How to remove graffiti

Graffiti is unsightly and can have a negative impact on your property. Depending on where it has been sprayed and what has been sprayed may require a different removal technique.

How to remove graffiti from brick

There are several ways to remove graffiti from brick. The method you use will depend on the severity of the graffiti and the condition of the bricks it has been sprayed on. Here’s how to remove graffiti from a brick wall:

1. Power washing: Using a pressure washer with a high-pressure nozzle will remove graffiti from brick. Just be careful not to damage the brickwork
2. Solvents and chemicals: Certain chemicals, such as paint thinner or graffiti remover, can be used to dissolve and remove graffiti from brick surfaces. Make sure to use these in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection
3. Sandblasting: This method uses a high-pressure stream of sand to remove graffiti from surfaces like brick. This method should be used with caution as it can cause damage to the brick surface, such as chipping or pitting
4. Wire brush: A wire brush can be used to scrub away graffiti from brick surfaces. This method may take more time and effort, but it can be effective in removing graffiti
5. Hiring a professional: This is the best option if you’re at all unsure about what to do. If you attempt the wrong method on your wall, you could cause irreversible damage that could be very costly

How to remove graffiti from glass

Removing graffiti from glass can be a bit trickier than from other surfaces due to the delicate nature of the material, but there are several methods that can be effective:

1. Glass cleaner and razor blade: Spray a glass cleaner onto the graffiti and then use a fine, sharp razor blade to scrape it off gently. Make sure to use a new blade and be cautious not to scratch the glass (or yourself!)
2. Eraser: You could also try using a white eraser or magic eraser to rub away the graffiti gently
3. Solvents: Certain solvents, such as paint thinner or graffiti remover, can be used to dissolve and remove graffiti from glass. Make sure that you use these in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection
4. Hiring a professional: If the graffiti is particularly difficult to remove, on a hard-to-reach area, or you’re nervous about damaging your glass, then we would strongly recommend hiring a professional

If you do try to remove the graffiti yourself, make sure you test any method on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on the entire surface. This is to make sure it will not damage or discolour the glass. For the best results, we always recommend hiring a professional.

How to remove graffiti from stone

Removing graffiti from stone will depend on what type of stone wall you have. Certain types of stone, such as marble, limestone, or sandstone can be sensitive to acidic cleaning products and harsh abrasives, so it’s important to use the appropriate method for the specific type of stone.

If you’re at all unsure, we recommend hiring a professional. Want to give it a go yourself? Here are some different methods to try:

1. Power washing: This is a quick and effective way to remove graffiti from surfaces like granite and limestone
2. Solvents and chemicals: Certain chemicals, such as paint thinner or graffiti remover, can be used to dissolve and remove graffiti from stone surfaces. Use these in in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate PPE (gloves and eye protection)
3. Sandblasting: This method uses a high-pressure stream of sand to remove graffiti from surfaces like granite and limestone
4. Poultice: A poultice made of baking soda and water can be applied to graffiti on natural stone surfaces and left to sit for several hours before being removed with water
5. Hiring a professional: We strongly recommend hiring a professional so that the most appropriate method of removal is taken. This will make sure there is no damage to your property

As with all removals, make sure you try on a small area first.

How to remove graffiti from wood

Removing graffiti from wood will most probably mean you need to refinish the wood. If you’re able to paint over it, that’s probably your best option.

However, if your wood isn’t painted, then you can try and remove the graffiti with the following:

1. A wire brush to scrub the graffiti off
2. Sandpaper or an electric sander to sand it away
3. A pressure washer
4. Solvents and chemicals

Each method will require you to assess the wood, and relevant safety measures must be taken when using tools and chemicals. If you’re at all unsure, hire a professional. That way, you will get the best results too.

How to remove graffiti from metal

Removing graffiti from metal will require you to assess the type and condition of the metal affected.

One way you can remove graffiti from metal is with paint thinner or graffiti remover, but be sure to check the instructions that it is suitable for metal surfaces. Certain types of metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel, can be sensitive to acidic cleaning products and harsh abrasives, so it’s important to use the appropriate method for the specific type of metal.

You could also try a wire brush to scrub away the graffiti, but be aware of damaging the metal. You don’t want to scratch it as you could run the risk of rusting.

To protect yourself and the metal, hiring a professional will be your best bet.

The risks of removing graffiti yourself

Removing graffiti yourself can come with certain risks, including:

1. Damaging the surface. For example, methods, such as power washing or sandblasting, can cause damage to the brick surface, leaving it chipped or pitted
2. Incomplete removal
3. Personal injury. Improper use of solvents, chemicals or power tools can cause eye, skin or lung irritation, or other health issues
4. Property damage. Improper handling of power tools or solvents can cause damage to the surrounding property

For best results, we always recommend hiring a profesional.

Hiring a professional graffiti removal service

Hiring a professional means you can be sure the graffiti will be long gone from your property, and you can avoid any risk of damage to yourself or your property.

Take a look at our graffiti removal cost guide to help budget for your graffiti removal.