Rawlins Paints Blog Industrial Paint Tips, Guidelines & DIY Articles
Have you ever wondered what anti-vandal paint is or what it’ll do for you? Today we’re going to talk about why you may need to use it and recommend which are the best products to use.
What Is Anti-Vandal Paint?
Anti-vandal paint is fairly self-explanatory. It’s designed to deter criminals from trying to access your building. The paint usually has a slippery finish in order to make it hard to climb a surface. It’s usually a dark paint so it’s likely you won’t want it all over your building. However it can be very useful on surfaces such as drain pipes, wall tops and fences.
What’s The Law?
Whether it’s your house or your place of work, you legally have a duty of care towards anyone who enters your property. Even to trespassers! If a burglar climbs a surface you’ve painted and falls, you have a duty of care to that person.
However, don’t worry. If you clearly sign that you’re using anti-vandal paint, you can discharge your duty of care. If you use a deterrent which stains the clothes of someone trying to access your property, you want to make sure that innocent passers-by know that it’s there.
It is not recommended for use on surfaces in areas which are subject to legitimate daily contact and it is also recommended that it not be applied to surfaces within 7 feet (2.1m) of the ground level.
Which Anti-Climb Paint To Use?
We recommend using Coo-Var Vandalene Anti Climb Paint if you want a simple and effective deterrent. This paint can be used almost anywhere! You’ll want to apply it on window ledges, pipes, walls and even gutters. Think of any places where a trespasser could get access to your building. You can get it in black, red, green or grey to match your colour scheme.
This paint works by giving your surface a thick, non-drying sticky coat, making surfaces tricky to grip. More than tricky we should say – it’s almost impossible to climb with this paint!
To make your building even more secure, it contains a hidden identifier. If a burglar has tried to climb anywhere they’ll find themselves covered with the stuff! This means police can identify the perpetrators much more easily.
Deterrent Signs
To go with the paint, you can also get your hands on Coo-Var Vandalene Deterrent Signs. This way, you’re doing your part by warning visitors to your property. These signs make it very clear to passers-by and potential trespassers.
Many will find that the sign is a good deterrent for most people. Make sure that if you use signs they are clearly visible and at least two feet from the ground.
If you need any more information on anti-climb paints and accessories, get in touch.
This post has been updated with new links and formatting since publication.
Posted: 22nd June 2015 | Updated: 6th September 2024
what will happen if a cats go onto hit will it deters them away
Good morning Kevin,
These products cannot and should not be used for or on animals. If you go to the datasheets of the products, there are health and safety details on them, but the manufacturers do state that they are not to be used where animals have access points.
If there’s anything else on this, Kevin, that we can help you with, please do let us know.
Best regards.
Mark
Anything similar in a spray can.
Good morning,
Thank you very much for your question. We offer Coo-Var Vandalene Anti-Climb Paint Aerosol which is the only aerosol option we have for this particular application.
Thank you and I hope this helps
Stuart
what is the law with regard using anti vandal paint close to public areas
Hi Len,
Thank you very much for getting in touch. Most anti-vandal products with have disclaimers and/or advice regarding the use of the product. For example, the ‘Application Special Conditions’ in the Product Data Sheet for Coo-Var Vandalene Anti Climb Paint states that it should be used at heights over 1.8m away from daily legitimate use. This is to prevent accidental contact with the coating.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to get in contact if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
I have had a problem with vandals cutting the screen on my porch and stealing stuff. Is there a way this paint can help me??
Hi Jack,
The coating mentioned in the blog post is normally applied to high level access points, drainpipes, window ledges etc to prevent people climbing up, so unfortunately it wouldn’t provide a solution in this case I’m afraid.
Thank you for your question and please feel free to get in touch if you require any further information.
Many thanks
Stuart
I mean I would apply it on the ground in front of the screen. Hopefully this will cause them to slip and fall and be embarrassed enough to move on their way
Hi there,
Thank you for your question. We would never recommend this type of product be applied lower than 1.8m to prevent accidental contact with it.
Most anti-vandal products will have disclaimers and/or advice regarding the use of the product. For example, the ‘Application Special Conditions’ in the Product Data Sheet for Coo-Var Vandalene Anti Climb Paint states that it should be used at heights over 1.8m away from daily legitimate use. This is also detailed in the blog post above.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to get in contact if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
1) Vandals climb my 6 foot vinyl fence regularly, could I use this on the top of the fence (with signage) and
2) Would it be harmful to birds who sometimes perch there?
Hi Liz,
Many thanks for your question. The product could be used on the top of the fence; however, as anyone over 6ft tall walking past may come into contact with the product the manufacturer would always suggest ensuring it is applied above head height. We would also recommend using a primer first, for this application Coo-Var Prime-All would be suitable.
In answer to question 2, the product is not harmful to animals, so this wouldn’t be an issue in this case.
Thank you again for getting in touch and I hope this helps.
Many thanks
Stuart
Is it possible to ever remove this from tops of fences if garden invasion issue goes away or you need to dismantle fence to replace it?
Does it come in colours that would tone in visually with rest of garden, eg. dark green, brown, hazel? Not to make it harder for intruders to see it (as warning signs would be posted), but so as not to jar with greenery and give a somewhat industrial feel.
Good morning Ann,
Thanks so much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question.
We have been in touch with Coo-Var regarding Coo-Var Vandalene Anti Climb Paint and they have advised that white spirit can “reactivate” the dried Vandalene – this along with scraping should remove the bulk, then regular detergents and abrasion (wire brushing/sanding) would remove the remainder.
If the product is still wet just the detergent and scraping stages would be required followed by the abrasion.
To answer your question regarding the colour options it is available in Black, Grey and Green.
I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
Hi there,
Can this product be applied to brick surfaces and felt roofs, is a primer required? Do leaves and other such detritus get stuck to it? and finally how often does it need reapplying?
Thank you.
Spencer
Hi Spencer,
Many thanks for taking the time to read our review and for your question. Coo-Var Vandaline Anti-Climb Paint doesn’t require a primer and leaves etc shouldn’t get stuck to it.
When the coating looks to have rubbed off or is damaged/removed, then it will need to be reinstated by applying more to the surface.
I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
My neighbour has painted anti vandal paint on my side of the fence, is he allowed to do so?
Hi Gary,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question.
This could possibly depend on who actually owns the fence, if you are unsure we would recommend speaking with your local authority to clarify on this occasion.
I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart
Our new house is a foot or so away from a bus stop. I am putting a gate (a 5-bar barn gate style) up for extra privacy.
In addition, a next door neighbour who is the other side of the bus stop has reported people trespassing on his property, albeit going onto his property for the benefit of obtaining a better mobile signal. Putting up a gate will also stop this BUT I want to apply (and warn) of the anti trespass paint as it is since feared that people waiting for the bus will lean on the fence. The fence is unlikely to be 2m in height, and the paint would be restricted to the typical areas where people would be likeliest to lean. What is the best solution?
Hi Philip,
Many thanks for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. We would recommend the signs we offer as a deterrent for this:
Coo-Var Vandalene Deterrent Signs
It is important the observe any restrictions in the area of the application of the Coo-Var Vandalene Anti-Climb Paint and this product should not be applied below 1.8m according to the Product Data Sheet. Please note our Technical Team would always advise that Coo-Var Anti Climb Paint is not to be applied to surfaces below 7 feet (2.1m) of the ground level, which is also referenced in the blog post above.
I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Many thanks
Stuart