Graffiti is an unfortunate reality for many property owners, whether it’s on a commercial building, residential space, or public property. If you’ve been hit with vandalism, your likely question is whether you should invest in having the graffiti removed completely or just paint over the graffiti, and the answer can be tricky.
The decision depends on several factors, including the type of surface, the integrity of the surface, and your budget. In this blog post, we’ll explore these key considerations to help you decide which approach is best for your property.
1. Type of Surface: Will Successful Removal Of The Graffiti Be Possible?
One of the first things to evaluate when dealing with graffiti is the type of surface it’s on. The goal of graffiti removal is to return the surface to its original state so painting surfaces where that is possible is not recommended. Consider these scenarios:
Non-Porous Surfaces (like metal or glass)
These surfaces are generally easier to remove graffiti from as the tag doesn’t penetrate deeply into the surface. If these surfaces are in good condition and not oxidized, sun-faded or have paint that is peeling, we’d recommend hiring a graffiti removal company to support you.
Porous Surfaces (such as brick or concrete)
Unless these surfaces are already painted or in a deteriorated state where high-pressure power washing might inflict further damage, we recommend hiring a company to remove the graffiti. A skilled graffiti removal company with the right tools and products at their disposal can typically remove graffiti from brick, stone and concrete with a high rate of success.
Previously Painted Surfaces
If your surface is already painted, it might be worth considering painting over the graffiti, especially if the existing paint is in poor condition and will need to be touched up anyway. In some cases, the graffiti can be removed successfully, however, the use of a hot water powerwasher will strip any flaking paint along with the graffiti which leaves behind a less than ideal result.
2. Integrity of the Surface: Graffiti Doesn’t Remove Well from Damaged Surfaces
The condition of the surface itself plays a significant role in how well graffiti can be removed. Surfaces that are heavily oxidized, sun-faded, or have peeling paint can be more difficult to remove graffiti from – and will leave behind results that are not aesthetically pleasing. Here’s why:
Oxidized and Faded Paint
Graffiti doesn’t come off well from surfaces that have deteriorated over time. If the surface is sun-faded or has lost its protective coating, graffiti removal may result in uneven surfaces or further damage. In such cases, painting over the graffiti is the optimal choice.
Painted Surfaces with Heavy Wear
If the paint is peeling or cracking, attempting to remove graffiti could cause further damage to the surface. In these cases, a fresh coat of paint may be a more practical solution, as it can help restore the integrity of the surface while covering the graffiti.
For surfaces in poor condition, graffiti removal may not be as effective, and painting over the graffiti could be a more reliable and aesthetic solution. Whether you’re hiring a graffiti removal contractor, painting company or tackling the job yourself, remember to colour match the paint as close to the existing colour as possible, use high quality paint, and paint the entire surface.
We see many “completed” jobs where the individual has simply painted over the graffiti using any paint they have laying around, and while the graffiti may be covered, it does not yield a professional, aesthetically pleasing result.
3. Cost: Removal vs. Painting Over Graffiti
Cost is often a decisive factor in determining whether to remove graffiti or paint over it. Here’s how the costs break down:
Graffiti Removal
Removal can be more expensive than painting over the graffiti, however when done correctly, it returns the surface to its previous state and that is the optimal solution. There are numerous factors that influence the price of damage-free graffiti removal, like age of tag, type of paint used (and thickness of application), type of surface and its condition, etc. so getting estimates from companies in your area will help you get a sense of the investment required for removal.
Painting Over Graffiti
Painting over graffiti can be a more cost-effective option for surfaces that are already painted, however, we urge you to set out guidelines and expectations with whomever you choose to hire.
Paint matching tools are spot on these days so there is no excuse for the surface to not be painted using a closely matched paint colour (if the current colour is unknown). It’s also advisable that you have the contractor paint the complete surface. For example, if graffiti is on an exterior door, rather than simply painting over the graffiti, painting the entire door will yield exponentially better results.
It’s important to note that while painting over graffiti can be less expensive upfront, it’s not always the best solution for surfaces where a complete removal is possible. If the surface is capable of being restored to its original state without damage, removing the graffiti entirely will maintain the property’s appearance for a longer time and reduce maintenance in the future.
Let’s Recap
When deciding whether to remove graffiti or paint over it, the decision really comes down to the type of surface and the integrity of it.
If you’re unsure which option is best for your property, a professional graffiti removal company can assess the situation and recommend the most effective solution for removing the graffiti. Whether you choose removal or painting over, acting quickly is key to maintaining a clean, well-kept property and preventing further vandalism.
Been hit with graffiti? Contact us today for a free consultation and let Guardian Graffiti Removal help you restore your property! From damage-free graffiti removal to repainting of tagged surfaces, we offer full-service options for all your graffiti removal needs.