30/07/2018

When passing a profusion of bridge graffiti whilst on a train, do you marvel at its design or wonder: ‘how on earth did that get up there?’

 Graffiti on bridges is the enigma of an urbanised area, appearing after dark only to scar the surrounding environment. But what is the solution to reduce the amount of graffiti occurring on the UK’s bridges?  

Firstly, it is important to remember there is a difference between commissioned graffiti-art and senseless vandalism; the latter a hindrance rather than an enhancer of an urban landscape.

The vandals themselves are the ones who cost the UK a rather distressing £1 billion a year, where bridges in particular are common attractions primarily because these hard to reach areas don’t fall within the boundaries of usual surveillance.

Over the years, the grade I-listed High Level Bridge in Newcastle has fallen prey to a significant amount of needless graffiti. The bridge is in the process of a regeneration scheme; yet think of all the current, smaller scale bridges still at the mercy of vandalism.

It is unsurprising that the multitude of acts and laws enforced to prevent the crime do not deter vandals; meaning other avenues must be taken to remove graffiti from our bridges.

Swift application is critical to removing bridge graffiti. Products which require intense scrubbing are neither cost-effective nor a safe choice for eliminating graffiti in potentially hazardous, high-up areas. One of the easiest graffiti-removal products, which also offer long-term protection, is Sikagard®-850 AG. It is  translucent and offers permanent protection from graffiti and fly posters. Suitable for a variety of substrates including concrete, masonry, wood and metal, Sikagard®-850 AG has zero detergents and only requires a low-pressure hose to remove the graffiti once the product has been applied.

One of the biggest concerns with graffiti-removal products isn’t just whether they’ll eliminate the etchings; it’s whether the solution will cause the surface to discolour. Thankfully, Sikagard®-850 AG enhances substrate colour through the use of tinted gloss technology. With this product, the surface can still breathe, meaning the overall effect of the substrate is uncompromised.

For every instance of creative vandalism there is now a soluble solution – Sikagard®-850 AG. With this product, the removal of bridge graffiti is time-efficient, long-term and super easy, and a complete deterrent for any vandal defacing the UK’s bridges.