Assessing the Problem

Assessing the situation allows you to properly choose the method of removal and abatement. Taking the initial steps to determine what is required to remove the graffiti and protect against future tags.

Type of graffiti: is it marker, pen, metallic paint, spray paint?
Age of graffiti: has it been there a long time? is it multiple tags?
Substrate: is it plexiglass, painted metal, aluminum, stainless, brick, concrete, block?
Resources: Do you have a pressure washer? Budget?

Case Studies

1. Marker Pen on a Traffic Sign
Solution:
1. Graffiti Removal Wipe - simply wipe away graffiti with a single wipe (test surface prior to removal)
2. Ink Removal Wipe - as above
3. PVC Graffiti Remover for Plastic Surfaces - use a soaked rag and wipe away the graffiti - designed specifically to prevent damage to reflective sign surfaces.
2. Light Spray Paint on Brick
Solution:
1. EGR Graffiti Remover for Professional Use - Apply Enviro Graffiti Remover directly to graffiti with a brush working it into the pores of the brick. Allow product to dwell 30 minutes and then scrub with warm water and industrial grade soap or our EnviroClean product. Rinse surface with fresh water.
2. Enviro-Penetrator™/Enviro-Peel™ Solution: Apply Enviro-Penetrator™ graffiti remover to the surface with a brush working it into the pores. Allow to dwell 15 minutes then apply a coat of Enviro-Peel ™ graffiti stripper directly over the surface. Allow Enviro-Peel™ graffiti stripper to dwell a minimum of 30 minutes. Test small area to see if graffiti is lifting from surface. Scrub surface with warm water and industrial grade soap or our EnviroClean™ product. A pressure washer may also be used to wash surface. Use 1500 to 1800 psi maximum. Be careful not to damage grouted areas with high pressure water.
TIP: In some cases, the use of Enviro-Penetrator graffiti remover alone will be sufficient to remove graffiti. This is typical for cases where the substrate is relatively non-porous (ie: glazed brick) and the graffiti tag is basis such as the example shown here.
3. Heavy Aged Graffiti on Concrete
Solution:
These applications are typically "painted over" creating a new canvas for future graffiti. The application of a "paint over" is problematic in that it does not allow the concrete to breathe resulting in spalling of the concrete. The proper solution is to remove the graffiti and to treat the surface with a breathable anti-graffiti coating.
1. Enviro-Peel™ - apply EnviroPeel™ graffiti remover heavily to the surface and allow to dwell for an extended period. (minimum 1 hour) The Enviro-Peel graffiti stripper will penetrate multiple layers of paint in a single application. Pressure wash the surface from the bottom up to remove paint. Perform this step as many times as it requires to peel the graffiti to the bare surface.
2. Once the surface is down to bare concrete, apply Enviro-Penetrator graffiti remover liberally to the surface working it into the pores with a stiff brush. Allow this to dwell for at least 45 minutes to one hour prior to a final application of Enviro-Peel. Apply a final coat of Enviro-Peel graffiti stripper and allow to dwell for another hour. After the required dwell time, pressure wash at 1500 to 1800 psi.
3. Treat the dry surface with an anti-graffiti coating. We recommend Rainguard anti-graffiti coatings for concrete.
4. If the surface is tagged again, make an effort to remove the graffiti within 24 hours. This will reduce the chance of further graffiti. For reference to this, click here.
For more case studies and solutions, please go to next page.