Graffiti Removal Tips & Tricks

1. Graffiti Removal Tips & Tricks

2. Synopsis Analysis of graffiti removal techniques Graffiti Removal Chemicals i. ii. iii. Current methods of graffiti removal iv. Various Graffiti Removal Products v. Tools and techniques for removing graffiti vi. How do you remove graffiti from brick? vii. How do you remove graffiti from metal? viii. Tips for Removing Graffiti From Wood, Plastic

3. Analysis of graffiti removal techniques Painting over it O If your property is covered with graffiti on a large scale, repainting it may be your best option. Painting over the graffiti is not only easier but also cheaper when it comes to removing paint from a large area. You can also take this opportunity to get the wall painted with a glossy enamel, which can act as protection against graffiti attacks in the future much better as compared to a matte finish. You can also keep an extra can of the same paint colour as a quick measure in case the property gets vandalized again. Latex or oil paint O Oil-based paint is stronger as compared to latex, which is easier to clean as well as inexpensive. Even though it is not recommended, if required oil paint can be applied if the temperature is below freezing point. Sealers O After applying the new layer of paint, it would be a good idea to use a protectant or sealer. The purpose of these products is to seal the pores on the surface to prevent future graffiti from adhering to the wall. Once the wall is sealed, it would get easier to remove any graffiti if it returns. Foam brushes O It would be wise to own some foam brushes as they are a cheap quick remedy. If the surface gets vandalized again you can use them to seamlessly blend the new paint into the surface to assist in graffiti removal. O O O O

4. Graffiti Removal Chemicals O Chemical Paint Removers O They work for various surfaces that include brick, wood and cement. These solvents are extremely strong therefore it is generally only sold in specialty industry settings. They include Naphtha, Alcohol, Lacquer Thinner, Acetone, Methylene Chloride, Turpentine and Mineral Spirits. O Wipes O Wipes specifically made to remove graffiti get rid of minor spray paint as well as graffiti marker spots. They come with a scrubber or cloth that can be directly used on the affected surface. O Pressure Washing O This technique involves combining graffiti removal chemicals with pressure washing to effectively get rid of graffiti. While it works fairly well, it may wear down the quality of the affected surface.

5. Current methods of graffiti removal When you will engage in graffiti removal, you realize how tough it really is, especially when you are removing it from unpainted, rough brick surfaces. The best solution to remove graffiti from painted surfaces is to repaint it, although it is recommended that you have a proper supply of the graffiti removal tools and solvents, as they are necessary for rapid response. Another reason why this is ideal is that the graffiti found nowadays is easier to remove than the one used in the past. For metallic surfaces like utility boxes, mailboxes, lampposts etc., the best solution to remove graffiti is the usage of the graffiti removal solvent. They work amazingly and the graffiti is removed as soon as it is applied. Not many things are required for applying the solvent. All you need is a spray bottle, a steel wool, and a cleaner. For brick surfaces, you have to use professional cleanups. Often, there is a need for a biodegradable emulsifier. This will help you in reducing the amount of hard work required to get rid of the graffiti. It is generally a difficult task to tackle a rough surface with average tools like wire brushes or solvents. They do seem to get the job done but most of the time; a hint of the graffiti is left on the surface. For painted surfaces like the boundary walls of the household, the best method to cover up the graffiti is to repaint the surfaces. For this, all you have to buy is matching paint like the wall with the graffiti on it. The secret to removing graffiti is to respond as rapidly as possible because once graffiti is strongly imprinted, more severe methods have to be used. O O O O

6. Various Graffiti Removal Products O Enviro-Solutions Graffiti Remover O Most effective for: painted and unpainted smooth surfaces O Least effective for: concrete O Largely a good product. It does not run while wiping as it has a viscous consistency. It is ideal for the majority of smooth and hard surfaces as well as graffiti types. The amount of time the product is supposed to be left on the surface depends on the surface and graffiti type. For instance, leaving it for 3-5 minutes may work better in certain cases whereas, in others, the product can respond immediately to the graffiti. Moreover, it can disturb the paint of the surface in certain cases, however, that is more likely to happen due to scrubbing. However, the product does not completely get rid of graffiti on concrete surfaces and only fades it out.

7. Various Graffiti Removal Products SOYsolv 1 O Most effective for: painted and unpainted smooth surfaces O Least effective for: wood, painted concrete O The product has a trigger spray bottle and is overall effective. However, its smell is really strong. It works efficiently on both painted and unpainted smooth planes without rubbing off the paint of the surface as much depending on the graffiti type. It also works to some extent on plastered concrete, in that it removes the majority of the graffiti paint however it leaves some shadow. On wood, it smears the graffiti a bit but does not get rid of it completely. It may perform better on wood and concrete if a pressure washer rinse is done afterward. The product may be more effective in some cases if left to sit on the affected area for 3-5 minutes. BG-Clean O Most effective for: painted and unpainted smooth surfaces O This product has a trigger-spray too. It works particularly well when trying to remove marker graffiti from smooth surfaces. Its performance may vary for other graffiti types. Generally, the product does not cause any disturbance to the paint of the surface unless a scrub pad is used aggressively. It works pretty similar to soapy water. O O

8. Various Graffiti Removal Products Taginator O Most effective for: wood, concrete and unpainted brick O Least effective for: metal, painted concrete O With a trigger-spray for application, the product works exceptionally well on surfaces like concrete and unpainted brick, especially if the brick wall is relatively new, smooth and less porous. However, it has a very strong smell. You may need to scrub the spray paint off using a stiff brush and water, rinse if the brick wall is more porous. You can avoid some of the brushing if you have a power washer. It may not be the best choice for painted surfaces as it can remove the surface paint. Lift Off #3 O Most effective for: unpainted plastic, unpainted and painted metal O Least effective for: painted concrete O The product can be applied using a trigger-spray. While it performs fairly well on surfaces like unpainted plastic and metal, it is important to be careful while using this product on painted surfaces as it may easily remove the paint from the surface. It does not work as well on painted concrete and only dulls the graffiti instead of removing it. The product also claims it can remove graffiti done on fabric. O O

9. Tools and techniques for removing graffiti Tools: O O O O O O O O Abrasive blasting for rough surfaces O More commonly referred to as sandblasting, this involves forcing a high- pressure stream of coarse particles against the surface to remove graffiti. Paint over it O It is best to repaint over graffiti if the surface is painted to remove it completely. Using specific chemicals or graffiti removal solvents to fade out the graffiti as much as possible and painting over it is the easiest way to fully get rid of it. O Aerosol remover Clean rags Economical rollers, brushes, and paint Scraper Dust mask Safety specs Kitchen cleaner Water in a spray bottle O O

10. Tools and techniques for removing graffiti Elbow Grease and the Wire Brush O A low-cost wire brush is perfect for getting rid of paint from various surfaces. While the surface may end up looking like it was scrubbed with a wire brush, the graffiti will considerably fade. It is better to use the wire brush on surfaces that will weather back to their original texture or colour over time such as street curbs, telephone poles, certain rough metals, decorative rocks, smooth stone surfaces, concrete and wood fences. Solvents O While painting over the graffiti on a painted surface is a good idea, it would be smart to have a solvent that can remove graffiti for the quick response as fresh graffiti is generally easier to get rid of than older graffiti. There are numerous products for graffiti removal available in the market. It can be helpful to research them and familiarize yourself with them. Learn about how to safely handle and use them. Knowing about the product you are handling is essential to make sure you are able to take care of an accidental injury caused by the product. Anti-Graffiti Coating O It is a covering that prevents the bonding of graffiti paint to surfaces. Applying a protective layer is a smart move for removing graffiti, particularly if your house is a common victim of graffiti. O O O

11. How do you remove graffiti from brick? O Start with pouring the Graffiti Remover into a spray bottle. Make sure that the spray bottle is perfectly clean so that you do not accidentally mix the remover with chemicals. O Carefully spray the remover over the graffiti. O Leave the remover for around 20 minutes for maximum effect when the temperature is warm. Leave the remover for a longer period of time when the weather is cold. O Wash the area using pressure wash at around 1500-2000 PSI. For even better results, hot water is ideal. O Repeat the process if required.

12. How do you remove graffiti from metal? O Graffiti can be erased from metal objects by the use of thinning solvents such as chemical paint removers, alcohol spirits, and kerosene oil or handy wipes. The method is simple as to apply the solvents or thinner by spraying directly on the graffiti and covering areas, a steel wool, or any other hard surface cloth or material can be used to rub the graffiti off the metal. O A strong solvent and a rigid continuous rub of steel wood on the metal leads the graffiti to dissolve and melt off the metal surface. This method can be repeated to make sure the metal is free of the graffiti till the nuisance is completely erased from everywhere it exists.

13. Tips for Removing Graffiti From Wood, Plastic O Graffiti found on wood surfaces O Mineral spirits often get the job done efficiently but that is only the case if the wood is not in a weathered condition or it is sealed with a sealer, stain or any other material. In case the wood is weathered, this technique is not ideal. This is because the weathered wood will absorb all the chemicals, driving the applied paint down O Use a power washer with the pressure of around 3000 PSI but be very cautious that you do not drive the paint further into the wood O Painting over the graffiti is the best solution when nothing works out O Graffiti found on Plastic Surfaces O Wipe the graffiti with penetrating oil but make sure that it is mild. Refrain from using paint thinners because they can make the plastic soft. Alongside, they can cause permanent tackiness of clouding of the surface, so be very careful while using it O Use bronze wool or ultra-fine steel to slightly rub the paint O In case these methods do not work, repaint the graffiti

14. The End For more details, please visit: http://canadianrestorationsgta.com/graffiti-removal/