Department of State Growth
SECTION 685 - ANTI-GRAFFITI PROTECTION AND GRAFFITI
REMOVAL
##This section cross-references Sections 160, 175 and 686.
If any of the above sections are relevant, they should be included in the specification.
If any of the above sections are not included in the specification, all references to those
sections should be struck out, ensuring that the remaining text is still coherent:
685.01 GENERAL
This section specifies the requirements for the supply of materials, application of anti-graffiti
coating systems, removal of graffiti markings, graffiti removal maintenance requirements and
relevant testing associated with roadside furniture and structures including bridges, pedestrian
underpasses, facings of reinforced soil structures, noise walls, barriers, retaining walls, and
traffic control boxes.
This section is applicable to various substrate surfaces including normal concrete, lightweight
concrete, glass fibre reinforced concrete, timber, acrylic plastic, painted steel, normal bricks,
concrete blocks, besser blocks, cement render, sandstone, limestone and painted surfaces.
Substrate surfaces other than concrete may require some variation of the usual treatment
applicable to concrete surfaces. Manufacturer’s recommendations shall be strictly adhered to
for all substrate surfaces unless otherwise stated.
Anti-graffiti coating shall not be applied to the following surfaces or materials:
(a) steel coated with thermoset coatings (for example, Colorbond® steel);
(b) hot dipped galvanized steel;
(c) hot-dipped zinc/aluminium alloy coated steel (for example, Zincalume® steel);
(d) weather resistant steel complying with AS/NZS 3678 Grade WR350 or AS/NZS 1594
Grade HW350, or similar.
685.02 STANDARDS
Australian Standards are referenced in an abbreviated form (e.g. AS 2700).
(a) Australian Standards
AS 1580.108.2 Dry Film Thickness-Paint Inspection Gauge
AS 1580.408.5 Adhesion-Pull-Off Test
AS 1627.1 Metal finishing, Preparation and pre-treatment of surfaces – Removal of
oil, grease and related contamination
AS 1627.4 Metal finishing, Preparation and pre-treatment of surfaces – Abrasive
blast cleaning of steel
AS/NZS 2311 Painting of Buildings
AS/NZS 2312 Guide to the Protection of Iron and Steel Against Exterior Atmospheric
Corrosion
AS 2700 Colours Standards for General Purposes
AS/NZS 4548.5 Guide to long-life coatings for concrete and masonry
Part 5: Guidelines to methods of test
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(b) Additional Test Methods
ASTM D4263-83 Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method
ASTM D4414-95 Measurement of Wet Film Thickness by Notch Gauges
Section 175 details the relevant references to these documents.
685.03 DEFINITIONS
Adhesion/bond strength: The sum total of the forces of attachment between a dry film and
its concrete substrate.
Dry film thickness (DFT): The thickness of the applied surface coating(s) after the curing or
drying time has elapsed.
Graffiti: The unauthorised defacement of a surface by words, figures or obliteration.
Substrate: The material constituting the surface marked, e.g. concrete, timber.
Graffiti marking: The defacement material, e.g. paint, felt-tip pen.
Anti-graffiti coating: A pigmented or clear coating material which improves the graffiti
resistance of many substrate surfaces allowing easy removal of graffiti by acting as an
impermeable layer which prevents defacement, stops the deep penetration of graffiti markings
into the substrate pores, and prevents a firm attachment to the surface.
Non-sacrificial anti-graffiti coating: Longlife (permanent) coatings which can withstand
several cycles of repeated defacement/cleaning processes.
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings: Temporary coatings which are partially or totally removed
from the substrate surface together with the graffiti during the cleaning process. Sacrificial
coatings are then re-coated.
Wet film thickness (WFT): The thickness of the wet coating immediately after application.
685.04 MATERIALS
Anti-graffiti coatings, graffiti removal agents and decorative/anti-carbonation coatings shall be
used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, material safety data sheets and
as specified in this section.
The Contractor shall submit for review by the Superintendent not less than 14 days prior to the
commencement of the anti-graffiti protection works, details of the anti-graffiti protection
operations including information on the proposed anti-graffiti coatings, graffiti removers,
decorative/anti-carbonation coatings, substrate preparation, method of application, equipment
and operators, demonstrating compliance with the requirements of this specification.
Material details shall include information on the properties of the proposed products,
documented evidence of previous performance and relevant test results, which shall not be
more than twenty-four (24) months old.
HP Anti-graffiti protection works shall not take place until the Contractor's
proposed materials and procedures have been reviewed and accepted by the
Superintendent.
685.05 SURFACE PREPARATION
The surface preparation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for
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the coating system to be applied and as specified in this section.
All dust, dirt and other surface contaminants shall be removed by appropriate means
as approved by the Superintendent. The surface shall then be washed with water such that
grease and oil contaminants, including remnants of curing membranes, shall be removed from
the surface by the use of appropriate solvents or detergents followed by the water washing in
accordance with AS 1627.1.
Where an anti-graffiti coating system is specified, the substrate shall be free of all graffiti,
graffiti shadows, paints, or any other surface contaminants which would be visible through the
coating.
Where shadows of previously removed graffiti are likely to be clearly visible through a coating,
a suitable anti-bleed stain sealer shall be applied prior to the application of any subsequent
coatings.
Where required to promote adhesion of the coating system, some concrete and other substrate
surfaces may be cleaned by whip blasting with a fine grade garnet or surface etched with an
approved acid wash followed by a water wash in accordance with AS 1627.1. Any abrasive
blast cleaning shall be carried out in accordance with AS 1627.4, applicable work health and
safety laws and appropriate regulations imposed by the local government authority and the
EPA.
685.06 ANTI-GRAFFITI COATING SYSTEMS
(a) General
The anti-graffiti coating system shall be non-sacrificial, clear or pigmented
coating to a specified colour. The coating system shall be an acrylic-copolymer,
acrylic-epoxy, polyurethane or polyurea type. All coats in the system shall be of the same
brand and must be compatible with each other.
The use of sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings is subject to the approval of the
Superintendent.
Substrate surfaces other than concrete may require variations of the usual treatment
applied to concrete surfaces. Highly porous substrates may require a pore-filling primer
coat prior to applying a final anti-graffiti finish. For relatively soft surfaces the primer
and/or finish coat shall also offer surface binding and toughening effect. Manufacturer’s
recommendations shall be sought in all such cases.
(b) Performance Requirements
The coating system shall be non-yellowing and UV resistant for its guaranteed exposure
life and shall exhibit low dirt retention capability. The coating shall be impermeable to
chlorides, water, carbon dioxide and acid rain but allow the transmission of water vapour.
The coating system shall carry a guaranteed outdoor exposure life of not less than 10
years and a guaranteed ‘Graffiti Removal’ life of at least 8 cycles of defacement and
removal from the date of application.
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings if approved by the Superintendent shall carry a guaranteed
outdoor exposure life of not less than 5 years from the date of application.
The Contractor shall provide evidence as to the compatibility of the proposed coating
system to the nominated substrate. Such evidence shall include but not be limited to test
certificates endorsed in accordance with the AS ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the
testing laboratory and history of previous performance.
Where a primer or undercoat is required as part of the anti-graffiti coating system, it shall
be a different colour to that of the final nominated colour and in accordance with AS 2700.
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The coating pigments shall be colourfast, and not subject to fading or discolouration.
The finished coating system shall have a minimum wet film thickness (WFT) of 175 µm
and a minimum anti-graffiti coating dry film thickness (DFT) of 100 µm.
Where an anti-graffiti coating is also used as an anti-carbonation coating its minimum DFT
shall be 150 µm and shall comply with the requirements of Section 686 for anti-
carbonation coating.
The applied coating system shall have an adhesion value of greater than 0.75 MPa to the
substrate in accordance with AS 1580.408.5.
For penetrating anti-graffiti coating systems applied to full saturation, the minimum
amount of penetration into the substrate and minimum application rate shall be in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
685.07 METHOD OF APPLICATION
The application of coating systems and removal of graffiti shall be carried out in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations, current materials safety data sheets and as
specified in this section.
The substrate shall not be coated until it is surface dry. Sufficient time shall elapse between
coatings to allow the initial coat to dry and cure.
The finished coating shall be smooth, of uniform thickness, colour and appearance and without
runs, beads, surface crazing and shall be free of any defects that may impair the performance
or appearance of the coating for the life of the coating.
If the coating is too thin, or shows evidence of having been applied under unfavourable
conditions, or the workmanship is poor, or the specified requirements are not fulfilled, the
surface shall be re-treated to the extent required by the Superintendent.
Where the methods of application or removal are unacceptable to the Superintendent because
of undesirable effects such as over spray, spatter or significant disruption to the public,
alternative methods shall be used.
If, in the opinion of the Superintendent, conditions become unsatisfactory, work shall not be
continued, and newly coated surfaces shall be protected with approved shelters from rain or
other damage.
685.08 APPROPRIATE TIMINGS FOR APPLICATION OF ANTI-GRAFFITI COATINGS
(a) Newly Constructed Cast In-Situ Concrete/Non-Accelerated Cured Precast Concrete
Anti-graffiti coating systems shall be applied no earlier than twenty eight days after
concrete has been placed.
Anti-graffiti coating application may be undertaken earlier if it can be established, using a
commercially available calibrated moisture meter, that the concrete moisture content is
less than 10%, but not prior to fourteen days after concrete has been placed, and provided
the concrete surface is dry at the time of application.
(b) Steam or Radiant Heat Cured Concrete
Application of anti-graffiti coatings shall be carried out no earlier than fourteen days after
concrete has been placed.
(c) Repaired Concrete
Where concrete repairs have been completed with proprietary cementitious materials, the
application of anti-graffiti coatings shall be carried out no earlier than fourteen days after
completion of repair.
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Where normal concrete is used for repair, anti-graffiti coatings shall be applied no earlier
than twenty eight days after the completion of repair.
685.09 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
(a) General
Coating systems shall not be applied under any of the following conditions:
(i) windy conditions where over spray and/or spatter may be generated;
(ii) wind-borne debris is likely to contaminate the uncured surface of the freshly applied
coating;
(iii) ambient temperature exceeds 35°C or is below 10°C;
(iv) relative humidity exceeds 85%;
(v) rain spatter, or run-off, including leakage through deck joints, contaminating the
surface and adversely affecting the adhesion to the substrate may occur;
(vi) substrate surface is wet or damp;
(vii) surface temperature of the substrate is less than 3°C above the dew point calculated
in accordance with AS/NZS 2312 (Fig. 8.1) or exceeds 40°C.
The environmental conditions shall be measured, recorded and assessed against the
requirements above once every four hours of each shift. A calibrated commercially
available hygrometer (psychrometer) or electronic climatic measuring gauge shall be used
to determine the parameters which require readings (i.e. items (i), (iii), (iv), (vi) and
(vii)).
(b) Environmental Requirements
The Contractor shall adhere to EPA and other local, state and federal government
requirements with respect to how waste generated during surface preparation, coating
application, and clean up will be collected, segregated, handled, controlled and disposed
of.
(c) Disposal of Waste Materials
Waste materials which may constitute a fire hazard shall be deposited in suitable
containers and disposed of at designated disposal sites.
Liquid or other waste material shall not be disposed of through creeks or the stormwater
drainage system.
685.10 COATING MATERIAL, HANDLING AND STORAGE
Materials shall remain in their original, sealed containers until time of use and shall be stored
in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
All material shall be brought to site in the original unopened cans clearly labelled with the
appropriate marker’s name, product type, reference number and batch number.
The Contractor shall provide, for each batch of coating material, a copy of the manufacturer’s
information as specified below:
(a) manufacturer’s name and address;
(b) product reference;
(c) batch number of identification;
(d) quantity manufactured in the batch;
(e) certificate of date of manufacture.
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The Contractor shall maintain records showing which elements were treated with each coating
batch. These records shall be provided to the Superintendent.
Materials stored beyond the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life shall not be used. The
material shall be used in the order of manufacture.
All coating materials to be used on the works shall be free from contamination, gelling, drying
out, heavy skin formation and severe segregation of ingredients.
Coating materials which have exceeded the pot life recommended by the manufacturer shall
not be used.
685.11 TRIAL APPLICATION
A trial application on a small test area of the actual substrate or a test panel made
from the same substrate shall be conducted seven days prior to the commencement
of coating work.
HP The Contractor shall not proceed with the full scale coating works until the trial
coating application has been carried out and the outcomes reviewed and
approved by the Superintendent.
The small test area or test panel shall be prepared and coated by the Contractor to satisfy the
requirements of Clauses 685.05, 685.06, 685.07, 685.09, 685.12 and 685.13 and in
accordance with the material manufacturer’s recommendations.
If the coating trial application is deemed to be inadequate by the Superintendent a further
coating application shall be made until the performance criteria of this specification are met.
In the event that the trial application is rejected, the Contractor shall remove and dispose of
any work deemed as unacceptable by the Superintendent, submit a new proposal to rectify the
deficiencies (including prequalification testing of any new materials/methods) and repeat the
trial application as described above. Any delays caused through rejection shall not constitute
justification for extension of time.
685.12 TESTING BEFORE AND AFTER APPLICATION OF COATING
The Contractor shall carry out testing in at least one 1 m² area in accordance with this clause.
All test certificates shall be endorsed in accordance with the AS ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
for the testing laboratory.
(a) Testing before Application
At least one test shall be carried out before application of materials to ensure that:
(i) surface moisture conditions of concrete and other substrates satisfy the
manufacturer’s recommendations;
(ii) moisture content of concrete and other substrates is free of water back pressure to
satisfy the manufacturer’s recommendations in accordance with ASTM D4263-83
(2012);
(iii) environmental conditions, as specified in this section, are satisfied.
(b) Testing after Application
At least three tests for each of bond strength, WFT and DFT and amount of penetration of
anti-graffiti penetrant shall be carried out after the application of materials to demonstrate
compliance with this section.
(i) The bond strength to the substrate and between separate coats shall be tested using
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aluminium dollies with a minimum diameter of 50 mm in accordance with
AS 1580.408.5. The bond strength shall be greater than 0.75 MPa, fourteen (14)
days after the application and curing process.
(ii) The WFT of the film forming coating measured in accordance with ASTM D4414 shall
not be less than 175 µm as stated in Clause 685.06(b).
(iii) The DFT measured in accordance with AS 1580.108.2 using a paint inspection gauge,
shall not be less than 100 µm as stated in Clause 685.06(b).
The DFT of coatings may be measured using the coating remnants attached to the
aluminium dollies from the adhesion testing provided the coating material remains
intact and the correct frequency of testing is satisfied in accordance with the
requirements of Clause 685.12(c).
(iv) Measurements of DFT shall satisfy the following conditions:
(1) not more than 15% of measurements of DFT shall be more than 10% under the
specified thickness;
(2) not more than 15% of the DFT measurements taken in the 1 m² test area shall
be less than the specified minimum.
(v) Where a penetrating anti-graffiti coating system is applied, the amount of
penetration shall be determined on concrete cores 50 mm in diameter x 50 mm deep
in accordance with an acceptable national or international standard and shall not be
less than that specified in Clause 685.06(b). A fugitive dye shall be used to enable
clear differentiation between the treated and untreated depths of concrete.
(c) Location and Frequency of Testing
The above testing shall be undertaken in at least one 1 m² test area for every 50 m² on
completion of the application of the final coat of the anti-graffiti or decorative/anti-
carbonation coating system.
685.13 INSPECTION AND TESTING
(a) General
The Contractor shall maintain all required quality documentation including inspection
reports, records of environmental conditions and test results as specified in this section
and Section 160 of the specification for all stages of the work.
The works shall be inspected by the Contractor at each stage of the coating operation as a
minimum, i.e. after surface preparations, prior to each coat and after final top coat
application and any touch-up coats that may be required.
For the purpose of surveillance and audits as specified in Clause 160.A10, the Contractor
shall give the Superintendent five days written notice of its intention to coat the substrate.
The Contractor shall make available to the Superintendent all assistance and means of
gaining access to the work. The Superintendent shall determine the access requirements
for surveillance of the work.
(b) Surface Preparation
The Contractor shall inspect the surface preparation and shall ensure and document that
the following requirements have been satisfied:
(i) degree of surface cleanliness is as specified;
(ii) surface profile is specified;
(iii) immediately before painting, the prepared surface has had all loose dust and other
foreign material removed;
(iv) surface is not contaminated by any means after preparation and before painting.
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(c) Materials
The Contractor shall inspect the materials and their preparation for use and shall ensure
that the following requirements are met:
(i) materials are the correct materials for the system which is to be applied;
(ii) material containers are sound and not damaged in any way which may have caused
or will cause the contents to deteriorate;
(iii) material in the containers has not dried, gelled, formed a heavy skin or unduly
settled;
(iv) material is stirred, mixed, or thinned in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations, multi-part materials mixed in the correct proportion, a reaction
time for multi-part materials if specified by the material manufacturer shall be
allowed and materials shall not be used once their pot life has expired;
(v) application method is appropriate for the material.
The Contractor shall maintain a sample of not less than 1 litre from each batch as a
reference sample for the shelf life of the product.
(d) Coating Condition after Application
The Contractor shall inspect each coat and the finished coating system and shall ensure
that the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) uniformity, colour, gloss, opacity and appearance are in accordance with the
requirements of the specification;
(ii) free of any defects that may impair the performance or appearance of the coating for
the life of the coating.
685.14 COATING REPAIRS
Should any of the works not comply then the areas concerned shall be repaired to the
satisfaction of the Superintendent. Such repair work may include removal of the coating,
followed by surface preparation and application of a new coating. The procedure for any repair
work shall be approved by the Superintendent.
For the purpose of this clause, unsatisfactory work shall include coating failure due to
yellowing, loss of adhesion, colour change, penetration of graffiti into the coating, or loss of
solvent resistance during the guarantee period.
685.15 REINSTATEMENT OF DAMAGED COATING
All areas of coatings damaged by the Contractor during its operation shall be made good to the
satisfaction of the Superintendent.
685.16 CONTRACTOR COMPETENCY
Application personnel and sub-contractors undertaking this work shall have a minimum of five
years experience and a demonstrated competency for surface preparation and application of
protective coatings.
The coatings application supervisor shall be trained and qualified on all aspects of application
techniques and shall be present at all times during coating work. Application personnel shall
be trained and skilled in the application procedures of the coating to be applied.
Documented evidence shall be available to demonstrate experience, qualification, skills and
training of personnel and sub-contractors.
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685.17 PROTECTION OF WORKS AND PROPERTY
The Contractor shall ensure that the coated works are protected from adverse conditions, dust
and debris during the curing period of the coating system in accordance with the requirements
of Clause 685.09.
If the anti-graffiti coating is air-sprayed onto a concrete surface, in close proximity of
buildings, footpaths, roadways, pedestrians, or vehicles, no spray painting shall be carried out
within ten metres of the above items without approved protective measures or methods being
used.
Proposals to overcome the above problem shall be submitted to the Superintendent, a
minimum of two working days in advance of the proposed works. Protective measures may
include the use of tarpaulins, hand brush, or roller applied painting.
685.18 GRAFFITI REMOVAL AS PART OF A MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
(a) Graffiti Removal
(i) General
Graffiti removal from existing coatings or untreated substrates shall be strictly in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation and as specified in this section.
Typical graffiti removal methods shall include but not be limited to:
1. chemical cleaning
2. steam cleaning
3. hot or cold high pressure water cleaning with or without detergents
4. wet and dry abrasive blast cleaning
5. low-volatile solvent cleaning (non-toxic)
6. non-abrasive low-pressure water jet with granular sodium carbonate additives
7. painting out of graffiti (where nominated).
The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring the compatibility of the proposed
cleaning method without injurious effect to any applied coatings, paint systems and
uncoated substrates.
Damage to the substrate, substrate coating or anti-graffiti coatings caused by the
Contractor shall be rectified.
(ii) Removal of Graffiti Markings
For anti-graffiti coated substrates the standard of graffiti removal shall be based on
no residual graffiti markings being visible.
For uncoated substrates the complete removal may not be possible due to the
absorbency of the substrate material. Under these circumstances, the
Superintendent may allow some residual paint staining or shadowing to remain.
The graffiti message or configuration shall not be intelligible or clearly visible from
close proximity in the case of a substrate close to pedestrians or from a distance of
10 metres in the case of proximity to a roadway.
All proposed cleaning methods shall be appropriate and safe for use in public areas
and satisfy EPA requirements and the requirements of Section 160.
(iii) Painting Out of Graffiti
Where painting out of graffiti is specified or approved by the Superintendent,
at least two coats of an approved decorative/anti-carbonation coating
product (VicRoads grey or approved alternative colour to AS/NZS 2311)
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shall be applied in accordance with AS/NZS 2311 and the manufacturer’s
recommendations to achieve a uniform colour and texture.
Prior to overcoating, a suitable anti-bleed stain sealer shall be applied to prevent any
subsequent bleed through of residual graffiti stain in the finish coat. If a uniform
colour and texture is not achieved the Contractor shall take remedial measures to
produce the required surface finish. For painting out of graffiti the accepted standard
of graffiti removal shall be no residual graffiti being visible.
Approved coatings shall be applied at a minimum DFT of 150 µm and shall comply
with the requirements of Section 686 for anti-carbonation coating.
(b) Reports
The Contractor shall submit a report detailing its graffiti removal and application work
undertaken on a monthly basis. The report shall contain a comprehensive time dated
photographic display of all graffiti supported with written detail as to the correct location,
description, area, treatment and removal of the graffiti.
The photographs shall be accurately labelled and presented in a suitable mounting system.
(c) Graffiti Removal Maintenance on a Site Specific Basis
The nominated Department of State Growth structures, parts of structures or roadside
furniture shall be inspected and cleaned at a frequency nominated by the Superintendent,
or where time periods have not been nominated, at a frequency of not less than twice per
week. The inspection days will be Monday and Thursdays.
At the request of the Superintendent, the frequency of inspections may be increased to
three times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Any additional inspection day
shall be at the Department of State Growth expense.
(d) Timings for Graffiti Removal
Graffiti shall be removed within 48 hours of the Contractor being aware of its presence
either by inspection or notification by the Superintendent.
Graffiti that is of a sensitive nature (racist, sexist, obscene or offensive) shall be removed
within 24 hours.
685.19 GRAFFITI REMOVAL AS PART OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
The Contractor shall systematically inspect road and bridge construction works for graffiti at
least on a monthly basis during the contract period, including immediately after weekends or
public holidays, until the Date of Practical Completion. Particular attention shall be given to
obvious graffiti targets such as bridges and other major structures with large surface area, sign
structures and other roadside areas highly visible to the public.
Where an inspection discovers graffiti on completed works, or on those parts of the works that
would normally be left for some time before completion, cleaning and removal shall be initiated
and completed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 685.18.
685.20 RECORDS OF GRAFFITI REMOVERS
Further to the requirements of Clause 685.10 regarding anti-graffiti coating materials applied
to the works, the Contractor shall also maintain records of all compatible chemical graffiti
removers and other suitable cleaning methods as recommended by the materials
manufacturer. These records shall be provided to the Superintendent.
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