The vandalism tests are
subjective and
non-representative of
actual field situations.
Many panel fabrication
companies produce other
grades of products or
have newer technologies
to prevent against
specific types of
vandalism.
Talk to manufacturers
for more information.
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top
Rating System
Materials were
subjectively tested by
participants based on a
R.U.F. or R.U.D. rating
system.
How resistant is the
material to being
marked, disfigured,
burned, or broken?
- 5 (most
resistant) to 1
(least
resistant)
U = Usability.
Can the
sign still
communicate its
message with this
type of vandalism?
- 5 (still
communicates
well) to 1
(doesn't
communicate)
F = Fixable.
How easy is
it to fix the sign
with cleaning or
restoration agents?
- 5 (easy to
fix-cleans
quickly) to 1
(impossible to
fix-needs
replacement)
D =
Durability.
How durable
is the sign after it
is broken?
- 5 (most
durable-will
resist elements)
to 1 (least
durable-will
deteriorate
quickly)
Click here for more
detailed information on
the rating system for
each category of
vandalism (PDF File)
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Results
Click here to view the workshop
participant results
(PDF File)
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Summary
Based on the
results of this workshop:
Materials that
are most resistant
to
surface
graffiti:
Porcelain Enamel and
Etched Anodized Aluminum |
2.2 |
|
Fiberglass Embedment |
1.9 |
|
High-Pressure Laminate |
1.8 |
Color-Embedded Anodized
Aluminum and
Laminated Prints |
1.6 |
Materials that
are easiest to clean
of
surface
graffiti:
|
Porcelain Enamel |
4.2 |
High-Pressure Laminate
and
Fiberglass Embedment |
3.8 |
Color-Embedded Anodized
Aluminum and
Laminated Prints |
3.2 |
Materials that
are most resistant
to
burning:
Color-Embedded Anodized
Aluminum and
Etched Anodized Aluminum |
5 |
|
Porcelain Enamel |
4.2 |
High-Pressure Laminate
and
Fiberglass Embedment |
2.3 |
|
Routed Wood |
3 |
|
Laminated Prints |
1.2 |
Materials that
are most resistant
to
disfigurement:
|
Porcelain Enamel |
2.8 |
|
Fiberglass Embedment |
2.6 |
|
High-Pressure Laminate |
2.4 |
Color-Embedded Anodized
Aluminum and
Routed Wood |
2 |
|
Etched Anodized Aluminum |
1.9 |
|
Laminated Prints |
1.5 |
Materials that
are easiest to repair
after
disfigurement:
|
Etched Anodized Aluminum |
3.2 |
|
Fiberglass Embedment |
2.8 |
High Pressure Laminate
and
Porcelain enamel |
2.7 |
Color-Embedded Anodized
Aluminum and
Routed Wood |
2 |
|
Laminated Prints |
1.5 |
Materials that
are most resistant
to
breakage:
|
Etched Anodized Aluminum |
4.75 |
|
Routed Wood (esp.
gunshot) |
4.5 |
|
Fiberglass Embedment |
4 |
|
Porcelain enamel |
3.8 |
|
High Pressure Laminate |
3 |
|
Laminated Prints |
2.8 |
Overall vandal resistance
scores
|
Etched Anodized Aluminum |
3.5 |
|
Porcelain enamel |
3.3 |
|
Fiberglass Embedment |
2.7 |
|
High Pressure Laminate |
2.4 |
|
Laminated Prints |
1.8 |
|
Color-Embedded Anodized
Aluminum (insufficient
data) |
- |
|
Routed Wood
(insufficient data) |
- |
Overall fixable scores
|
Porcelain enamel |
3.6 |
|
High Pressure Laminate |
3.2 |
|
Fiberglass Embedment |
3.1 |
|
Color-Embedded Anodized
Aluminum |
2.9 |
|
Laminated Prints |
2.0 |
| Etched
Anodized Aluminum
(insufficient data) |
- |
|
Routed Wood
(insufficient data) |
- |
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Cleaners Used for Graffiti
The results
refer to several cleaners that
were used to remove graffiti
from the panels. The products
are explained in more detail:
-
Wipe: For the first
step, most companies
recommend attempting to
remove the graffiti with
mild dish soap and water. In
this study,
Joy Dish Soap©
was used with a gentle
cloth. Works well on lip
stick for most materials,
and for nearly all graffiti
on porcelain enamel.
-
Scrub: Another
method for removing graffiti
is by scrubbing with
scouring pads and dish soap.
Brillo pads©
were used in this study.
Works well on pens and
crayons for most materials.
-
Goo Gone Citrus:
Companies usually suggest a
milder citrus/organic
cleaner for the next step.
We found that
Goo Gone Spray Gel©
works great for permanent
markers and spray paint on
many panels.
-
Smooth Max:
Dedicated graffiti removers
have a higher cost, but may
be the best solution when
other cleaners don't help.
Smooth Max©
samples were donated by
Pannier for this study,
which worked especially well
on markers and spray paint
for fiberglass and anodized
aluminum signs.
-
Mineral Spirits:
When other methods can't
remove the graffiti, most
companies recommend using
mineral spirits as a last
resort. Usually even the
toughest marks can be
removed.
Do not
use any Acetone product
on high pressure laminate or
fiberglass signs, as it will
melt away the surface.
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Other Factors to Consider
This workshop
tested how resistant, usable,
and fixable different sign
materials are in relation to
vandalism. However, there are
many other factors to consider
when choosing materials,
including:
-
How each material is
fabricated: If
thicker panels are
available, they will resist
breakage better. If smoother
surfaces are available,
graffiti can be cleaned more
easily.
-
Where the panels will be
installed: Near
oceans, porcelain enamel and
metals will rust faster if
broken.
-
Durability to
weathering/natural elements:
Nature often threatens signs
more than vandals. Consider
sand, wind, precipitation,
UV-light, wildlife.
-
Initial costs and
replacement costs:
Higher vandal resistance and
fixable materials tend to be
more expensive. At times, a
less expensive alternative
may be preferred so a
replacement can be made if
necessary.
-
Aesthetics: Ensure
that the material can
communicate your message in
a friendly, thematic way. A
thin metal road sign may be
vandal resistant, but may
not be appropriate for your
site.
For
more information about the
advantages of different material
types, relative costs, and
fabrication techniques, browse
through the newly updated
Signs, Trails, and Wayside
Exhibits handbook.
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Sign Fabrication Companies
