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Pittsburgh, PA - Two-component waterborne (2K WB) polyurethane coatings formulated with resins from Bayer MaterialScience LLC are an eco-friendly solution for removing unsightly graffiti from concrete structures. These resins were featured at Bayer MaterialScience LLC's booth at the World of Concrete (WOC) 2010 conference and trade show, recently held in Las Vegas.

Graffiti is a widespread issue that municipalities face on an ongoing basis. One removal option is painting over the graffiti. While this may remove the offensive words or images, it is far from an ideal solution, as it leaves a patchwork design on the structure. Another alternative is to quickly and completely remove the graffiti. Doing so not only restores the structure to its previous appearance, but also may even discourage future "tagging."

This is currently being accomplished by applying a polyurethane coating to the structures to be protected. While these coatings work very well, the specific resins being used may contain a high level of solvents (volatile organic compounds, or VOCs). Again, not an ideal solution.

Fortunately, two-component waterborne polyurethane resins from Bayer MaterialScience LLC have the chemical resistance necessary for quick and easy cleanability and, importantly, can be formulated to produce an ultra-low VOC coating.

"These systems already have a proven track record as floor coatings where they are exposed to chemicals of all kinds," said Terry Wayt, technical manager–2K WB, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "The success in this market has led to our introduction of these systems as graffiti-resistant coatings."

In addition to ultra-low VOCs, high chemical resistance, light stability and easy cleanability, these resins can easily be formulated to obtain a high gloss or matte finish, according to Wayt.

SOURCE: Bayer MaterialScience LLC