Anti-climb paint
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Anti-Climb Paint (also known as Anti-Vandal Paint) is the term for a class of paint which is highly thixotropic and is often used to prevent climbing of objects such as lampposts, walls or fences. It owes its effectiveness to the fact that it is based on a non-drying oil and keeps the surface greasy and slippery. As an additional advantage, it leaves its mark on the person touching it and hence makes it possible for people to identify intruders. To avoid the general public being affected by it, it is usually applied from a certain height, and not directly from ground level. Typically it is applied from a height of 2 to 2.5 metres above the ground. It is illegal to use this paint below 2 metres from the ground in many jurisdictions. It often contains the carcinogen benzene and the manufacturers are required to produce appropriate COSHH data sheets in the UK. Usually a sign is also posted with it declaring that Anti-climb paint is being used as a further deterrent. It has a useful lifetime of around 2 years, after which a fresh coat is recommended.
