A NOVEL paint that combats graffiti is what Al Jazeera Paints has presented in its latest efforts at innovation.

The research and development team of one of the leading Saudi paints companies has – after five years of research – formulated this new product that resists attempts by anyone at writing or drawing on walls.
The new product – Al Jazeera Rival – was launched on the Saudi market by the company during a launch ceremony held recently, which was attended by more than 400 guests working in the field of building and construction from public and private sector.
The event also included live presentations showcasing the ease with which graffiti can be removed on samples applied with the product.
Scribbles, drawings or any smears on walls painted with the graffiti-resistant coating can be removed quickly and very easily, according to Abdullah Al Rumaih, general manager of the company.
The product consists of two components, a base plus hardener, which must be mixed well and left for not more than three hours at room temperature (25 deg C).
Its inherent qualities are that it has excellent resistance to abrasion. It prevents penetration of any drawing or writing materials; and endures extreme weather conditions.
Al Jazeera Rival can be applied on all surfaces that can be painted, interior and exterior, with a two-component paint (urethane/epoxy), provided the surfaces have a glossy coat, and on non-painted surfaces with an expedient primer or putty.
The product, available in a high-gloss finish and silk smoothness, provides the surface with efficient and impermeable qualities. It cannot be applied on stone directly, unless the surface is first coated with Al Jazeera Epoxy Sealer Clear and Al Jazeera Polycrete Clear, and should be followed with Al Jazeera Rival Clear.
Al Jazeera Rival is intended to discourage what the company described as “uncivilised and unethical” habits by children and adults alike, of blemishing walls and “damaging the image of buildings”.
“It represents the final chapter in the exercise of writing and drawing on the walls,” Al Rumaih. “It not only minimises visual pollution and preserves the aesthetic appearance of the streets of our cities, but also saves the cost of repainting walls.”
The product has been developed as part of the Abha-based company’s commitment to corporate responsibility to the community, he adds.
Al Jazeera heralded 2010 with two other important creations: a protective coating for metals and a golden decorative finish for gypsum and furniture.
The protective coating for metals prolong their lifespan while cutting the high costs that could be incurred through corrosion in infrastructure facilities, such as oil and gas, power plants, water desalination, industries, as well as buildings and bridges.
The second product, Al Jazeera Goldy offers three bright golden colours that add a shine and elegance to gypsum ornaments and wooden furniture in interior applications.