Is Anti-Graffiti Film on School Signs Worth It?
by Natarsha | School Signs
To combat this issue, many establishments and institutions are turning to anti-graffiti film to protect their signage. Is it as effective as advertised or is it just another fad?
Here’s what you need to know.
What is an Anti-Graffiti Film?
It’s exactly as stated — a clear, adhesive film or coating designed to protect hard surfaces from graffiti vandalism or “tagging.” Technological innovations have further refined anti-graffiti films to offer versatile protection for porous and non-porous surfaces.
How Does It Work?
Anti-graffiti films work by creating a virtually undetectable physical barrier between the surface of the signage and the ink or spray used for graffiti. It’s like how books are protected with clear laminate films to protect against dog-eared or frayed edges.
In other words, anti-graffiti films prevent graffiti paint and other harmful materials from bonding to the signage surfaces.
Types
There are two main kinds of anti-graffiti films — sacrificial and non-sacrificial. Sacrificial anti-graffiti films are designed to be replaced when defaced. The stained or tagged film is peeled off and then a new layer is applied. This option is generally less expensive and has a shorter lifespan. Plus, there’s the possibility of damage to the underlying surface after several replacements.
Non-sacrificial films, on the other hand, are designed to provide a more permanent protective layer. They only need to be applied once. As expected, this type of film is more expensive but has a much longer lifespan and stronger protective cover.
Are They Worth It?
Absolutely! Anti-graffiti films are an inexpensive way to both protect and extend the lifespan of any sign.
If you’ve never had to deal with graffiti removal, then you might not have an idea of how much work goes into it. In a school environment, it’s almost a certainty that acts of vandalism and graffiti tagging’s will occur.
In some cases, the graffiti is made using permanent marker or solvent-based paint, both of which are extremely hard to get rid of from a surface. These may often require stronger cleaning chemicals, which though effective can damage the surface. Used frequently, these chemicals can begin to smudge the graphics on the signage.
Applying anti-graffiti films on your school signs can help prevent all of these hassles. That’s what makes them worth it. By effectively eliminating the need for cleaning or replacing vandalized signage surfaces, anti-graffiti films save time and money, plus they positively impact the bottom line.
Other benefits include:
Lifetime Use
Quality anti-graffiti film stays on the signage surface for its lifetime. This is an important feature because it can be quite hectic to have to climb up a sign to replace the film layer after each instance of vandalism.
Enhanced Protection
Some anti-graffiti films offer protection against the damaging effects of direct UV rays. Left exposed to the sun year-round, the graphic designs on the signage can start to fade. Premium, non-sacrificial films can protect the sign from fading and other potentially damaging weather events, including strong winds and hailstorms.
Anti-graffiti films can also improve the surface’s resistance to shattering. This is particularly helpful if you’re installing LED digital signage across your school.
Gloss Finish Appearance
Anti-graffiti films help improve the appearance of the sign by giving it a gloss finish. This makes the sign look classier and more eye-catching.
Does it Work on All Types of Signs?
Yes. Pretty much any flat surface. Professional signage companies usually include anti-graffiti film applications as part of their services. The only reason to not use it would be if you specifically request that it not be included in a bid to save on costs or if the signage is located indoors in a place where the chances of vandalism are incredibly low.
Closing Thoughts
Anti-graffiti films are a smart investment for any school looking to make the most of their signage. Not only do they allow your institution to reduce the amount of maintenance needed over time, but they can also save money and help maintain the aesthetic appeal of the sign.
