Graffiti is writing or drawings that have been scribed, scratched, or painted illicitly on a wall or other surface, often within public view. It can range from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and have existed since ancient times. Many people may consider graffiti to be art and in some ways it is until it ends up in places it shouldn’t be.

Tools of the Trade and Tools that Fight Graffiti

Today the tools of the trade most often include spray paint and marker pens. In most counties, marking or painting property without the property owner’s consent is considered defacement and vandalism, which is a punishable crime. A graffiti fighter’s tool kit includes aerosol solvent, clean cotton painter’s rags, trash bags, inexpensive paint brushes, roller and paint containers, paint that matches various surfaces, a paint scraper, dust mask, safety glasses and kitchen cleaner with water in a spray bottle.

Removing Graffiti from Metal Surfaces

On metal surfaces you can try wiping graffiti off with common paint thinner or try graffiti removal products, sometimes WD-40 will remove it. If this doesn’t work you can try rubbing it with steel or bronze wool, or light sandpaper. The next step if it remains is to try power-washing it with a 3000psi pressure washer. If these methods don’t work, you’ll have to paint over it.

Removing Graffiti from Wood Fences & Siding

On wood surfaces, if the wood isn’t weathered and is sealed with paint, stain or sealer, try to remove it by wiping it with mineral spirits. Do not do this if the wood is weathered as the paint will be pushed deeper into the wood. You can try power washing with a 3000psi pressure washer but be careful that it isn’t pushing the paint further into the wood. You can repaint the wood after sanding it if these methods don’t work.

Removing Graffiti from Plastic Surfaces

On plastic surfaces, try using WD-40 and do not use paint thinners as they can soften the plastic and make it look cloudy. A light rubbing with ultra-fine steel may help. You will have to paint over it if this doesn’t work.

Removing Graffiti from Brick, Stone & Masonry

The best option on masonry is to use a 3000psi pressure washer to wash it. You need to be careful when selecting the tip as to not etch the masonry. You can try sand-blasting but be careful as with power washing. Be sure to move the tip over the painted area to blend it. You can always paint over it if this doesn’t work.

How to Take Graffiti Off Glass

The best thing to do with glass surfaces is to use a razor blade to carefully scape it off. Make sure the blade is in a holder and scrape it at a 30 degree angle to the glass. Then you can try using ultra-fine bronze wool with water to rub it off. You can try paint thinners on glass but the razor blade method is the fastest.

Professional Painting & Graffiti Removal Services in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Yonkers, Tarrytown, Bronxville & White Plains New York

There are many surfaces that can have graffiti on them and different methods to try and remove it. If you have given these methods a try and you aren’t having any luck, call New York Painting Services to have them remove it or paint over it to conceal it.