Graffiti Control

Whether pictures, writing or symbols, graffiti vandalism ruins the appearance of buildings and facades. Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI protects surfaces against such graffiti vandalism: With Evonik’s graffiti control solution, pictures and tags start to run as soon as they are sprayed on, which quickly deters vandals. Moreover, as the paints do not penetrate the fabric of the building and are therefore easier to remove.

Long-lasting graffiti control

Because Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI is UV and weather-resistant, the facade is protected against graffiti for many years, despite the sun and the rain – the ready-to-use product can withstand up to ten cleaning cycles until it has to be applied again.

It is not an anti-graffiti coating in the conventional sense – the silanes in the product form a chemical bond with the building’s mineral substrate, allowing them to offer long-lasting protection. This is especially sustainable and cost-efficient, particularly in areas often plagued by graffiti vandals.

Ideal building climate

This is the difference between the long-lasting graffiti protection of Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI and what are known as sacrificial layer systems, in which a layer made up of wax, polyurethane or silicones is applied to the mineral substance and needs to be replaced each time the graffiti is cleaned off.

These traditional coatings also seal the surface of the building material, meaning that water vapor cannot pass through from the inside. In contrast, substrates treated with the Protectosil graffiti control product range remain breathable. This ensures that the building substance is not damaged by residual moisture on the inside, while also retaining the natural surface structure and ensuring an ideal climate in the building. Because the product does not contain any solvents, it is not harmful to health and is gentle on the environment.

Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI is almost invisible

There is also a visual benefit: Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI repels water, oil and dirt, thereby preventing paints, varnishes or marker ink containing water or oil from entering the pores of the building fabric. But that’s not all – because its mechanism of action is barely visible, it has no impact on the desired outer appearance of the building facade. Examples of buildings that have been treated using Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI include parts of the Louvre in Paris, the Darmstadt State Theater or Kunstmuseum Basel (Basel art museum).

Evonik offers Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI SP as a companion product to this system. This semipermanent graffiti control coating can withstand at least three cleaning cycles, also allows water vapor to pass through and is especially weather-resistant. One example of where Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI SP is used as protection is the “CHORUS” marble mosaic in the new subway station serving the World Trade Center in New York.

The benefits at a glance:

Long-lasting protection against graffiti, even after multiple cleaning cycles
Transparent protection that does not alter the facade appearance
Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI is UV and weather-resistant
The facade receives optimal protection while remaining breathable
Protectosil products are approved by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)

The renowned art museum in Basel, Switzerland, built in the neoclassical style, has important art collections of the Old Masters, but also of contemporary art, spanning a total of seven centuries. Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI prevents graffiti attacks.

The architecture of the award-winning Weltstadthaus in Cologne is said to be reminiscent of a ship. The imposing building with a total of 14,400 square metres of retail space is located on one of the city's busiest streets. Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI protects the Portuguese sandstone not only against graffiti, but also against dust and exhaust particles.

The Staatstheater Darmstadt looks back on over 300 years of theatre tradition. The attractive building houses three stages, the workshops and most of the scenery magazine. Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI protects the impressive exterior effectively and invisibly against graffiti staining.

Our graffiti protection products are also suitable for monuments, such as the "Christo de los Faroles" in Córdoba, Spain. The invisible coat of Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI not only protects the work of art from graffiti, but also keeps dirt away and lets rain roll off.

Because the surface is protected with Protectosil® ANTIGRAFFITI, the paint does not stick. The spray colours run; the graffiti cannot be created. Therefore, many graffiti sprayers break off their action.

Protectosil®

PROTECTOSIL® silane-based treatments protect and preserve mineral building materials such as concrete, brick, and natural stone. Offering water repellency, corrosion protection, graffiti resistance, and stone consolidation, they extend service life, reduce maintenance, and maintain aesthetics - safeguarding facades, bridges, and historic structures worldwide with long‑lasting, durable performance.