Graffiti Removal

Graffiti seems to be part of the social fabric in our urban society. While some graffiti is deemed art work, more often than not, it’s seen as detractor and can often stigmatize a neighborhood, community or business. There are several methods to dealing with graffiti, and other than paint, most methods are only available to commercial contractors. Numerous studies report that when graffiti is removed quickly, vandals tend to move on to other areas, so getting it cleaned up as soon as possible is to your benefit.

Identification

Knowing what kind of surface the graffiti is painted on is important to removing it. Brick, stone and other masonry all behave differently than wood, drywall or metals when it comes to erasing unwanted designs. Depending on the finish, some substrates are more porous than others, which will allow the graffiti paint to penetrate deeper, adding challenges to removal.

Removal Methods

There are three basic ways to deal with removing graffiti. It can be painted over, dissolved away with chemicals or erased with media blasting. Initial cost savings is one of the benefits of painting over unwanted artwork. Drawbacks to this solution are a patchwork effect appearing on the surface as the paint often doesn’t match perfectly. Also, cover-up paint on areas that have been tagged numerous times tends to peel and create other issues.

Chemical solvents dissolve the graffiti. Experts use this method on surfaces where contact with the chemicals won’t cause any damage, such as stripping of the desired paint or staining of porous materials, like wood or drywall.

Media blasting uses a media, such as sand or baking soda for example, to erase the graffiti from the building. This method is often the fastest and when performed by a professional, leaves the surface ready for a protective coating.

Protective Coatings

Once the graffiti is removed, it’s important to apply a protective coating. This coating not only protects the underlying surface, but it also makes any future graffiti easier to remove. There are two types of protection, sacrificial and permanent. Sacrificial coatings come off the protected surface when new graffiti is removed. It’s called sacrificial because it bonds to what is applied over it. Permanent coatings are unaffected by the removal process and remain on the surface.

Be aware that graffiti is a crime and should be reported to your local law enforcement as soon as you find it. Take pictures before and after clean up for your records. They can help determine if it’s the same group that tags your property.

RUST PREVENTION AND MEDIATION

Rust is the result of oxygen and moisture bonding with the iron in steel. The oxidized layer continues to feed off the iron beneath it as long as there is oxygen and moisture present. Since steel is often used in construction, steps have to be taken to slow or prevent the rust from happening and weakening the underlying surface.

The pictures here show steel beams that have holes rusted through them. These photos were taken in an electrical vault that was improperly primed. If the beams had collapsed, the results would be deadly. Fortunately, the situation was discovered and remediated before that could happen. 

There are several ways to remove existing rust and depend on the area where the work is performed. Wire brushes are great for hard to reach areas and tight spots. Media blasting works well in situations where the media can be recovered and there is ventilation. Acid baths are good for pieces that can be soaked for extended periods of time.

Once the rust is removed, the surface needs to be inspected. If there isn’t enough salvageable metal left, then entire sections need to be replaced. The idea here is to have a finished product that is as strong or stronger than it was when it was new.

For sections where there is enough steel remaining, the surface need special treatment. This is because rust is difficult to completely eliminate. Rust inhibitors help keep the rust from returning while encapsulating primers form a tight seal around the steel. Once the entire area is thoroughly primed, the final coatings can be applied. 

Routine maintenance, such as inspections and cleanings can go a long way to making sure steel structures aren’t showing signs of rust. If blistering, pockmarks or other indications of rust appear, it’s time to strip off the old coatings, repair the issues and recoat.

7 REASONS TO USE A PROFESSIONAL COMMERCIAL PAINTING CONTRACTOR

Today’s paints are so much more than just a way to add or change colors, they protect, seal and enhance. Many surfaces require specialized coatings – and knowing when to use each product is important. This is particularly true with industrial applications, as these projects are indoors, outside or in harsh environments. Here are some reasons to use a commercial painting contractor like Celtic for your next project...

1. We use state of the art technology. By keeping on top of the latest products and application methods, we can consistently deliver the highest quality work possible. Our painters receive regular training and education – keeping them at the top of their field.

2. We pay attention to all the details. From the largest to the smallest, every detail receives the attention it deserves.  Great results are our goal and this focus helps us reach it.

3. We have the experience. We have decades of experience in the commercial painting business in the Chicago area. We know what it takes to get the job done the first time and make each job a success.

4. We believe safety is a top priority. Our safety standards are higher than what the industry requires. Our ongoing commitment includes weekly safety meetings that allow supervisors and individual employees to bring up any concerns they may have or to address any issues. We also take this opportunity to implement new safety measures as they are developed.

5. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured. Always use a contractor that is licensed, bonded and insured. This is for the customer’s peace of mind as well as protecting both parties.

6. We have the right equipment. Painting – especially in public spaces – needs to be completed quickly and efficiently. This means having the right tools for the job and knowing how and when to use them.

7. We get the job done right the first time. This saves time and money for both our customers and us. 

These are just some of the reasons to use a professional painting contractor. Getting references is a great way to find the right contractor for you. Be sure to ask about the clients’ experience with the company, the quality of work and work performance. You also want a painter that is respectful of your business and their work environment.

WALL COVERINGS TAKE HIGH RISES TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Wallpaper or coverings are coming back into fashion again. This textile offers a wide assortment of textures, colors and patterns that fit into many high-rise design plans, both commercial and residential. Wall coverings range from delicate and fragile (think rice paper or spun silk) to tough and durable (paper backed vinyl and sheet vinyl). When deciding on the type of wall covering is right for your building, there are some key points to take into consideration.

Traffic patterns play a huge role in deciding which kind of treatment to use. For instance, if you are looking at covering the walls in a busy lobby, hall or conference room, you will probably want something that is easily cleaned and very durable. Some coverings have a fire rating, which could make your insurance company happy. Generally speaking, there are three main types of wallpapers.

Type I

This is a light duty category used for office areas, upper walls in hospital rooms, hotel rooms or bedrooms. Each linear yard typically weighs in at 12 to 19 ounces.

Type II

Weighing in at 18 to 28 ounces per linear yard, this option is a medium to heavy-duty covering. This is a great option for foyers, corridors and lounge areas. If there is a chance of routine scuffing, consider coverings in this category.

Type III

The heaviest duty of all, this one is perfect for those walls that need the highest level of protection. The lower half of a hospital room wall is an ideal candidate for a paper that weighs in at 33 to 38 ounces per linear yard.

Any pattern that has to be carefully matched to the panel next to it can run up labor costs and this should be taken into consideration during the selection process. Applying fabric to walls also incurs some higher costs, since it can’t be passed through the pasting machine or stretched the way paper of vinyl can be. If your building is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, or if you are trying to get LEED certification, there are wall coverings that give you credits when they after installation.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIMERS AND SEALERS

At Celtic Commercial Painting, we know primers and sealers are two of the most powerful tools in the professional painter’s toolkit. Both products are the first coating on a surface and prepare it for the topcoat. They each have their own unique qualities and when to use them depends on many variables.

Primers are formulated with an excess of pigment and dry to a slightly rough surface. This allows the following coat paint to attach firmly. Primer also fills small pores, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye once the final layer is applied. For instance, when new drywall is installed, it often has little pits in the mud or fine grooves left from sanding. The primer fills in these imperfections so that when the paint is applied, they won’t be seen.

Sealers, on the other hand, are a special type of primer. They are formulated to make very porous surfaces non-porous and may be clear, allowing the underlying structure to show.  Subsequent topcoats appear more even and provide a uniform gloss to the finished product. Take a concrete floor for example. Once the floor is polished, a sealer is applied to maintain and protect that polish. Or, if you have a raw wooden door, sealers contain ingredients that block the natural tannins in the wood from seeping through and discoloring the finish. 

While it’s not the end of the world if a primer or sealer isn’t used, if you want the highest performing, longest lasting and best looking finish possible, you need to use one. This applies to metals, masonry and concrete, drywall, plastics, and wood of all types. Primers are generally latex or oil-based, while sealers may be oil-based, resin or epoxy. Which one to use depends on the structure and the desired finish. For us, primers are an essential step.

GREAT FINISHES START WITH GREAT BEGINNINGS

We’ve all seen them - seemingly flawless, smooth walls, ceilings and floors. That perfect finish that everyone wants for their project.  At Celtic, we know what it takes to get that result. For us, it begins with preparation. Sometimes this means stripping away years (sometimes decades!) worth of paint, wallpaper or a combination of the two.

Knowledge and training plays a key role in surface prep. There are quite a few options available for stripping paint and it’s important to know what will work best for each project. For instance, the process that works best on painted wood isn’t necessarily the best option brick or masonry.

Chemical strippers are very common and have a variety of uses. They work well, but are also usually toxic, flammable and have a strong odor, which limits where we can use them. Heat, applied with a special heat gun, is good for smaller areas, as long as the substructure can handle it. Sand, media or water blasting is beneficial in larger areas, making it a time and cost effective way to remove paint quickly. For those tricky areas, sandpaper comes in handy.

If the structure was built before 1978, chances are good that there is lead in the deeper layers of paint. Lead was used as a brightener in paint before its hazardous properties were fully understood. Removing lead paint requires special handling. We have a method that strips out the hazardous properties of the paint and cancels them. This is safer for our workers, the environment and the public. It can also save time and money over other procedures currently available.

With all the old paint out of the way, the base structure is revealed. Many times, we have found intricate woodwork or beautiful brick hidden under layers of old paint. Areas that are damaged get repaired and everything gets prepped for the new coating.

The end result always shows the care and skill that went into completing the project. No one part of the job is more important than the other and all get paid careful attention – it’s how great finishes are made.

WANT YOUR OLD BRICK TO LOOK NEW AGAIN? PAINT IT OR STAIN IT.

Brick was a popular building material in the Chicagoland area – especially after the Great Chicago Fire. It is a good, solid material that resists fire and the ravages of time. Brick is also porous, which means it can breathe - and unfortunately effloresce. Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit on the surface that discolors the brick or makes it appear white.  Fortunately, if you want to change up the look of your home or business, painting or staining the brick is a great way to achieve that makeover.

Every project begins with cleaning. If there is efflorescence, it has to be scrubbed away, along with the dirt and grime that accumulated over the years. If mold or mildew is present, it has to be properly treated and scrubbed away. Then, after the brick has had a chance to thoroughly dry, paint or stain can be applied.

If the brick is to be painted, a quality primer must first be applied. It can then be painted using one of the many options available for interior or exterior brick. The paint fills in some of the smaller nooks and crannies, presenting a uniform surface. To keep it looking its best, brick requires maintenance every 3 – 5 years like any other painted surface.

If the brick is in good condition, another option is staining. Staining is more tedious than painting and costs a little more for material and labor.  It allows you to virtually change the color making it appear as if the structure received new brick.. Since stains highlight, rather than hide the original texture of brick, the result is a more natural appearance. Stains also allow the brick to breathe, since it doesn’t fill in the pores. There are many colors and whitewashing techniques to choose from, suiting almost every taste and color palette.

GETTING FLEXIBLE WITH METAL

People have been using metals to decorate with or to cover surfaces for centuries. In the past, this was often an expensive operation. If you wanted to cover corners or rounded objects, you needed a highly skilled metalworker. This is not the case anymore.

With the new metallic paints that are available, you can get the look of metal at a fraction of the cost. One line of paints is Modern Masters, it offers nearly 135 different metallic products in over 113 pigments and colors to choose from. These coatings are made on demand in oil bases, two-part epoxy, acrylic and low VOC lacquers.

Another product we have used successfully is Crescent Bronze. With a few of our projects, we applied Brilliant Silver to elevator and corridor walls using a High Volume Low Pressure sprayer. The end result was an even surface that captured the light just enough to faintly sparkle when walking past.

These paints can be applied to virtually any surface, from woods and metals to masonry and plastics; shape doesn’t matter, either. These metal paints also keep the properties of the original metal. For instance, iron paints can oxidize to bring in shades of rust.

We are very excited about the possibilities we have with products like this. Just a short time ago, we didn’t have these kinds of metallic options. These finishes have extended our craft and give our customers options that are almost limitless

PAINTING IN WINTER: AN INSIDE LOOK

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s a great time to focus on interior finishes. A revamped interior welcomes clients, customers or guests and makes a great first impression. Research indicates a positive psychological effect with new paint colors, creating an added value to the project.

One example of interior renovation during the winter months is the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Celtic Commercial Painting is cleaning away the old blue paint from the exposed steel infrastructure and replacing it with a clean, inviting white. Be sure to check out the Project Highlight section of this email and see pictures of this fantastic undertaking.

Every job begins with preparation. This means protecting surfaces from cleaners, primers and paint. At Ogilvie, we masked areas off and began the cleaning process. Cleaning helps the primer bond to the surface and is an important component for a smooth finish at the end.

Once the primer is applied and properly cured, we add the paint. Since the transportation center experiences a high volume of traffic, the end finish had to be durable as well as beautiful. In this instance, we chose a two-part epoxy paint.

Color choice is important. White is neutral and sets off the colors of information or business signs. White also gives a greater sense of space and cleanliness. When it is grey or cold outside, the interior of the station warmly greets travelers and enhances their mood.

It is a point of pride at Celtic that we provide a minimal impact on the day-to-day workings of commercial and public spaces as we transform them. We can help you create a plan that transforms your inside areas while letting you conduct business as usual.