Effectiveness of commercial anti-graffiti treatments in two granites of different texture and mineralogy

Second, effectiveness of the anti-graffiti products was evaluated by means of the removal of two different spray graffiti paints (blue and silver colours) on both granites protected with the above-mentioned anti-graffiti products. The cleaning procedures were those recommended by the manufacturers. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and the previously mentioned techniques were used to assess the cleaning efficiency of the coated surfaces by detecting or not the presence of graffiti remains. As a result, textural differences in the granites, chemical composition of the graffiti paints and removal time were found to be the key parameters controlling the effectiveness of graffiti removal. On Albero granite, more residues of paint were found in its fissure system. Blue graffiti based on alkyd and polyester resins was more readily removed than silver paint. In general terms, graffiti extraction was more effective 30 days after painting than 3 days after.