Simple Graffiti Removal Methods

Using paint thinner or turpentine is a common method of removing graffiti. Choosing the ype of removal substance depends on the extent of the graffiti and the type of originally used. It is most common for graffiti to be applied with spray paint. Extensive damage may only be able to be removed by a specialist and specialist chemicals.

In cities, there are entire crews that use chemicals to remove graffiti. In some cases, the graffiti has to be painted over. The materials used to rid the property of graffiti not only depend on the type of product used to create the graffiti, but also the type of product on which the graffiti is used upon. It is different to remove graffiti from metal, wood and cement. Wood and cement are porous substances and graffiti removal can be a bit more difficult with these substances.

Power Washing to Clean off the Graffiti

Power washing is one effective way to remove graffiti from porous substances such as cement and wood. The power washing substance has to contain a product that will remove the graffiti from the premises. If the graffiti has been put on with spray enamel paint, it needs to be removed with some type of paint thinning material. Enamel paint is not water soluble and will not come off with just water alone.

When graffiti has been applied with alternative substances such as chalk or a water soluble marker then power washing comes into its own by removing graffiti quickly and easily. Unfortunately graffiti is most commonly applied with spray paint which is always the hardest to remove.

Creating Murals to Hide the Graffiti

In some cities, the graffiti is painted over with more graffiti so that a mural is created. Gang symbols and offensive materials are covered with positive messages. This is one way to no not only remove the offensive graffiti, but also to prevent future graffiti from occurring in the same place. Graffiti perpetrators like to target blank, empty walls and areas where their message is heard loud and clear.

Using Paint Remover to Remove the Graffiti

Graffiti in small area can be removed with a paint thinner, care must be taken to only apply the remover to the area affected as the chemical will strip paint from anything it touches as well as the graffiti.

Time any money can be saved by the act of just painting over the graffiti if it was applied to a already painted surface. The trick is to prime the area before repainting to ensure good coverage.