What Are The Methods Of Graffiti Removal
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- Graffiti Removal, Chemical solvents, Brickwork
- Posted date:
- 20-04-2022
This article looks at the methods of graffiti removal available. We look at common graffiti removal techniques to remove graffiti from brickwork including pressure washing.
Removing graffiti and removing spray paint is time-consuming and requires professional paint removers most of the time. If you're looking to remove graffiti from your local community or public spaces, keep reading this article as we answer the question of how to remove graffiti.
How to Remove Graffiti
Graffiti removal is something many people don't think about, as most paint removers and professional cleaners remove the graffiti before the public realise it. For those interested in removing graffiti paint, the first thing you must do is identify the type of paint used.
High-pressure washers are sometimes the best way to remove paint, but this can cause damage to some painted surfaces when the paint hasn't been identified first. Regardless, you can use baking soda based products as they help to restore brick and concrete surfaces to their original form. The removal process is arduous for these, and you should always work from the outside of the stain, as you don't want it to spread to clean wall areas.
Some graffiti removal products and materials are too abrasive and will damage the brick wall underneath the paint. You should always use plastic sheets and plastic tarps to cover the surrounding area and masking tape to keep all sheets down, as you will be working outside more than likely.
Common Graffiti Removal Techniques
There are several graffiti removal techniques, but it depends on the type of paint and size of the graffiti vandalism present. Oil-based paints will require something different to emulsion, but the most effective method is to use a solvent chemical product. A solvent is a liquid substance that dissolves other substances, and this is where understanding the type of paint becomes vital.
Before we analyse some common solvent solutions, you should remember to act quickly during all these removal methods. Graffiti that appears overnight can be much more challenging to remove, especially when left to dry.
Chemical solvents are flammable and can release toxic fumes into the air. Always wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and eye protection before dealing with any graffiti remover products. The manufacturer's instructions will provide further safety precautions you should take.
Not one solution will fix your problem; as the location and surface, the graffiti is painted on make a huge difference. For concrete and cement, you will need a wire brush and paint remover of a higher strength than something on fibreglass or aluminium, for example.
Graffiti Removal with Solvents
If you have identified the graffiti type (spray paint, magic marker or crayon, etc.), you will know what type of solvent to use already. If not, here are the most common solvents available to buy:
Acetone
Alcohol
This is a common ingredient in lacquer thinners and is used regularly to remove residue from plastic cements. While they can be used to clean graffiti off walls, they can soften and dissolve Plexiglas plastic.
They can be used as a paint thinner for removing varnish and paint, though, as long as the user is careful about the toxic fumes
You can buy rubbing alcohol in many forms to help remove graffiti from public spaces.
Typically, you can expect it to be sold in methyl, wood, isopropyl, ethyl and denatured. Isopropyl alcohol is generally used for medicinal use but can remove resinous stains and is ideal for magic marker graffiti.
Lacquer Thinner
Methylene Chloride
Generally a mixture of multiple solvents, these are designed to thin lacquers and clean equipment. They can also be used as paint thinners and dissolve paints after they have hardened.
Lacquer thinners are generally used to remove spray paint and soften underlying paint in plastic.
Most paint removers will have a form of methylene chloride inside and are used in heavy-duty brush cleaners. This can be used to remove most types of graffiti, having been sold as graffiti remover itself.
When using this product, you should wear rubber gloves, as they can harm human skin.
Mineral Spirits and Turpentine
Naphtha
Also referred to as white spirits, these chemicals are petroleum distillates that painters commonly use as a painting thinner. They are cost-effective and produce a less powerful odour during use without losing quality at paint stripping.
Turpentine is another common one, better suited for removing hardened paint. Mineral spirits are generally only going to remove fresh paint.
A petroleum solvent sold similar to mineral spirits, Naphtha has greater volatility than its counterpart. They can be used as a cleaning agent but are commonly used as a paint thinner, generally giving you better value for money.
You will require a smaller solution to dissolve the same amount of paint as mineral spirits and is geared up for crayons. When using Naptha, you should always work in a well-ventilated area, as it is incredibly flammable. Respiratory masks are advised.
Painting Over Graffiti
Of course, many local governments choose to paint over graffiti instead of removing it, especially when there isn't as easy access, or it's over a larger area. Cleaning and stripping the graffiti paint in such an example would require more time and effort, whereas the authorities can purchase a gallon of paint to solve the issue. For instance, if you have graffiti painted over something the size of a garage door, you can expect to pay around £10 to cover 100 square feet.
Of course, you can also stop certain types of graffiti from resurfacing by changing paints to a glossy enamel, significantly more challenging to graffiti on than a flat surface. Always wipe down painted surfaces before you attempt to paint over the graffiti as some marker pens and indelible markers will absorb paint pigments - using a stain blocker can also help.
Once you have applied the new paint, you may consider using a sealant or sealer. A sealer coat prevents the graffiti from adhering and will become easier to remove in the future.
How to Remove Graffiti from Brickwork
Bricks, mortar and stone have porous surfaces, absorbing the graffiti painted onto them. This is why it is tough to clean graffiti from brickwork and other surfaces that are similar.
The tiny gaps in the surface will absorb some paint, and solvents and brushes will not be of much use in removing the graffiti.
Experts recommend using biodegradable emulsifiers, as this will leave less trace of the graffiti. Solvents will not remove the graffiti vandalism in its entirety, and you will not need to paint over the wall.
If the surface is flatter, you may be able to use light grit sandpaper to remove the paint, but you will begin scratching the surface underneath.
The job is not impossible, but it will be difficult for those not well acquainted with cleaning and painting.
Remove Graffiti with a Professional Pressure Washer
As graffiti vandalism rises, there are more powerful and innovative ways of removal. In violation of the law, many vandals paint over bus shelters, bins, walls, public transport and more.
To fight that, instead of repainting and using solvents, many government officials use pressure washers. However, there is one difference from your typical pressure washer a homeowner would use.
Urban cleaning companies use them to sandblast graffiti. The sandblasting technique, similar to treating metals before painting, sprays microscopic powder particles to the surface, making it rougher to apply the paint.
In the same way sandblasting is used to clean plastic, metal and wooden surfaces from dirt, grease and smog; this is used to clean the ink and paint from various surfaces.
Despite their strength, power washers do not harm or damage the surface underneath the paint. Specialised sandblasting machines are equipped by professional urban cleaning companies, despite some products looking very similar to typical pressure washers.
Multicoloured pieces of graffiti are always going to be more challenging to remove, especially as the pieces can get larger and less accessible than others on a bus stop.
To eliminate these perfectly, you will always require a professional cleaning crew as they have experience navigating buildings. Graffiti can appear on any property at any time, causing an unsightly view.
If you require more information on creating a protective layer for your graffiti-ridden surfaces, please reach out to our team today.
Are you looking for Damage Free Graffiti Removal in Hampshire and London? We offer high pressure, damage free jet washing services for Waterlooville and the surrounding areas of Hampshire, London and Southern England.