The sight of graffiti on surfaces can be very disadvantageous: its cons encompass property damage, environmental impact, social issues, and more.
It is therefore rather essential that graffiti be removed regularly. Graffiti removal is not as simple as it sounds; there are so many aspects and details involved in it.
This blog will help clarify the whole process for you, so that you will know by the end of reading how to easily and efficiently go about removing graffiti without getting overwhelmed.
Things to Consider Before Graffiti Removal
There are some pivotal factors you must bear in mind before removing the graffiti:
Graffiti Age and Type
Graffiti is not a single type; there are, in fact, so many different kinds of graffiti.
Each type of graffiti will require a unique way of handling and removal techniques, so you must be aware of the type you are dealing with.
The various kinds of graffiti include:
- Spray paint
- Crayon
- Marker/pen
- or a combination
The age of the graffiti matters too: the older the graffiti is, the more difficult it is to remove, unlike fresh graffiti.
Surface Type
Similar to graffiti, the surface material, where the graffiti is found, is very important to consider before removal. Knowing the type of surface will help you decide on a suitable and safe removal method.
Surface materials can be classified as follows:
Porous Surfaces
These surfaces are known to deeply absorb liquids or paint, so removing graffiti from them can be quite challenging.
Examples of porous surfaces:
- Concrete
- Brick
- Stone
- Wood
- Stucco
- Cement blocks
- Asphalt
Non-Porous Surfaces
On the contrary, non-porous surfaces are smooth and do not absorb liquids or paint, so graffiti is much easier to remove.
Examples of non-porous surfaces:
- Metal
- Glass
- Plastic
- Glossy painted surfaces
- Ceramic tiles
- Laminated surfaces
Impact on the Environment
You should consider how removing graffiti might potentially affect the environment.
Using environmentally friendly removal methods and eco-friendly cleaning products will guarantee environmental protection.
You can accomplish this by using non-toxic cleaning products and testing cleaning solutions.
Local Regulations
Before removing the graffiti, make sure that you comply with local regulations and guidelines.
These regulations determine many aspects of removal, like which cleaning methods or chemicals are acceptable to use, and which permits are required to be able to remove graffiti in the first place.
Common Graffiti Removal Methods
Now, let’s move to some of the most popular methods and techniques for removing graffiti:
Solvents
A solvent is a substance (typically a liquid) that is used to dissolve another substance.
Many types of solvents can be really effective at removing graffiti, each appropriate for different kinds of graffiti.
Some of their common examples are:
- Mineral spirits
- Lacquer thinner
- Acetone
- Isopropyl alcohol
Abrasives
An abrasive is a material that can be used to polish or clean a hard surface by means of grinding or rubbing.
Types of abrasives that can be employed for removing graffiti include:
- Baking soda
- Sand
- Walnut shells
- Garnet
- Glass beads
- Plastic abrasives
Dry Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting is a cleaning method that uses solid CO2 (Carbon dioxide) ice pellets—which are accelerated at a surface with the help of compressed air—to clean said surface by removing its contaminants.
This is one of the well-known graffiti cleaning methods. It is a preferred technique if you are dealing with sensitive surfaces like metal or glass.
Pressure Washing
High-pressure washing, or jet washing, is the use of a high-pressure stream of water to remove materials used in graffiti, such as paint and ink.
This method can be a great way to remove graffiti from surfaces such as concrete or bricks, which are considered more durable surfaces.
Try not to use this method with softer surfaces so as to avoid any damage.
You can also utilise hot water pressure washing, which can be even more effective with stubborn graffiti.
Specialised Graffiti Removers
You can find products that are specially made and customised for the removal of graffiti.
A few examples of these specialised removers are:
- Spray removers: designed to remove spray paint
- Foam removers: used for textured surfaces
- Liquid removers: penetrates porous surfaces
- Eco-friendly removers: ideal for the protection of the environment
- Gel removers: used for vertical surfaces
Repainting
Another option for removing graffiti is to repaint the surface. You might want to choose this as a last resort if the above methods did not work, but it is still an option that is on the table, especially if the surface is damaged.
Removing the Graffiti from Different Types of Surfaces
As previously mentioned, specific surface materials require special handling. Here are common surface types and the best ways to remove graffiti from each:
Plastic
- Citrus-based cleaners
- Rubbing alcohol
- Avoid using paint thinners
Wood
- Mineral spirits (on sealed or painted wood)
- Avoid using paint thinners
- Use pressure washing with caution
Metal
- Paint thinners (E.g. acetone, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits)
- Penetrating oils
- Graffiti removal products
- Pressure washing
Glass
- Citrus-based cleaners
- Rubbing alcohol
- Specialised glass graffiti remover
- Razer blade scraper (use carefully)
Masonry
- Specialised graffiti removers
- Abrasive techniques (E.g. sandblasting, baking soda blasting)
- Pressure washing
General Graffiti Removal Tips
You can also benefit from the following tips if you have decided to remove graffiti from a surface:
- Test the cleaning method first
- Start with the gentlest (least aggressive) method
- Remove graffiti as soon as possible
- Wear protective gear for safety
- Hire professional cleaners
Benchmark Cleaning Services For Reliable Graffiti Removal
In case you do not want to go through the trouble of doing the whole graffiti removal yourself, then you must check out Benchmark Cleaning Services: our unparalleled commercial cleaning company in London.
Our team of trustworthy professionals offers a plethora of commercial cleaning services, including graffiti and chewing gum removal services.
If you are interested to learn more—or you desire to book our services right away—you can easily get in touch with us, and we will provide you with a free quotation.
