A Quick Guide: How To Remove Graffiti

By Scott Lynch via Wikimedia Commons

Graffiti and graffiti removal have a longstanding history. It dates back to Roman Times and it’s been around in one way or another ever since. Since not every piece of graffiti is as beautiful or desired as Banksy and his thought-provoking street art, the battle against graffiti is also well and truly alive. Graffiti removal is needed everywhere and at every level – as a private property owner, landlord, or as a council. For instance, the city council of Oxford spent more than £73k on graffiti removal in 2014/15, and other councils, such as in Sheffield, are also reporting that graffiti removal is a huge drain on resources.

Graffiti can be costly to remove, but also very time consuming. Unfortunately, there isn’t just a single solution to fit all graffiti removal projects. The surface that has been coated by graffiti will dictate to an extent what action to take to remove the graffiti. In some instances, it is possible to simply grab a power washer and banish the graffiti. However, not every surface will be able to withstand this kind of treatment and would require a more sensitive treatment.

When simply repainting the graffiti coated surface is not an option, there are various products that can be used to remove the graffiti. Below we will delve a little deeper into graffiti removal products.

Remove Graffiti From Painted & Uncoated Surfaces

If you are removing graffiti from bare, uncoated surfaces, we stock a variety of products that can help with this job. Graffiti Magic Bare Surface Graffiti Remover, for example, has been specifically formulated and designed to remove graffiti easily from bare, unprotected surfaces. As it is a clear thick gel, this graffiti remover is easy to use on vertical surfaces. It is suitable to remove both aerosol and marker pen graffiti, and it is safe to use on porous surfaces. The Bare Surface Graffiti Remover is thus ideal to remove graffiti from brick, stone, concrete or render surfaces.

From the same manufacturer, we also stock Multi Surface Graffiti Remover. This product from Graffiti Magic can be used on both bare and uncoated surfaces as well as painted surfaces. This graffiti remover has also been specifically formulated as a thick gel so it can be used on vertical surfaces. It can be used on many different surfaces, such as brick, render, stone, shop fronts, bus shelters or even rail carriages. This great Multi Surface Graffiti Remover can also be used on surfaces with an anti-graffiti coating.

Another product that can be used on both bare or coated surface is our 1401 Graffiti Remover. As an easy to use, fast acting gel, it is ideal to use on a wide variety of surfaces. It will remove graffiti not only from brick, plastic or paving, but it can also be used for bus stops, tunnels and shop fronts. For the ultimate protection of the newly graffiti free surface, it is recommended that the project is finished with the permanent anti-graffiti coating 1301 Clear Graffiti Coating. Especially if the newly cleaned surface has been proven to be a much coveted graffiti spot, then the anti-graffiti coating will help protect the surfaces from future damage.

Remove Graffiti from External Surfaces

If you are clearing graffiti from an external surface, then consider Blackfriar Professional Graffiti Remover Gel. It will clean graffiti done with permanent marker or aerosol paint, and will even remove conventional paints. It can be used on wood, brick, natural stone and concrete. Blackfriar’s Graffiti Remover has been designed as a gel to enhanced adhesion to surfaces. It is a very easy to use product, but make sure to read to instructions carefully to avoid any potential issues.

Remove Graffiti from Surfaces with Anti-Graffiti Coatings

There are also various brands that offer anti-graffiti coatings to make the removal of graffiti easier. If you are cleaning a surface that has been previously treated with such an anti-graffiti coating, then it is vital you pick a graffiti remover that will not damage the coating underneath. Generally, the manufacturers of the anti-graffiti coating will have also created a corresponding graffiti remover and cleaner.

For example, Mathys Pegagraff-Hydro Cleaner is another gel that can be used to clean graffiti from surfaces that have been protected with an anti graffiti coating from Mathys. This gel can actually also be used to remove graffiti from unpainted and uncoated substrates. It can safely be used on marble, smooth concrete and metal for example as long as it has not been coated previously. Due to the composition of this product, it is not recommended to use this Pegagraff-Hydro Cleaner on surfaces that haven’t been coated by anti-graffiti paint or on porous materials.

Rust-Oleum also have their own products for both anti-graffiti paint and the corresponding remover. GraffitiShield Cleaner will clean graffiti off surfaces previously treated with GraffitiShield products. The Cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces, including metals, wood, enamels and more. It is a liquid cleaner and is suitable to be used in closed spaces.

Coo-Var have also created a liquid graffiti remover and comes in an aerosol. Their Liquid Graffiti Remover can be used to remove graffiti from surfaces coated with their own anti-graffiti coatings. If you want to use this product with another anti-graffiti system, then testing it first it highly recommended. Coo-Var’s graffiti remover is also ideal for the quick and efficient removal of other marks from ink and crayons for example.

So whether you are removing graffiti from brick or from concrete, we have various solutions to ensure graffiti removal will be straight forward. We are always available for additional help and advice, so please do not hesitant to get in touch.