When it comes to graffiti removal results, no two jobs are created equal, and numerous factors can contribute to the outcome and difficulty of removal.
Here are 8 elements that impact the graffiti removal process:
- 1. Type of surface (and its condition)
- 2. Age of the graffiti tag
- 3. Type of paint used
- 4. Colour of paint used
- 5. Thickness of application
- 6. Exposure to the elements
- 7. Current weather conditions
- 8. Has a previous removal or cover up been attempted?
Let’s dive into each of these in more detail.
1. The Type of Surface Beneath The Graffiti
The underlying surface can be a huge factor in how quickly or easily graffiti is removed. For example, a brick wall is not just a brick wall. Different colours and types of stone have different porosity and manufacturing processes, both of which can promote or inhibit the graffiti removal process (you can read all about graffiti removal from brick here).
Surfaces that are highly sun-faded, oxidized or degraded will also impact the difficulty and success of removal.
2. How Long The Graffiti Tag Has Been There?
Graffiti that is left long term is harder to remove which is why I’m such an advocate for quick removal. Graffiti that is allowed to sit long term can deeply penetrate porous surfaces and exposure to the elements can further bake in the paint which makes removal more challenging. Not to mention, neglecting to remove graffiti can have hidden costs and can have negative effects on your business image and the surrounding community.
3. What Type of Paint Was Used?
The type of paint used often lends itself to the section below on thickness of application. Spray paint is often applied in a thinner coat which can make removal easier, while traditional paint like the kind you would use on your walls would be applied in a thicker coat which will take more time to remove.
4. What Colour Paint Was Used?
Paints with higher pigmentation can be more challenging to remove, especially on more porous surfaces. On the contrary, cooler paints like silver can be easier to lift.
Want to know something cool? While red paint can be challenging, it is often the most fun to remove visually as it changes colour when the removal agent is applied, often going purple.
5. The Thickness of Application
I think this one is fairly self explanatory, but thicker applications will take longer to eradicate as the graffiti removal agent will need to work through the paint in layers in order to remove it completely from the surface below.
Here’s a video that shows the contrast in thickness of application:
As you can see, the top half of this tag has a very light application while the bottom half is more heavy-handed. Complete removal was accomplished, however, the thicker paint needed to be hit with my removal agent FOUR times (plus a lot of elbow grease) before coming out completely. Meanwhile, the top half of the tag came out on the first try.
6. Exposure To The Elements
The sun is not a friend when it comes to graffiti. Period. Full stop.
When tags are exposed to the sun, it works similarly to a pottery kiln, baking the paint into the surface below. Furthermore, painted surfaces like doors or metal bins with direct and prolonged sun exposure degrade at much quicker rate, and sun-faded surfaces can inhibit the removal process. This is why quick removal is the optimal choice and yields a much higher success rate.
7. What Are The Current Weather Conditions?
At Guardian Graffiti Removal, I use liquid surfactants and hot water power washing to remove graffiti. Needless to say that the winter can become a huge challenge to contend with. The most obvious being that water left behind after removal can create a slipping hazard if not properly salted. Water aside, the cold temperatures and cold surfaces can freeze the products before they have time to penetrate the graffiti. This makes removal more difficult and adds more time required on-site to get the job done.
With that being said, winter removal is not impossible, it just requires a little more effort and consideration. If the tag is not crude or hateful (requiring immediate removal) I often recommend waiting for a break in the weather to achieve optimal results. The cooler weather also means that surfaces dry at a slower rate, and can leave behind a wet look for a longer period of time than when the weather is hot.
In the peak of the summer, the opposite is true. I often opt for evening or morning removals for areas with direct sun exposure as the hot afternoon sun can dry up the removal agent before it has a chance to work.
Rain can also pose a challenge, especially where paint-over jobs are concerned, so waiting until a dry day where the paint will adequately cure is preferred.
8. Has Previous Removal or Cover Up Been Attempted?
While the intention is positive, covering up graffiti with more paint or attempting your own removal can have ill effects.
If you’re attempting your own removal using chemicals, it can create a shield that blocks my removal agent from being able to properly penetrate the surface and limiting the success of removal. Furthermore, using the wrong power washer tip, abrasive tools or aggressive media like sandblasting will etch and damage the surface below leaving behind permanent damage. Even though the paint will be gone, you will still clearly see the tag for years to come.
Lastly, I understand the desire to paint over the graffiti and cover it up, however, more often than not this is not done well and is essentially covering graffiti with graffiti – plus this is adds layers of paint that I’d need to remove which can create a more costly, time consuming removal in the future if you choose to have it professionally removed.
In Summary
No two jobs are alike and graffiti removal is a complex task that depends on various factors, each influencing the difficulty and success of the process.
The type of surface, the age of the graffiti, the kind and colour of paint used, and the thickness of the application all play significant roles. Weather conditions and exposure to the elements further impact the effectiveness of removal. Understanding these variables can help ensure a more successful and efficient graffiti removal process.
Prompt action is key. Delaying removal can lead to deeper penetration into porous surfaces and make the job more challenging. It’s important to choose the right approach, tools, and timing to achieve the best possible results. Ultimately, quick and proper removal not only restores the appearance of your property but also supports a positive community image and reduces the risk of additional graffiti tags.
Need graffiti removed? We’re happy to provide you with a free estimate.