Graffiti can be art or an eyesore, depending on the situation. While street art can bring colour and culture to the city, vandalism is something else entirely. Whether you’ve got tags covering your business walls or spray-painted messages on public property, graffiti removal is essential to maintain the look and integrity of your surfaces.
The basics of graffiti removal
When it comes to graffiti removal, the right technique is key. Using the wrong method can lead to permanent damage, leaving you with an even bigger problem than the graffiti itself. Whether you’re dealing with concrete, brick, wood, metal or painted walls, each surface has its own unique needs.
The main methods of graffiti removal are chemical removers, pressure washing and abrasive techniques. The right choice will depend on the material of your surface, the type of graffiti and how much damage has been done.
Graffiti removal techniques for different surfaces
Brick and concrete
Brick and concrete are porous materials, meaning graffiti can seep into the surface, making it harder to remove. To tackle graffiti on these surfaces, we usually start with a specially formulated stripping gel. This gel sticks to the surface, breaking down the paint without running or dripping everywhere, unlike regular paint strippers.
Once the paint has softened and started to blister, we use high-pressure cleaning equipment to blast the graffiti off the surface. This method is effective and quick, getting your surfaces back to looking clean without causing damage.
Wood
Wood can be tricky. Graffiti can easily ruin the finish of wood, so you’ve got to be extra careful when cleaning it. We suggest using a specialised graffiti cleaner designed for wood, along with low-pressure washing. This way, the wood’s integrity is preserved, and the graffiti is safely removed.
For tougher stains, we may also use a chemical remover, but we make sure it’s gentle enough to avoid harming the wood. The goal is to clean the surface thoroughly without affecting its natural appearance.
Metal
Graffiti on metal can be stubborn because the paint tends to bond strongly with the surface. To remove it, we typically use a combination of chemical graffiti removers and abrasive pads to scrub off the paint. Depending on the situation, we may also use high-pressure washing to finish the job. This ensures the metal surface is clean, free of graffiti and protected from further damage.
Glass and painted walls
Graffiti on smooth surfaces like glass or painted walls calls for a more delicate approach. For glass, we use non-abrasive cleaners that get rid of graffiti without scratching the surface. When it comes to painted walls, it’s important to choose a cleaning product that won’t strip away the underlying paint. A good graffiti cleaner will lift the spray paint without damaging the wall’s finish.
For both glass and painted surfaces, we aim to preserve the original look of the material while removing the graffiti effectively.
Tips for choosing the right graffiti removal method
Choosing the right method comes down to a few key factors:
Surface material
The type of surface (brick, wood, glass, etc.) determines the best removal technique. For example, porous surfaces like brick require stripping gels, while smoother surfaces like glass may need gentler cleaners.
Type of graffiti
The kind of graffiti – whether it’s spray paint, marker pen or ink – will affect how we approach removal. Spray paint requires a different solution than marker or chalk graffiti.
Damage control
Always consider the condition of the surface. If the graffiti has been there for a long time or the surface is already worn, it may need extra care to avoid further damage.
When in doubt, it’s always best to call in the professionals who know exactly how to treat each surface and graffiti type. At Kleenit, we’ve got the expertise to choose the right method for every situation.
Why professional graffiti removal matters
DIY graffiti removal might seem like a good option, but it can often make things worse. If you use the wrong products or techniques, you could end up damaging the surface, making the graffiti harder to remove and sometimes even permanent.
Kleenit uses the right equipment, tools and cleaning solutions to get the job done properly. We also understand the importance of acting fast. Graffiti can invite more vandalism if it’s not removed quickly, and if it’s offensive or hateful, it needs to be dealt with immediately.
We also offer anti-graffiti coatings that can be applied to your surfaces, preventing future vandalism from sticking in the first place. These coatings create a barrier that makes graffiti removal much easier the next time it happens.
Kleenit’s graffiti removal services
We’re trusted across Australia for graffiti removal, and we pride ourselves on getting the job done quickly and without any mess. If you’ve been hit by graffiti, don’t wait. Get in touch for a free quote and let us take care of the mess, so you can get back to business.