How to Remove Graffiti: A Simple Guide

What is Graffiti?

Graffiti can be vibrant, colourful drawings or text found on walls, facades, or other surfaces. It's usually created with spray cans and is often done anonymously to make a statement. While some graffiti is considered art, like street advertising or commissioned street art, other times it’s unwanted and can cause permanent damage to surfaces.

Getting Rid of Graffiti

For some, graffiti is a form of art. But if you see it as an eyesore that needs to go, you know how tough it can be to remove. The difficulty depends on the surface—whether it's brick, natural stone, concrete, wood, glass, or plastic—and also on the type of paint and how long it's been there. The sooner you tackle graffiti removal, the better, as it can leave behind stubborn shadows if left for too long. But don’t worry, there’s good news: there are effective ways to remove it!

Methods for Removing Graffiti

There are several ways to remove graffiti, and the best method depends on how big the graffiti is and where it’s located.

• Steam Cleaning: This is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method. Boiling hot water is sprayed onto the surface, with the steam softening and loosening the paint. It works well on brick, concrete, metal, natural stone, and plaster. However, for older or more stubborn graffiti, this method might not be enough.
• Chemical Cleaning: Chemical solvents are often used for removing graffiti. Applied with a brush or sprayer, the solvent dissolves the paint, which can then be rinsed off with water. It's important to use biodegradable, hazard-free solvents to minimize environmental impact and protect the person doing the cleaning.
• Blasting: For very tough graffiti, blasting with grit or sand can be highly effective. This method involves using compressed air to blow abrasive particles against the surface, stripping away the paint. However, it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the surface. Also, blasting can release harmful dust particles, so it’s important to use materials that meet safety standards.

Preventing Graffiti

The best way to prevent graffiti from sticking is by applying an anti-graffiti coating. This special coating makes it harder for the paint to adhere, so graffiti is easier to remove. These coatings can be semi-permanent, where both the graffiti and coating come off during cleaning, or permanent, where only the graffiti is removed, and the coating remains intact.

Safe Graffiti Removal Products

Traditional graffiti removers often contain harsh, environmentally harmful chemicals like turpentine and acetone, which can damage surfaces and harm the environment. Thankfully, there are safer, eco-friendly alternatives. When choosing a graffiti remover, look for products without hazard symbols, indicating they are safer for both the person using them and the environment.

Safely Removing Graffiti

Eco-Point focus on creating innovative, safe products that don’t compromise on effectiveness. Their eco friendly graffiti removers, like Proplex and Ecoatex, are completely hazard symbol-free, making them safe for use on buildings and vehicles without harming people or the planet.