Where Can I Not Use Anti Climb Paint - 90 Second Insight

In our latest bite-size 90 second insight video we explain what Anti-Climb paint is, how it works and the restrictions that apply to its use. Read on to learn more.

Anti climb paint is an extremely valuable and effective defense against unwanted climbers and intruders. But people commonly ask many questions which we aim to answer here.

What is Anti Climb Paint?

Anti climb paint looks and smells like normal paint. Once applied, it looks like a smooth gloss paint, but unlike conventional paint, anti-climb paint doesn’t dry and harden. Anti climb paint has additives that make the paint slippery and prevents it from drying out. It is this greasy, slipperiness that prevents people from gripping and climbing on any surface coated with this material.

How Long Does Anti Climb Paint Last?

Users naturally want to know how long their application of anti climb paint will last. In most applications anti climb paint will remain slippery for at least three years. But the nature of the surface on which its applied and environmental factors can affect its efficacy. The application should be inspected after three years and possibly re-applied, where necessary.

Other Names for Anti Climb Paint

Anti climb paint is known by a variety of names. These include: security paint, anti-vandal paint, anti-intruder paint, vandal grease, anti burglar paint, anti-climb coating and non-drying paint. These names clearly convey the primary properties and applications for this valuable anti-climb protection.

How to Use Anti Climb Paint

As noted, anti-climb paint is a non-drying formulation that remains greasy and can therefore be easily transferred onto clothing and skin. When applying the paint it therefore makes sense to wear appropriate clothing and gloves. It should never be applied to surfaces below a height of 2.4 metre.

The non-drying, slippery paint can be applied to any type of material including wood, concrete, brick, metal, roof tiles or plastic. Anti climb paint is not only good for security, it can also enhance weatherproofing. When applying the paint its important to make certain its applied in a thick coat of around 2-3mm in thickness. This helps in maintaining the paint’s slippery anti-climb properties. And its a good idea to use a disposable brush to apply the paint.

If the paint gets onto your skin it can be safely washed off using white spirit. But if the paint gets onto clothing it can be very difficult to clean off, which is why its a good idea to wear protective overalls when applying the paint.

Where is Anti Climb Paint Used?

Anti climb paint is now widely used in a huge range of applications. Churches, for example, that have often been victims of roofing material theft, commonly use anti-climb paint to prevent people from climbing their drainage pipes or other surfaces.

Similarly, many public buildings that have been targeted by vandals, climbing onto rooftops, have implemented robust protection using anti climb paint. Schools, troubled by out-of-hours intruders, have effectively bolstered their security using slippery anti climb paint.

Domestic properties also commonly use anti climb paint to protect poles, drain pipes, window ledges and roof tops against unwanted climbers and potential intruders.

A recent BBC report describes how a Civil Injunction Order was introduced in St Neots to deter anti-social behaviour. There had been increasing reports of young people engaging in reckless behaviour by climbing onto town centre rooftops and running across them. This was putting themselves at risk and causing significant property damage. Anti climb paint was being applied to deter any further incidents. The same issue previously existed in Brighton City Centre where anti climb paint was deployed, along with Roller Barrier, to deter free runners from city centre rooftops.

Restrictions on Anti Climb Paint Usage

An important restriction regarding the application of anti-climb paint is that it should not be applied to surfaces below a height of 2.4 metres. This avoids the risk of anyone inadvertently coming into contact with this sticky substance that will mark their clothes.

Another important application consideration is whether animals will come into contact with the paint. If animals ingest the toxic paint, while cleaning themselves, this could be very harmful. And anti-climb paint is highly toxic to aquatic life so it should not be used anywhere near ponds or water courses.

People sometimes ask: Is anti climb paint legal? The answer is, yes it is. But there are important restrictions and requirements to consider.

• Anti climb paint should not be applied to surfaces below a height of 2.4m. If applying to boundary walls and fences it is worthwhile confirming usage height restrictions with local authorities.
• Wherever anti climb paint is used, prominent, easily seen and understood warning signage should be displayed.
• Remember that property occupiers have a duty of care toward anyone who enters their property. So if someone damages their clothing or suffers injury, due to anti climb paint usage, the property occupier may be liable.
• Never use anti climb paint in locations where animals may come into contact with it as it is toxic and can be harmful if ingested.
• Never use anti climb paint around ponds or any aquatic environments.
• Avoid using anti climb paint on surfaces where people might inadvertently come into contact with it as the greasy paint will stain clothing.

Essential Anti Climb Paint Warning Signage

As noted, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty of care toward anyone who enters their property, regardless of whether they are vandals, trespassers or simply delivery operatives. If a potential burglar attempts to climb a drain pipe or pole, coated with anti climb paint, the occupier has a duty of care to ensure they have presented prominently displayed warning signage to let them know anti-climb paint is present. Anti climb paint warning signs fulfil the property occupier’s duty-of-care obligations and also serve as a valuable anti-climb deterrent.

What Our Customer’s Say About Anti-Climb Paint from Insight Security

We’ve been supplying reliable anti-climb paint for many years and supporting our customers in its use. If you would like to discuss how you would like to use this valuable anti climb product, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give our experienced team a call.

Here are just a few of our anti-climb paint reviews.

For more information on Where Can I Not Use Anti Climb Paint - 90 Second Insight talk to Insight Security