Some types of graffiti are considered works of art and can showcase an impressive level of talent. However, most graffiti is considered vandalism and can be an eyesore and only bring down the aesthetic of the surrounding areas. Regardless of whether you think graffiti is art or not, no city or area is free of graffiti vandals. This is especially true for businesses and commercial properties who are often the targets of taggers.
Graffiti removal is an important and necessary task to ensure your property looks clean and well-maintained but it can also be difficult and time-consuming. In this post, we will outline some of the best ways to remove graffiti from a number of surfaces.
What is Graffiti?
Graffiti is a form of vandalism that involves the unauthorized painting or drawing of markings on public or private property. These markings can be simple tags, letters and phrases but can also take the form of more elaborate murals or pieces of art.
Some common surfaces you will find graffiti on include:
- Brick
- Cement and Concrete
- Cars
- Glass
- Plastic
- Wooden Fences
- Metal
- Painted Surfaces
Removing Graffiti Fast
Whatever the piece, its size or complexity, graffiti can be a headache to get rid of. As such, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to avoid further damage – while it is still fresh. If the paint has time to set in, removal can be far more costly and difficult.
Not only does scheduling professional graffiti removal make removal and cleaning faster and easier, but it can also deter vandals from future antics. This shows that the property or area is not an easy target and that the owners are willing to take action to remove any graffiti, as soon as they show up.
Similarly, curb appeal plays a major role in a business’s success and passersby will make immediate assumptions upon seeing a graffiti-filled facade. As such, prompt graffiti removal is one of the many methods business owners and managers can use to keep their properties looking clean and inviting.
How To Remove Graffiti
Unfortunately, graffiti tends to be more challenging to clean than it is to create, which is why this is a task that is often best left to the professionals. Another reason to call in an expert graffiti cleaning company is that the removal of this paint often involves complex techniques and cleaning solutions that can lead to further damage if not correctly handled and applied.
There are a number of ways to remove graffiti and the technique used will depend entirely on the type of material and surface. A smooth surface, such as a plastered and painted wall, will generally be easier to clean than bare brickwork.
While it is often easier to paint over the graffiti rather than to remove it, this may not be possible if the surface is bare. This is where pressure washing comes in. Pressure washing is a technique that uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces. When used on graffiti, it will help to remove the paint and make it easier to clean.
Removing Graffiti From Wood
Graffiti artists usually use cans of heavily pigmented spray paint, and because it dries quickly, the pigment tends to remain on the surface of the wood. This means that a combination of techniques may be used to achieve the best results.
To remove graffiti from a wooden fence, use a combination of a soft-bristled brush, a gentle cleaning agent and a high-quality pressure washer. Avoid using harsh scrubbing motions, as these can damage the wood.
Removing Graffiti From Brick
Spray paint and brick walls is often an inseparable pairing, with almost every brick surface receiving a tag in their lifetime. However, removing graffiti from brick is a task few of us are excited to do. The good news is that there are a few ways to make the job easier.
For best results, use a high-pressure washer. This will help remove the majority of the paint and pigment. However, it is important to be cautious about cleaning brick as it can be susceptible to damage. If the pressure washer is set too high, it can easily remove the mortar from between the bricks and ruin the wall.
Removing Graffiti From Concrete
Much like brick, graffiti on concrete is a common occurrence. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to remove the pain of concrete surfaces. A common method is to scrub the area with soap and a soft-bristle brush. This is especially effective if the paint is still fresh.
Another method that can be used to remove graffiti from concrete is sandblasting. This involves using a stream of sand or another abrasive material to remove the paint. However, this requires some skill and know-how.
For more stubborn graffiti, a high-pressure washer is an effective tool to use. However, as with brick, it is important to be careful not to damage the surface.
Removing Graffiti From Plastic
Spray paint and plastic surfaces do not mix well, mainly because they are made of similar chemicals. Unfortunately, removing spray paint with solvents such as paint thinners and nail polish remover, could also deteriorate the plastic and damage it further.
Patience is key when removing graffiti from plastic. The first step is to gently wash the surface with soap and water. Depending on how intense the paint is pressure washing is also a great way to remove it. The pressure will help to loosen the paint and make it easier to remove.
Help From Expert Graffiti Removers
At the end of the day, prompt removal is the best way to deal with graffiti. The longer it is left, the harder it will be to remove and the more damage it can do to your property.
If you need help removing graffiti, we’re here for you. Water Attack Pressure Washing have a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who are experts in graffiti removal. We have the experience and know-how to quickly and efficiently remove any graffiti, no matter how complex the surface and use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that your property is left looking as good as new!