Combating Graffiti on Signs
Posted by Drew Kyler on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 08:36 AM
Although a select few may see graffiti as an art form, most see it as not only a crime but also a major nuisance. The few moments it takes to tag a wall or sign with a can of spray paint pales in comparison to the cost the property or business owner must incur to fix the damage. The time of re-painting a wall or re-facing a sign along with the cost of materials can be frustrating and hurtful to a business’s profits, especially if the property is targeted repeatedly. However, there are a few steps a business or property manager can take to better avoid the attention of graffiti vandals, particularly in the case of signs.
One of the first things to pay attention to in creating a sign that will be placed in a potential graffiti area is the location. If possible, place signs out of reach from typical foot traffic. If the height of a sign is difficult to reach without the use of ladder or vehicle, the effort it takes to reach the sign will deter the average graffiti artist. Another step to consider in combating graffiti is to think about the amount of blank space on the sign. Not only is it good practice in signage to use as much space as available but it also leaves few blank spaces to catch the eye of a vandal looking for an inviting canvas.
On the other hand, the location and graphic options may be limited and the sign is unavoidably an easy graffiti target. Under these particular circumstances one of the best ways to prepare for the inevitable is to request the use of an Anti-Graffiti laminate on all signage. Anti-Graffiti laminate is an amazing product produced by Arlon that not only provides the typical laminate protection for exterior graphics but also is not affected by any solvent based cleaner. This allows for the graffiti to be cleaned off the sign without destroying graphics and requires only a simple cleaning solution which can be kept on hand for minimal cost. Although the Anti-Graffiti laminate might cost a little more in the beginning, the headache, time and material saved when trying to restore a tagged sign will be well worth the investment.
