Graffiti Removal

Sick of unwanted graffiti on your paint or brickwork? In the past graffiti removal has been somewhat difficult, but with recent chemical advancements it can be achieved quickly and efficiently. Read on to find out what methods work the best.

How to remove graffiti

Painting over

Some graffiti can simply be painted over. This is advantageous as it is inexpensive, requires no specialist powered tools, and can be used both inside and outside. However, this method has its disadvantages. Breathable paint will peel and strip over time, requiring repainting, and there is significant downtime in clean-up and preparation.

Chemical Removal

In past times, the chemicals involved in graffiti removal were extremely hazardous. However, new developments have resulted in a range that is far more effective and environmentally friendly. With most products, the solution is applied in an even coat over the graffiti to be removed. After about 10-60 minutes, the solution can be scraped – try using a wire brush for stubborn stains - and wiped off with a paper towel (non-porous surfaces) or rinsed off (porous surfaces). Care must be taken when applying graffiti remover to plastic: a specialist plastic-safe product, such as Plastic Safe Graffiti Remover, is recommended.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is a good choice. However, you must be in close proximity to a power supply (unless you use a petrol powered pressure washer) and water source, and cannot use a pressure washer in enclosed areas. Pressure washing is handy for large areas of graffiti and is very cost effective. However, a powerful pressure washer (above 130 BAR – see our guide to choosing pressure washers) must be used and thus you risk chipping away the underlying surface if you are not careful. Click Cleaning offers a range of Karcher pressure washers that are suited for graffiti removal, or check out our pressure washer guide on how to choose the right model.

Best results: chemical removal and pressure washing

After the chemical has been applied, the graffiti must be removed. However, scraping or rinsing can result in bleeding or damage to the underlying surface. An alternative is to apply your chemical remover, wait the required amount of time, and then wash the chemical away with a pressure washer. Since the graffiti has been loosened by the chemical, your pressure washer will not have to be as powerful, reducing the chance of you damaging the underlying surface or paintwork. Furthermore, the quantity of water used will ensure all the paint is washed away preventing any graffiti from re-drying.