Anti-climb paint, commonly known as anti-vandal paint, has exploded in popularity over the last 20 years as homeowners and businesses alike have been able to utilise this cheap method to detract potential vandals and thieves from entering their property.
But what actually is anti-climb paint? How does it work? And does it actually work? Keep reading to find out the answers!
What Is Anti-Climb Paint?
Anti-climb paint is a thick and sticky paint film that never dries which essentially makes it almost impossible to climb on due to the severe lack of grip that it offers.
If you’re going to paint with it, bear in mind that it’s incredibly difficult to remove. Depending on which surface you use it on, your only option for removal might be to sandblast it.
Does Anti-Climb Paint Wash Off?
Should intruders or vandalists gain access to your property, it’s very likely their skin, shoes and clothing would have come into contact with the anti-climb paint and whilst it does wash off,
Is Anti-Climb Paint Legal in the UK?
Anti-climb paint is certainly legal in the UK and in fact, is often recommended by police community officers as a cheap and effective deterrent to intruders and vandalists.
Do You Need to Use A Primer?
A primer for anti-climb paint isn’t necessary for most surfaces however there are some specialised primers which can be used on metals. These primers will increase adherence and stop the paint from dripping.
How to Apply Anti-Climb Paint
As the paint is a high viscosity paint, it will have a very stiff appearance in the can. Whilst you might be tempted to stir it, it’s often best to apply straight from the can. It’s also bearing in mind that the best time to apply anti-climb paint is when the temperature is below 30 degrees Celcius and below
Here are the steps you need to take to apply anti-climb paint properly:
Step 1: Prepare the surface
Clean the surface you’re painting on to ensure it’s free from any grease, oil or contaminates.
Step 2: Abrade smooth surfaces
If the surface you’re painting onto is smooth, use a wire brush or coarse sandpaper in the 24 – 50 P Grit range to roughen up the surface. This will provide an optimal grip to which the anti-climb paint can adhere.
Step 3: If applicable, prime the surface
As mentioned above, if you’re painting onto an unprimed metal surface it’s worth using a specialised metal acrylic primer to ensure you achieve proper and efficient adhesion.
Step 4: Apply the paint straight from the tin.
There’s no need to thin or stir the paint. It’s best to use a masonry brush or a mitt to apply as the paint will be too thick for a roller.
Step 5: Apply a second coat (if required)
In general, you probably won’t need to apply a second coat. However, if the surface you’re painting on to is particularly porous then it might be worth sticking another coat on.
The Best Anti-Vandal Paint
There are a few anti-vandal paints on the market and truth be told, there’s not too much difference between them. With that being said, Coovar’s Vandalene is probably the best option available.
The one thing that sets Vandalene apart from its competitors is their use of a hidden identifier which is unique to their product. This essentially means that if an intruder or burglar happens to pick up some Vandalene on their shoes or clothes, tests can be done to prove where it came from and can lead to convictions.
Moral Obligations
Before applying anti-vandal paint, you should be aware of moral obligations. The first is that you should always have a sign that clearly states that anti-vandal paint is present. This isn’t a negative however as this in itself can act as a deterrent.
Secondly, you’ll need to ensure that the paint doesn’t come into contact with animals or plants. You should only apply this paint above 1.8m anyway so you should avoid the prospect of this happening.