Graffiti is a destructive form of vandalism that can damage the appearance of buildings, streets, and other surfaces. It can be an eyesore to those who visit and is often a source of frustration for residential and commercial property owners alike.
Despite this frustration, many do not clean or remove vandalism for a number of reasons. Whether it is out of fear that it may encourage the vandals to return or that it may be too difficult or seem too late to remove. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of effective graffiti removal and provide tips and techniques to help restore your surfaces to their former state!
Why Remove Graffiti?
Graffiti is a persistent problem and can appear for a number of reasons, including boredom, anger or even a desire to make a statement.
Regardless of its origins, graffiti can greatly detract from the appearance of the property and surrounding community. Not only can graffiti reduce property value but can also make a neighbourhood look less attractive to potential buyers or renters. This is why it is essential to treat graffiti as soon as possible.
The benefits of removing graffiti go beyond aesthetics. A property that is frequently vandalized can be seen as a sign of neglect, which can make it more likely to be targeted by other vandals.
Thus, prompt removal of graffiti can discourage further vandalism. This may seem counter-intuitive. Afterall, doesn’t this give the vandals a clean canvas to work on? Fortunately, this is not the case. By removing graffiti as soon as it sends a powerful message that these actions are not welcome and that this work is not tolerated.
Understanding Graffiti Types
Not all graffiti vandalism is the same and can come in several forms, including spray paint, markers, pens, and stickers each of which can be difficult and costly to remove. To help determine the best approach to removal, it is important to understand the type of graffiti you’re dealing with. Here are some of the most common graffiti types you will encounter:
Paint & Spray Paint
This is the most widely seen type of graffiti and can range from simple tags and signatures to large, elaborate images and text. Quick-drying paint makes it challenging to remove, but with proper solvents and pressure cleaning techniques, it can be effectively eliminated.
Markers & Pens
This is another common form of graffiti, and is often characterised by the type vandalism seen in bathrooms. Like spray paint, the ink used in markers and pens dry quickly, making them time consuming to remove. However, with the right cleaning methods, it can be erased with little to no trace left behind.
Markers & Pens
This is another common form of graffiti, and is often characterised by the type vandalism seen in bathrooms. Like spray paint, the ink used in markers and pens dry quickly, making them time consuming to remove. However, with the right cleaning methods, it can be erased with little to no trace left behind.
Stickers & Decals
While less common, stickers and decals are still a frequent form of graffiti found both indoors and outdoors. They may be easy to remove, but the residue they leave behind can be challenging to get rid of. Fortunately, the right cleaning agents and professional cleaning techniques can also effectively remove sticker residue.
Pressure Washing Techniques To Remove Graffiti
When it comes to removing graffiti, there are two main techniques to choose from: traditional pressure washing and soft washing. Choosing which method is best will depend on several factors, including the type of surface material, the type of graffiti, and the graffiti location.
Traditional pressure washing is a fast and effective way to remove graffiti. By using highly pressurised water, pressure washing can breakup and wash away fresh paint and graffiti. However, it is important to consider the type of surface that is being cleaned as not all materials can withstand the power of a pressure cleaner. For example, while bricks are durable materials for construction, they are prone to damage when subjected to pressurised streams of water.
For situations and surfaces that require more care, the soft washing technique is ideal. This uses lower-pressure water and specialised detergents to break down the paint, ink or sticker residue. This gentle technique is ideal for removing graffiti from delicate surfaces like wood, stucco, metal, or other surfaces that could be easily damaged by high-pressure streams of water. Soft washing is also effective in removing stubborn graffiti that has been there for an extended period of time as the cleaning solutions can help to break down the graffiti paint or ink without risk to the surface below.
Other Methods Of Graffiti Removal
While pressure washing is a popular method for removing graffiti, it may not always produce the desired results. In cases where graffiti is particularly stubborn or has deeply ingrained itself into the surface, repainting the surface may be a more practical solution to conceal the graffiti.
Repainting is inexpensive and initially effective in giving the surface a fresh and clean appearance. However, it’s important to note that repainting should only be considered a last resort. Unless you are willing to paint the whole surface, repainting may leave an unsightly patchwork effect if only the affected areas are covered up. Similarly, multiple layers of paint may be visible and can even begin to crack and peel over time.
Ant-graffiti coatings are another effective solution, especially for areas that see frequent vandalism. This coating both protects the surface below and further aids in future cleaning and removal.
Tips for Effective Graffiti Removal
If you’re looking to remove graffiti, it’s important to keep a few key tips in mind to ensure the best results. Here are some things to consider when cleaning up vandalism on your property:
1. Timing Your Removal is key
Timing is essential when it comes to removing vandalism and graffiti. The quicker it is treated, the easier it is to remove and the less chance there is for it to become a permanent eyesore!
Acting quickly helps to minimize the impact of the graffiti and preserve the appearance of the affected area, making it easier to restore the property to its original condition.
2. Test on a Small Area First
Before starting the removal process, it’s essential to test a small, inconspicuous area first. This helps determine the best cleaning techniques and is essential to avoid damaging the surface.
Testing a small area beforehand helps to minimize the risk of damaging the surface and ensures that the graffiti removal process is carried out in the most effective and safe manner.
3. Protect Surrounding Areas
When removing graffiti, it’s important to protect the surrounding areas to avoid contamination from cleaning products and dirty water. This can be done by covering the surrounding surfaces and removing any furniture or plants from the immediate area.
This is particularly crucial in public spaces where maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is important for the safety and well-being of those who use the space.
4. Use Multiple Passes A Needed
Graffiti removal requires patience and persistence for thorough results. It’s important to remember that the process may take time and multiple passes may be necessary to achieve complete and effective removal.
Rushing through the process may result in an incomplete removal, which can leave unsightly residue and require additional cleaning efforts.
Trust Water Attack For Your for Graffiti Removal Needs
Graffiti removal can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools, it’s possible to restore a property’s appearance. Remember, time is of the essence! Whether it’s a residential property, commercial building or public space, it’s important to act quickly to remove the vandalism.
At Water Attack Pressure Washing, we understand the importance of efficient and thorough graffiti removal. Our team of experts is equipped with the latest pressure washing techniques and equipment to tackle any type of graffiti, leaving your surfaces looking as good as new. Contact us today for a quick and professional solution to your graffiti problem!
