How do you remove graffiti from a wall?
Graffiti left in place often attracts more tags. The sooner it is removed, the easier it is: the paint has not yet soaked deep into the material.
Updated
Quick answer
To remove graffiti, act fast, choose a graffiti remover suited to the surface, apply it, let it work for the time indicated, then scrub and rinse with hot water. On brick or concrete, which are porous, a gel remover and a pressure rinse are often needed. Always test on a hidden spot first.
Time: 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the surface
What you need
- Graffiti remover suited to the surface (gel for brick and concrete, mild product for painted metal or glass)
- Stiff nylon-bristle brush and cloths
- Hot water, ideally a hot-water pressure washer
- Chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses
Steps
- 1
Take a photo
Take a photo of the graffiti for your insurance or a police report.
- 2
Identify the surface
Brick, concrete, stone, painted metal, glass and vinyl do not call for the same product. A painted surface may lose its paint along with the tag.
- 3
Do a test
Try the product on a small hidden spot to make sure it does not damage the surface.
- 4
Apply the remover
Spread the product over the graffiti and let it work for the time given by the manufacturer.
- 5
Scrub and rinse
Scrub with the brush, then rinse with hot water. On a porous surface, a pressure rinse helps lift the paint out of the pores.
- 6
Repeat if needed
An old or heavily pigmented tag often needs a second application.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting: the paint hardens and soaks into the brick.
- Using thinner on vinyl or plastic: it melts them.
- Sandblasting brick: the surface is damaged and gets dirty faster afterward.
When should you call a professional?
On brick, natural stone or large surfaces, professionals combine a remover and pressurized hot water to take off the tag without leaving a shadow. HygiePro removes graffiti from the facades of businesses across Greater Montreal.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if the wall of my business is tagged?
Photograph it, report it if needed, then have it removed quickly: graffiti left in place attracts more. Check with your municipality or borough, as some offer help with removal.
What is the best anti-graffiti product?
An anti-graffiti coating applied to the clean wall. A sacrificial coating comes off with the graffiti during washing and has to be reapplied; a permanent coating lets tags be removed several times without being redone.
Can you just paint over it?
On a wall that is already painted, yes, if the colour is identical. On brick or stone, a patch of paint is often more visible than the tag itself: it is better to remove it.