How To Remove Graffiti
Removing graffiti usually entails using paint thinner or turpentine as a removal substance. The type of substance that you use to remove graffiti depends on the extent of the graffiti as well as the paint or product that was used to create the graffiti in the first place. Graffiti is usually created with the use of spray paint. If the damage is extensive, you might have to hire a professional who will use spray chemicals to remove the graffiti damage.
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.
If the graffiti is from some other substance, such as chalk or any water soluble material, then power washing with water is the easiest way to remove the graffiti. In cases where sidewalk chalk is used on your property as a form of graffiti, you can take a power washer to the damage and get rid of it right away. Most often, however, it is spray paint that is the culprit behind graffiti.
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
If you have a small amount of graffiti to remove, you might want to use paint remover. Use gloves when you are using this toxic and flammable product. It is also a good idea to wear a mask that will keep you from breathing in the fumes. You can then wipe down the graffiti and remove the paint. The problem with this is that you will also be removing any other paint that is under the graffiti. This can pose a problem if you are removing graffiti from a painted fence.
If you want to remove graffiti from a painted substance, you are better off to cover the graffiti with primer and repaint the area. This will save you time and money and will get rid of the graffiti.