Graffiti Removal
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General Hints
Removal Methods
Graffiti on Different Surfaces
General Hints
The following are tips for removing graffiti from various types of surfaces.
- The City does not endorse specific brands of products, but rather uses
brand names to help the consumer identify these graffiti removal materials
and supplies.
- Use caution when using dangerous and toxic chemicals.
- Test your removal methods and materials on a small, unimportant area to
be sure they work without causing damage.
- Hire a trained professional for valuable surfaces, historic buildings
or unstable materials.
- Remember: Always read product labels and follow all manufacturer
instructions and recommendations. Most of the products identified above
are flammable - use caution and follow safety directions when using these
products. Always use proper safety clothing and equipment (including gloves,
safety glasses, etc.). It is recommended that a small "test" area be done
prior to a full application of any product.
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Removal Methods
There are four methods of removing
graffiti. Choosing the most appropriate removal method will in turn save the
property owner money and time.
Paint over
Chemical removal
Water-blasting
Sandblasting
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Paint
over is the most widely used method |
| When painting over it is important for
the property owner to paint the entire surface that has been tagged with
a matching paint. It is important that the line of paint be clean and
straight and the surrounding area be clean from any paint spills or drips.
Following the proper painting techniques is necessary. For questions about
proper painting techniques consult a local paint supplier or retailer.
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| Paint-over Pros |
Paint-over Cons |
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- latex (breathable) paint will peel and weather over time
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- non-toxicity of the product
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- repeated paint-over prevent the surface from breathing
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- no electric or diesel tools required
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- clean-up and preparation time is tedious
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Chemical
removers are a method to dissolve any unwanted graffiti |
There are five types of graffiti
removers: |
- solvents containing chlorinated hydrocarbons
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- solvents containing monoglycol ethers and glycol acetates
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- solvents containing diglycol ethers
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- solvents containing polar solvents
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- solvents containing miscellaneous solvents
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These products are available
in a many forms including creams, gels and liquids.
Remember: When using any chemical
remover safety precautions should be maintained in accordance with the
manufactures guidelines, always secure a material safety data sheet
(MSDS). For further questions or concerns about chemical removers contact
the manufacturer.
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| Chemical Removers Pros |
Chemical Remover Cons |
- fast and relatively low-labor removal
|
- safety concerns- follow manufactures guidelines and obtain a MSDS
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- require a saturation and dwell time
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- may need multiple application and agitation
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Water-blasting
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There are three
types of washers that may be used; pressure washers, power washers and
jet washers. When deciding which washer to use there are some factors
to consider:
Pressure rating- this is the intensity of the water stream. - General cleaning requires medium to high pressure (500-4000psi).
- De-scaling or stripping concrete surfaces may require water pressure
above 10,000psi.
- When cleaning delicate masonry water pressure should not exceed
100 psi.
|
Considerations: |
- Water flow rate- refers to the supply of water to the sprayhead.
The greatest efficiency is likely to be achieved with water flow rates
of between 4-8gal/min.
|
- Spray nozzle design- The nozzle design determines the shape of the
spray. A fan type nozzle providing a spray fan angle of 15-50 degrees
is considered best for graffiti removal and general surface cleaning.
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- Water temperature-Heated water is useful for graffiti removal from
metal surfaces where expansion of the metal helps break the bond.
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- Chemical or abrasive additives introduced into the stream- When
combining chemical removers with water it is important to ensure that
the chemical is diluted with water.
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- When using a pressure washer it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's
instructions and guidelines.
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| Water-blasting Pros |
Water-blasting Cons |
- allows large areas to be cleaned quickly
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|
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- not suitable for most enclosed locations
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Sandblasting
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|
| This technique
will remove graffiti. The result of sandblasting is a more attractive
surface than painting over. However, when using sandblasting it is best
to sandblast the entire surface, this prevents an outline left by the
graffiti. Sandblasting is labor intensive, requiring much preparation
and cleanup time.
When sandblasting the proper
safety precautions should be taken. |
| Sandblasting Pros |
Sandblasting Cons |
- no chemical agents required
|
- can only be used on non-painted surfaces
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- no unattractive paint-over
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- opens pores of surface allow for deterioration
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| |
- clean-up is labor intensive
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Graffiti on
Different Surfaces
Metal Surfaces
Wood
Surfaces
Plastic Surfaces
Glass Surfaces
Masonry Surfaces
Metal Surfaces
- Try wiping graffiti with any common paint thinner (ex: mineral spirits,
lacquer thinner, acetone).
- Try graffiti removal products such as "Goof Off".
- Sometimes wiping the graffiti with light penetrating oil such as "WD-40"
or "Three-in-One" will remove it.
- If graffiti remains, try to remove it by rubbing with steel or bronze
wool, or light sandpaper.
- If graffiti still remains, try power-washing it with a pressure washer.
- If none of these methods work, paint over the graffiti.
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Wood Surfaces:
- If the wood is not weathered and is sealed with paint, stain or sealer,
try to remove it by wiping it with mineral spirits.
- If the wood is weathered, do not use this technique, as the mineral spirits
will be absorbed by the wood - driving the paint further down into the wood.
- Power washing with low pressure can be used, however, observe carefully
to make sure the pressure is not driving the paint deeper into the wood
grain. It is not recommended to exceed 700 psi.
- If these methods do not work, sand the wood and re-paint or simply paint
over the graffiti.
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Plastic Surfaces
- Try wiping graffiti with a light, penetrating oil such as "WD-40" or "Three-in-One."
- Do not use paint thinners as they can soften the plastic and can cause
clouding (if clear plastic) or permanent tackiness of the surface.
- Sometimes a light rubbing with ultra-fine steel or bronze wool will remove
the paint.
If these methods do not remove the graffiti, paint over it.
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Glass Surfaces
- The best method for removing painted graffiti from glass is to use a razor
blade to carefully scrape it off. This method is 99% effective. Use the
razor blade in a holder and scrape at a 30-degree angle to the glass.
- If the paint does not come completely off after using the razor blade,
use ultra-fine bronze wool with water to gently rub the remaining paint
off.
- You can use paint thinners on glass, however the razor blade method is
much quicker and more environmentally friendly.
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Masonry Surfaces
- The best option for this type of surface is to power-wash the graffiti
with low pressure. It is not recommended to exceed 700 psi. Be careful in
selecting the type of tip you use in the pressure wand. Too narrow of a
tip (such as 0 degree) will etch the masonry surface leaving a perfect outline
of the graffiti removed.
- Sand-blasting is another removal option. As with pressure washing, be
careful not to allow the sandblasting tip to remain in one spot too long
as it can permanently etch the surface. Keep the tip moving over the painted
area and the surrounding area so as to blend in the surface.
- If power-washing or sand-blasting does not remove the graffiti, the next
best option is to paint over the graffiti.
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Thanks to the cities of Las Cruces, NM; Burlington,
VT; and Minneapolis, MN from whom we gathered this information.
Last Updated: 11/13/07
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