KiON to Exhibit G-Shield Anti-Graffiti Product Line at APTA/Expo 2008

CHARLOTTE, NC – September 26, 2008 – Stealthy taggers determined to leave their marks indelibly on the nation’s public transportation vehicles and associated buildings — at an annual pricetag of more than $12 billion in cleanup and repair — have met their match in G-Shield(TM) anti-graffiti coatings.

Charlotte-based KiON Specialty Polymers (a business of Clariant in the U.S.) will exhibit its novel G-Shield(TM) Anti-Graffiti coating system from Booth 7625 at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Expo 2008 Oct. 6-8 in San Diego, Calif.

The APTA event – held every 3 years – is expected to be attended by 15,000 international participants and 800 exhibiting companies. It is widely hailed as public transportation’s premier showcase of technology, products and services. KiON Specialty Polymers will be exhibiting its novel G-Shield(TM) Anti-Graffiti coating system – ranging from the ultra-thin G-Shield(TM) 74, to the thin G-Shield(TM) 67 as well as the G-Shield TM Primer/Sealer for porous materials.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that removing graffiti and repairing graffiti-related damage costs $12 billion annually and costs some cities’ taxpayers about $1-$3 per person each year, says Gregg McCraw, director of KiON Specialty Polymers.

Graffiti generates a perception of blight and heightens fear of crime and gang activity in communities across this country and around the world. By applying G-Shield coatings to their buses and commuter trains, bus shelters, ticket machines, and signs, municipal transportation agencies can combat a key factor in decreased ridership and lost revenue: graffiti that makes passengers feel unsafe and at-risk.

G-Shield works simply and its possibilities are endless, says McCraw. Surfaces coated with G-Shield do not allow graffiti to become a permanent problem. The protective coating ensures that paints and sprays do not adhere to the surface. Simply spray a standard cleaning agent on the G-Shield protected surface and the unwanted colors can be removed easily and quickly.

G-Shield coatings are low-VOC and do not affect the characteristics or appearance of the coated and metallic surfaces on which they are applied in micron-thin layers. This means their use is virtually unlimited, making them ideal for use on:

  — Trains (interior and exterior)
  — Rail cars
  — Buses
  — Metal facades & shutters
  — Containers & trailers
  — Bridges
  — Public restrooms
  — Playgrounds
  — Marine vessels
  — Traffic & Road signs
  — Bus Shelters