If a graffiti ‘artist’ leaves their mark on your property, it can pose a real problem. Graffiti is expensive to remove and difficult to clean. The more quickly it’s removed, the less likely more of it will appear in the same area. It’s also easier to clean if taken care of right away. You don’t want to give the paint time to soak in. Here is what you need to know to safely remove it.
Get Prepared
If you are trying to remove spray paint from bricks or other hard surfaces, you’ll need a solvent product. There are numerous productson the market. Find an effective paint removal that won’t cause excess damage to bricks or other materials. .
Once the paint is dissolved, you will need a few items for the rest of the clean up. These are a pressure washer, soft bristle brush, soap and warm water, and rags.
Safe Graffiti Removal Tips
There are several steps you can take to safely remove the work of a graffiti artist.
Before applying any graffiti remover, test a small area to make sure it doesn’t damage the underlying brick. Once you get the green light, spray the product over the affected area. Let it sit for about 30 seconds and wipe off. Don’t leave it on too long or the chemicals could cause damage.
Wipe the solution away with a rag or cloth. Using soap and water and a soft bristled brush, wipe away the remainder. If it doesn’t all come off, use a pressure washer to finish the job.
You may want to try graffiti Safewipes to get the paint off. Wipe them across the affected area and they will take up much of the paint. Remove any leftover paint with soap and water.
Since brick is covered in little holes and crevices, it’s difficult to remove all of the paint with graffiti remover. The gentle and safe use of a pressure washer for the final touches may be necessary. Consult a professional before you take action.
Wear Protective Gear
Before you begin removing the paint, make sure you are wearing proper protective gear. This includes gloves, a mask, and safety goggles. The chemicals in paint are toxic and can impact your health.
How to Prevent Graffiti
There are a few steps you can take to discourage graffiti artists from paying you a visit.
Put up barriers. Install fences, gates or locks to prevent easy access to an area. Consider painting your fence if you have one. Don’t leave a blank canvas for someone.
Use plants. Cover a space with vines, plants or shrubs. Greenery will make it harder to access a space. Thorny bushes like roses or barberry, provide an extra deterrent.
Keep a neat appearance. Properties that are messy will give a message to others that you don’t care about your land. Broken fences, unkempt landscaping, and litter are among the telltale signs.
Use protective coating. Prevent damage by applying anti-graffiti coatings to vulnerable surfaces. They will make graffiti clean-up easier and result in less damage.
Enhance the lighting. The more light you have, the less likely your space will be used as a canvas.
Graffiti Removal Costs
There are several factors that determine the price tag to remove graffiti. They include the amount of graffiti, the type of surface it’s on and your geographical location. The cost of a professional clean up typically ranges between $1 and $3.50 per square foot, not including the service charge. If you do the job yourself, expect to pay between 2-cents and 30-cents per square foot. If you decide to paint over it, the cost will depend on the amount of paint used.
Clean Your Home Exterior
If you are ready to deep clean the exterior of your home or deck, the professionals at Peak Power Wash can help. We use a technique called “soft wash”, which uses a much lower amount of pressure and reduces potential harm to surfaces. Contact us at 443-686-WASH or visit our website to request a free estimate.
Sources:
https://propaintcorner.com/paint-primer/spray-paint/how-to-remove-spray-paint-from-brick/
