What is Anti Climb Paint – Application Tips & Usage

Simply put, anti-climb paint is a type of paint designed to be so slick that it prevents people and animals from climbing on walls, lamp posts, and other surfaces.

The paint contains a thick, oily substance that does not dry soon.

Due to these unique properties, the anti-climb paints can remain in their slick state for up to three years before it needs re-coating.

In addition to making the surface too slick to climb, anti-climb paint also leaves paint marks on the clothing or hands of the potential intruder for easy identification.

If you are excited enough to know more about how and where to apply this kind of paint, we have all the details below…

How to Apply the Anti Climb Paint?

When you plan to apply the anti-climb paint on the walls, it is recommended that each coat is from 2.5mm to 3mm in thickness.

This translates to about 2.5 liters of paint for every square meter that will be painted.

Keep in mind that because the paint is thick and rather gloopy, you will need to apply it quickly for it to be effective.

The paint can be applied under a wide range of temperatures from just below freezing up to 95 degrees F.

However, because of the slickness of the paint, the spreading rate may be such that you will need to use a solvent-based floor sealer before applying the first layer.

For an applicator, it’s good to use a stiff, disposable paint brush to do the job. By throwing away the disposable paint brush, you will not need to clean it later.

After the application, be sure to add warning signs which may be required by law based on your location.

These signs will also act as a deterrent to all but the most determined intruders.

Where Can You Use Anti Climb Paint?

Because anti-climb paint is non-toxic, it can be used in a wide range of places.

The most logical place to use anti-climb paint are locations where access can be gained to your home, office, or facility by climbing a wall.

This also applies to locations where the vantage point gained from climbing offers a suitable place for vandals to spray paint artwork or messages.

Such applications of anti-climb paint include the following.

• Lighting Support Posts
• Security & Defense Locations
• Homes & Property: Dissuades intruders from climbing walls
• Schools: Protects students from possible injury by dissuading climbing
• Scaffolding & Drainpipes: Prevents access to roofs or high windows
• Churches: A requirement for many ecclesiastical insurance policies
• Poles & Posts: Particularly those that support CCTV equipment

The lead pipes and copper rooftops of churches have become a popular target for thieves. This is why insurance companies often include requirements for anti-climb paint to be used.

Because the paint is still in a wet state, it becomes obvious when something has tried to climb a wall.

Once applied, the paint itself is not easy to remove unless you have the right products available.

What materials you can paint?

Despite its “wet” properties, anti-climb paint is both non-toxic and non-corrosive. This means that it can be applied to many different surfaces which include the following.

• Plastic, Metal, and Wood
• Brick, Concrete, and Fiberglass
• Roof Tiles, Stone, and Slate

About the only areas where it should not be used are aquatic locations such as ponds and the like. This is because the paint is harmful to aquatic creatures.

Do You Need a Permit for Applying These Paints?

Although you do not need a permit from the authorities, you do need to inform the public that the surface does have anti-vandal paint.

This means that you will need to post signage that warns those who pass by that the surface contains anti-climb paint.

In addition, it is highly recommended that the anti-climb paint not be applied within reaching distance of those who pass by your property.

The thing you need to remember is that the signs will not be an effective deterrent to those who cannot read such as pets. This is why applying the paint from six to eight feet above the ground surface is highly recommended.

By maintaining a seven to eight feet minimum height while applying the paint, you not only prevent accidents from occurring to people, but also to pets who may come into contact with the surface.

The signs are not just for their protection, but yours as well in case an accident should occur.

Is Anti-Climb Paint Safe for Pets?

While the paint itself is non-toxic for dogs and cats, it can stick to their fur and paws.

This means that the anti-vandal paint can be transported to your home, floor, carpet, and furniture unwittingly by your pets.

And remember that the paint should not be used in aquatic environments or areas such as ponds, pools, and the like.

How Can You Remove Anti-Climb Paint?

Anti-climb paint is based on a petroleum gel that may stain the skin and clothing when it comes into contact.

Removing it from clothing can be performed using a common solvent such as turpentine or white spirits.

Apply the solvent and wash the clothing separately to ensure that the anti-climb paint has been removed.

For walls and similar surfaces, you can still apply the white spirits or turpentine followed by rinsing with water to remove the paint.

Once done, be sure that you will have to test the surface to see if any anti-climb paint remains, so use a rag or other disposable fabric.

The bottom line

Anti-climb paint provides protection to properties as well as surfaces for years to come.

The good thing is you can reapply the paint without having to remove the underlying coats.

And once you apply the anti-vandal paint, it should remain effective for up to three to five years depending on the brand that was used.