If you look around, it seems like graffiti is everywhere.
To some graffiti is art, a form of self-expression. To others, especially business owners, it’s nothing but vandalism—and it comes with the trouble and expense of removing it.
Graffiti Facts
Graffiti has become so prevalent today, we hardly notice it. But it has a history, different styles and techniques, and noted artists (often called “writers”).
- What we think of as graffiti in the U.S. got started in Philadelphia in the late 1960s.
- Graffiti is commonly found around transportation terminals: subway stations, bus stops, and parking garages.
- Light-colored surfaces, as well as large and plain surfaces, tend to be the most popular amongst graffiti offenders.
- Today, most graffiti is created with spray paint and markers.
- The United States experiences about $55 per person in damages annually because of graffiti, amounting to billions of dollars (per year). This includes the processes of monitoring, detecting, removing, and repairing graffiti.
- Approximately 80% of all graffiti activity in the United States is a result of “tagging” (adding your signature via graffiti so it can be seen by others).
- About 10% is gang related.
- Just 5% of graffiti is a form of artistic expression.
- Graffiti is not regularly reported to police.
- A relatively small number of graffiti offenders are ever apprehended.
Graffiti Removal from Concrete
Some tips for removing graffiti from concrete walls:
- If the graffiti is mild and on a smooth surface, soap, water, and a wire brush may be sufficient for total removal.
- Use graffiti remover or a similar product with extra strength, such as paint remover.
- Over-the-counter solvents identified as graffiti removers may be hazardous.
- Use a wire brush to reach the inside of holes and stone pores.
- Once the paint or graffiti remover has activated, rinse with a powerful stream of water from a hose. A soda-blaster or pressure washer may be needed.
- Light grit sandpaper can also remove paint if the concrete surface is flat. Keep in mind that it might scratch the surface.
- A sealer can help close stone pores and assist with future graffiti removal.
- Wear proper protective gear, including eye protection and a respirator, when removing graffiti yourself. This will help protect against breathing in potentially harmful fumes.
- Keep in mind that some chemical solvents are flammable.
- It’s important that the affected area is pretested before a solvent, or a specific cleaning technique is employed.
SERVPRO’s Graffiti Removal Process
As the #1 choice in fire and water cleanup and restoration*, SERVPRO has been called upon to provide graffiti removal services across the country. Using a variety of proprietary cleaning products, SERVPRO technicians will:
- Assess the area to determine appropriate equipment (inspecting things such as the type of graffiti and amount of surface covered).
- Upon inspection, determine the type of removal process required.
- Common types include using a solvent and stiff/wire brush, media blasting using dry ice or sand, and/or pressure washing.
- Implement the graffiti cleaning process.
SERVPRO is Here to Help ® 24/7
With more than 2350 franchises across the United States and Canada, SERVPRO covers 97% of all US zip codes within two hours. Technicians are dedicated to promptly arriving at each job with the equipment and personnel to remediate as quickly as possible, and get you back up and running. The best part? SERVPRO provides much more than graffiti removal and standard water damage cleanup. Franchises across North America also offer fire damage cleanup, mold damage cleanup, biohazard cleanup, construction services, and more.
Whether you experience graffiti to your home or business on a weekend, holiday, in the middle of the night, or more, SERVPRO franchises will be there. Find your local SERVPRO today, and give us a call. We look forward to serving you and returning the damage to pre-loss condition, “Like it never even happened.”