Can You Remove Graffiti From a Concrete Wall?

10/20/2023 (Permalink)

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Removing graffiti from a concrete wall may sound like a difficult task, but is it really? If your home, business, or other property is struck by graffiti, you may be wondering how to go about the removal process, or when to call in a professional. SERVPRO® has compiled a list of graffiti facts, tips, and best practices for removal below.

Graffiti Facts

You may be surprised to learn the following facts about graffiti, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Algirdas M. Leskys, and the Department of Justice’s Deborah Lamm Weisel’s Problem-Specific Guide to Graffiti.

• The United States experiences about $55 per person in damages annually because of graffiti, amounting to billions of dollars (each year).
• This includes the processes of monitoring, detecting, removing, and repairing graffiti.
• Approximately 80% of all graffiti activity in the United States is a result of “tagging” (adding your signature via graffiti so it can be seen by others).
• Approximately 10% is gang related.
• Approximately 5% is a form of artistic expression.
• Graffiti is not regularly reported to police.
• A relatively small number of graffiti offenders are ever apprehended.
• Graffiti is commonly added to areas of transportation terminals, such as subway stations, bus stops, and parking garages.
• Light-colored surfaces, as well as large and plain surfaces, tend to be the most popular amongst graffiti offenders.  

Graffiti Removal from Concrete

The City of Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services offers numerous tips for removing graffiti from concrete walls, including:

• Use graffiti remover or a similar product with extra strength, such as Peel Away Paint Remover.
• Use a wire brush to reach the inside of holes and stone pores.
• Once the paint or graffiti remover has activated, rinse with a powerful stream of water from a hose.
• A soda-blaster or pressure washer may be needed depending on the level of graffiti.
• Light grit sandpaper can also remove paint if the concrete surface is flat.
• However, keep in mind it may scratch the surface.
• A sealer may help close stone pores and assist with future graffiti removal, if needed.
• It is also important you wear proper protective gear, including eye protection and a respirator, when removing graffiti yourself. This will help protect against breathing in potentially harmful fumes.
• If the graffiti is mild and on a smooth surface, using soap, water, and a wire brush may be sufficient for total removal.
• Keep in mind that over-the-counter solvents identified as graffiti removers may be hazardous. Again, properly equipping yourself beforehand is important.
• It is important the affected area is pretested before a solvent, or a specific cleaning technique is employed.

SERVPRO’s Graffiti Removal Process:

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO has been called upon to provide graffiti removal services across the country. Using a variety of proprietary cleaning products, SERVPRO technicians will:

• Assess the area to determine appropriate equipment (inspecting things such as  the type of graffiti and amount of surface covered).
• Upon inspection, determine the type of removal process required.
• Common types include using a solvent and stiff/wire brush, media blasting using dry ice or sand, and/or pressure washing.
• Implement the graffiti cleaning process.