GENERAL

Anti-graffiti coatings are used to prevent the adhesion of unwanted coatings or to facilitate the removal of applied graffiti. There are two types of anti-graffiti coatings, sacrificial and non-sacrificial (permanent). Only non-sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings are covered in this IM. Anti-graffiti coatings shall meet the requirements of applicable Iowa Department of Transportation specifications. Surface preparation and application of an anti-graffiti coating shall follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

When used in Iowa, brand name and producer name of approved coatings must be identifiable by marking on the container.

Approved manufacturers and brands of anti-graffiti coatings are listed in the Materials Approved Products Listing Enterprise (MAPLE).

ACCEPTANCE

The acceptance of an anti-graffiti coating for use in Iowa Department of Transportation projects will be on the basis of manufacturer and brand name approval.

To obtain the approval of an anti-graffiti coating, manufacturer shall submit the following items to the Office of Construction and Materials in Ames, Iowa:

· Product identification including brand name and product number.

· Complete manufacturer’s recommendation for usage.

· A current Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

· Acceptable experimental results for the tests listed in Table 1.

· A one-liter (one-quart) representative sample, if requested.

The Office of Materials will evaluate an anti-graffiti coating based on the submitted test results for approval and if necessary, will test the material by the methods described in Table 1.

The approval of an anti-graffiti coating may be withdrawn because of deficient test results, product changes made after original approval, or unsatisfactory field performance.

TABLE 1 TESTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL
Graffiti Resistance	ASTM D 6578 Graffiti removals (Sections 8, 9 and 10)	Cleanability scale: 6 min.
Lab-Accelerated Weathering Exposure	ASTM D 4587 Cycle 2, UV light, 2000 cycles.	No visible color change and loss of gloss, and no film erosion and cracking
Standard Outdoor Exposure	ASTM G 7 Outdoor exposure of 6 months minimum.	No visible color change and loss of gloss, and no film erosion and cracking

CERTIFICATION

The manufacturer shall file a certification with the Office of Construction and Materials at the beginning of each calendar year stating that the material supplied during that year is identical with the formulation previously tested and approved.