Pee-Back Paint: London walls getting urine-repellent paint to deter public urination

Inspired By Nature

The pee-back paint is inspired by the lotus flower. The lotus, which grows in ponds, has leaves that never get wet. They throw water off without sticking to them. This attribute is known as hydrophobicity in science. The same phenomenon has been replicated on walls in London city using the pee-back paint.

Anti-Pee Paint

The pee-back paint is made from a mixture of acetone and silica, with the major ingredient being sand. The manufacturers claim that the superhydrophobic coating created by the paint keeps surfaces dry and can repel almost any liquid thrown on it.

According to Ultra-Ever Dry, the company that manufactures the pee-back paint, it uses an omniphobic technology to coat walls and surfaces. The technology creates patterns of geometric shapes with peaks or high points on the surface chemistry and texture. These high points repel any liquid thrown on them, making the surface highly water-repellent.

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Two Stage Coating

The paint is applied in two stages. The first coating acts as a base primer and use to smoothens the surface. Then in the second stage the top coat is applied.

The company claims that the paint repels any liquid thrown on it. It also repels some oils and remains bacteria free. 

The Westminster City Council decided to apply this paint following complaints of 3,000 residents of Soho, as well as from the owners of restaurants and bars. Interestingly, the authorities learnt about the pee-back paint from a local authority in Germany, that is using the paint.

Cologne in Germany was the first to use this paint about seven years ago in 2015.