Some graffiti can be truly incredible—in fact, some cities are even hiring professional graffiti artists to spruce up otherwise plain surfaces. However, suffice it to say that most run-of-the-mill graffiti taggers are far from artists—just vandals adding ugly signatures to privately-owned property. If your residential or commercial property has been hit with graffiti, here’s how to remove it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Graffiti that occurs on a painted surface is easy to get rid of; simply paint it over with a matching color of paint. If you don’t have your original paint color, this might be a good time to paint over the entire surface with a new color. Every cloud has a silver lining!
It’s relatively easy to remove graffiti from unpainted, non-absorbent surfaces such as glass or metal. A good graffiti removal product, available at most hardware or paint stores, is usually enough to get rid of spray paint, markers, crayon, and other “art” supplies.
Raw masonry surfaces are favorite targets for taggers, and unfortunately, they usually require power washing or soda blasting to clean. Be sure to start out with the gentlest setting possible, and then move up to a higher pressure setting if the graffiti doesn’t come off. It’s also a good idea to apply the power washer to an inconspicuous “test” area, especially if you are working with a valuable, unstable, or historic building.
Removing graffiti or stenciling from the sidewalk requires a two step-process. First, you’ll need to apply a graffiti remover made specifically for concrete (available at most hardware stores.) Then, either pressure wash or soda blast the area.
Once you’ve finished painting, pressure washing, or soda blasting away the graffiti, take steps so you never have to do it again. You can deter vandals (as well as thieves) by installing a fence and gate which can only be opened with remote access controls. You can also install security cameras to let taggers know that they’ll be easy to pick out of a lineup.
Our Charlotte security company can help you get all the protection you need from trespassers. If you live in the Charlotte area and need security cameras, gate access controls, or other home security solutions, be sure to call James Access Controls for a free installation estimate!