There are four methods of removing graffiti. Choosing the most appropriate removal method will in turn save the property owner money and time.

• Paint over
• Chemical removal
• Water-blasting
• Sandblasting

1. Paint over is the most widely used method
When painting over it is important for the property owner to paint the entire surface that has been tagged with a matching paint. It is important that the line of paint be clean and straight and the surrounding area be clean from any paint spills or drips. Following the proper painting techniques is necessary. For questions about proper painting techniques consult a local paint supplier or retailer.

Paint-over Pros:

inexpensive
non-toxicity of the product
no electric or diesel tools required
location adaptability

Paint-over Cons:

latex (breathable) paint will peel and weather over time
repeated paint-over prevent the surface from breathing
clean-up and preparation time is tedious

2. Chemical removers are a method to dissolve any unwanted graffiti

There are five types of graffiti removers:
solvents containing chlorinated hydrocarbons
solvents containing monoglycol ethers and glycol acetates
solvents containing diglycol ethers
solvents containing polar solvents
solvents containing miscellaneous solvents

These products are available in a many forms including creams, gels and liquids. When using any chemical remover safety precautions should be maintained in accordance with the manufactures guidelines, always secure a material safety data sheet (MSDS). For further questions or concerns about chemical removers contact the manufacturer.

Chemical Removers Pros:

fast and labor reductive form of removal
cost effective

Chemical Remover Cons:

safety concerns- follow manufactures guidelines and obtain a MSDS
require a saturation and dwell time
may need multiple application and agitation

3. Water-blasting

There are three types of washers that may be used; pressure washers, power washers and jet washers. When deciding which washer to use there are some factors to consider:

Pressure rating- this is the intensity of the water stream. General cleaning requires medium to high pressure (500-4000psi). De-scaling or stripping concrete surfaces may require water pressure above 10,000psi. When cleaning delicate masonry water pressure should not exceed 100psi.

Water flow rate- refers to the supply of water to the sprayhead. The greatest efficiency is likely to be achieved with water flow rates of between 4-8gal/min.

Spray nozzle design- The nozzle design determines the shape of the spray. A fan type nozzle providing a spray fan angle of 15-50 degrees is considered best for graffiti removal and general surface cleaning.

Water temperature- Heated water is useful for graffiti removal from metal surfaces where expansion of the metal helps break the bond.

Chemical or abrasive additives introduced into the stream- When combining chemical removers with water it is important to ensure that the chemical is diluted with water.

When using a pressure washer it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines.

Water-blasting Pros:

• allows large areas to be cleaned quickly
• cost and labor effective

Water-blasting Cons:

• good drainage required
• not suitable for most enclosed locations

4. Sandblasting

This technique will remove graffiti. The result of sandblasting is a more attractive surface than painting over. However, when using sandblasting it is best to sandblast the entire surface, this prevents an outline left by the graffiti. Sandblasting is labor intensive, requiring much preparation and cleanup time.

When sandblasting the proper safety precautions should be taken.

Sandblasting Pros:

no chemical agents required
no unattractive paint-over

Sandblasting Cons:

can only be used on non-painted surfaces
opens pores of surface allow for deterioration
clean-up is labor intensive