Graffiti Towers Cleanup Begins
Crews have started cleaning the notorious graffiti towers. The new owners ... Read More
We have proudly partnered with SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center), based in Venice, CA, in the development of MuralShield, now available in both matte and glossy finishes for the long-term protection and conservation of fine art acrylic and aerosol murals. Since 1976, SPARC has been responsible for preserving and maintaining many large and historically significant murals, providing guidance to artists, cities, and public planners.
MuralShield™ is a conservation-grade coating that works as a consolidating protective barrier, strengthening paint binders and adhesion. It offers protection against environmental damage caused by weather, UV sunlight, cleaning chemicals, pollutants, and water.
For graffiti protection, we apply World's Best Graffiti Coating over MuralShield, allowing for the non-damaging removal of graffiti vandalism.
This method of using both coatings together is designed to comply with conservation standards to preserve and protect public art vulnerable to vandalism and environmental wear.
The final outcome will be a highly maintainable, durable, and vibrant mural.
MuralShield is available in glossy and matte versions. MuralShield Gloss (Original) will build up to a gloss finish, while MuralShield Matte yields a true matte, non-reflective finish. Subsequently, applying 2–3 coats of World’s Best Graffiti Coating will result in a satin finish over MuralShield Original or a soft, flat look over MuralShield Matte.
MuralShield is compatible with artist-grade acrylic paints, fine art aerosols, collage-based murals, or digitally printed designs. It works well with substrates like uncoated concrete, wood, signage-grade panels, most exterior insulated finishing systems (EIFS), stuccos, CMU block walls, and brick walls, depending on the condition of the brick. It can also be applied over painted and coated surfaces.
Additionally, MuralShield can be used to prepare concrete, CMU, stucco, or both painted and unpainted walls for painting. Be sure to apply MuralShield only after cleaning the wall and ensuring it is thoroughly dry.
How to Apply MuralShield & World's Best Graffiti Coating
MuralShield™ is generally applied upon completion of a new work or restoration of an existing mural. World's Best Graffiti Coating is a sacrificial coating and must be reapplied every time a repair is done. This allows you to clean the mural safely using our removal products, as well as providing access to the original artwork so that changes or touch-ups can be made as needed.
Applying MuralShield and World's Best Graffiti Coating with Adam Kocho, CEO Of North American Operations
MuralShield™ is a solvent-based product and is best sprayed rather than brushed or rolled. You can use a conventional airless sprayer, HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray gun, or acetone-rated pump-up sprayer. For added convenience, we now offer 15 oz aerosol spray cans for easy application, especially in smaller areas or for touch-ups. If needed, we can also supply the Sprayers Plus© Acetone Pro Compression Sprayer, which is ideal for use in areas where power access is limited. These sprayers are user-friendly and provide a smooth, even application of MuralShield™.
For murals that contain solvent-based spray paints, and even on freshly painted acrylics, it is always best to lightly mist coat MuralShield first and then build up at least two subsequent coats. This helps seal the mural and protect against paint runs. If using a handheld sprayer, make sure you are pumping it up enough and adequately atomizing the product before commencing application.
Always test first in inconspicuous areas before attempting full-scale application.
Ideal temperature for external applications should be between 45°F / 7°C and 95°F / 35°C. Minimum temperature is 40°F. Relative humidity must not exceed 95%. MuralShield™ should not be applied under very high humidity conditions or when the wall is moist.
Allow the final coat to dry thoroughly for at least 30 minutes before applying World's Best Graffiti Coating (WBGC). Apply at least two coats of WBGC, or more if the artwork is highly susceptible to vandalism, using a clean sprayer. Use a bristle brush to feather out any beading or drips.
Please read the TDS sheets for more detailed application instructions or contact us for Expert Advice on your job before starting.
Safety Precautions When Applying MuralShield
MuralShield is flammable. Do not apply MuralShield near any potential source of ignition. Keep away from heat and open flame. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas using a face mask or respirator. Avoid applying in populated areas.
Personal Protection: Wear gloves and protective goggles to avoid skin and eye contact. Utilize either work clothes or a disposable protective suit to avoid garment damage or accidental spillage.
Use adequate solvent-rated masks or respirators. We recommend solvent- or paint-stripping-rated masks with a cartridge-based respirator.
Please read TDS / SDS sheets for more detailed safety information.
Application Precautions
Before commencing any large-scale coating application, be sure to test thoroughly on an inconspicuous area to determine finish and compatibility with your materials.
Please be aware that the use of solvent-based Sharpies for outlining your mural may bleed through paint after application of MuralShield. We do not recommend using Sharpies for this reason.
When applying MuralShield, we find it is best to mist coat the first application in order to seal the mural. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes and then begin to build up two subsequent coats. This helps avoid runs or bleeding on vulnerable paint layers.
When applying MuralShield, it's important that you are sufficiently atomizing the product when spraying. Some cheaper handheld sprayers may not hold up well and can cause drips and runs in your mural during application. Test your equipment first.
How to Remove Graffiti from a Mural
When it comes to maintaining the beauty of your mural while effectively removing graffiti, it's essential to use the right products and techniques. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for removing graffiti from murals protected by MuralShield™ and World's Best Graffiti Coating while ensuring your artwork remains vibrant.
Small Scale Graffiti "Tag" Removal Jobs
Step 1: Application of Graffiti Remover
Use Sensitive Surface Graffiti Remover or Heritage Graffiti Remover with a solvent-rated brush. Gently agitate the graffiti with your brush as you apply the product to ensure thorough coverage.
Step 2: Wipe Away the Graffiti
After allowing the remover to work, wipe away the dissolved graffiti using a damp cloth. This will help prevent any residual marks from remaining on the mural.
Step 3: Rinse and Protect
Once you are satisfied with the results, thoroughly rinse the affected area with clean water. Allow the surface to dry completely before reapplying two to three coats of World's Best Graffiti Coating using a spray, roller, or brush. This will provide ongoing protection against future graffiti.
Large Scale Graffiti Removal Jobs
If you're dealing with extensive graffiti, such as "bombs," heavy tagging, filled-in bubble writing, or murals that have been buffed or painted over, follow these steps for optimal results.
Step 1: Section Work
Divide the mural into manageable sections of 5–10 sq. ft. Apply Heritage Graffiti Remover using a pump-up sprayer, and agitate with a nylon brush or broom for effective penetration.
Step 2: Rinse with Pressure Washer
As the graffiti begins to dissolve, rinse the area with a pressure washer using a 25-degree tip. Maintain a distance of 6–12 inches from the mural surface to protect the acrylic paint layer while ensuring a thorough clean.
Step 3: Spot Clean Remaining Graffiti
For any residual graffiti, spot clean using Heritage Graffiti Remover or Sensitive Surface Graffiti Remover with a nylon bristle brush to effectively eliminate stubborn marks.
Step 4: Final Rinse
After all graffiti is removed, rinse the entire mural thoroughly with clean water. Wait 15–30 minutes for the surface to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 5: Reapply Protective Coating
Apply two coats of World's Best Graffiti Coating using a spray, roller, or brush. This step is crucial for maintaining the protective layer and enhancing the longevity of your mural.
