Exterior surfaces with graffiti: this is how you coat them

True art or pure vandalism, the opinions on graffiti are divisive. What everyone agrees on, however, is that, once graffiti appears in a place where you do not want it, you want to be able to quickly and effectively remove or cover it. This is how you paint over graffiti on an exterior surface.

Brick walls, concrete bridge pillars, metal doors, plastic roller shutters, wooden fences… Graffiti appears on virtually every type of surface in the streets. And it is more often unwanted than welcome. That is why it is important to remove graffiti quickly and effectively. If it stays visible for too long, it often becomes an invitation for even more colourful ‘artworks’. Below, you’ll find out how to best prepare the surface and which products work best against graffiti.

1. The right products: Zinsser Cover Stain & Zinsser Allcoat Exterior

Zinsser Cover Stain is our best stain-blocking primer for surfaces outside – so also for graffiti. It has a high coverage and adhers perfectly to difficult substrates. Thanks to its unique composition, Cover Stain penetrates deeply into the substrate and remains flexible on all exterior surfaces.

For a top coat, we recommend Zinsser Allcoat Exterior. This primer and topcoat in one forms a vapour-permeable, low-maintenance, water-repellent coating. Your finish is not only resistant to rain and severe weather, Allcoat Exterior also offers excellent colour retention.

Zinsser Cover Stain

Use Zinsser Cover Stain as a base layer. Its excellent coverage and adhesion make this primer perfect to paint over graffiti on exterior surfaces with one layer.

Zinsser Allcoat Exterior

Choose Zinsser Allcoat Exterior for a vapour-permeable, low-maintenance, water-repellent top coat.

2. Prepare the substrate

Follow these steps to optimally prepare a surface covered in graffiti.

1. Clean the surface

Sand off loose material with a hard brush or another abrasive. Dust the surface so that it is smooth, clean, dry and dust-free.

2. Apply Cover Stain

Apply one layer of Zinsser Cover Stain (solvent-based) or Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus (water-based). Keep in mind that this can only be applied to a dry surface (consult the technical sheet for more info). Let the base layer of Zinsser Cover Stain dry for at least 2 hours. If you use Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus, you can let it dry for 1 hour.

3. Paint the substrate

When the substrate is dry, apply the top coat.

1. Prepare the paint

Make sure to mix Allcoat Exterior properly. This will ensure consistent colour and texture.

2. Apply the first coat

Apply the first coat. This can be done using a paint brush, a roller or a spray machine. Let it dry for at least 2 hours.

3. Apply a second coat

Apply a second coat of Zinsser Allcoat Exterior. The paint will be fully cured after seven days.

Conclusion

Painting over graffiti first and foremost requires a strong exterior primer with excellent coverage. That’s exactly what Zinsser Cover Stain offers. And it forms a dream team with Zinsser Allcoat Exterior as a topcoat for covering graffiti on outdoor surfaces.