffiti vandals move on when their "work" isn't allowed to stay on display. Before you scrub, however, there are some things to consider.
Spray point and other graffiti mediums are tough to get out of porous masonries like concrete, lime stone and soft brick. Also, the wrong cleaning method can damage walls or permanently lock in the stains.
That brings up rule number two: Test your cleaning method on a small-and if possible, out of the way area before overall cleaning, Save time, expense and frustration by contacting a reputable manufacturer of graffiti-removal products. The manufacturer should be willing to send a field expert to help with testing their products and methods at no expense to you. If that's not the case, you've got the wrong company.
Strict application is rule number three. Once you've identified an effective cleaner, apply it right away (see rule number one). Make sure your workers follow product application and safety precautions strictly. It takes professional-strengthe products to undo graffiti attacks. These products must be professionally applied.
If your site has been hit, it may be hit again. With each "rapid removal," however, chances decrease. Once your masonry is clean, a graffiti barrier coating can make it easier and quicker to get rid of repeat graffiti attacks. That's rule number four.
Graffiti barrier coatings come in two flavors: sacrificial and non-sacrificial. They both work on the same principle: getting graffiti out of porous masonry is hard because the paints soak in. Surface cleaners can't get at them. Breathable graffiti barrier coatings keep graffiti on the surface, where cleaners can get them.
Surfaces protected by sacrificial treatments may be cleaned with high-pressure hot water or a mild, compatible cleaner. However, as cleaning takes off the graffiti, the sacrificial coating goes too, and must be reapplied. The hot water or mild agent is easier on environment and surface than many chemical strippers or abrasives.
Non-sacrificial treatments also take a mild cleaner that's made for use with the barrier coating, They'll last for about five to seven cleanings. Non-sacrificia coatings have an added benefit. They generally repel water as well as graffiti Treated surfaces resist most water related stains including, mold and mildew offlorescence and more.
Which one is right for your building? It depends on frequency of attack, surface type, climate and other factors. If needed, your local manufacturer's representative can help you assess these factors to specify the best possible protection.
Together, graffiti removers and graffiti barrier coatings make it easier for you to remove graffiti than for the vandals to apply. Under those conditions, your vandals will most likely choose to move on.