SoSafeUSA

There are several factors that influence the right approach to removing graffiti:

What type of substrate has the graffiti been applied to? & What type of graffiti has been applied?

The SoSafe manual indicates the correct graffiti removal products to use on particular substrates. This section will cover the main types of graffiti, namely: aerosol spray paint & marker pen.

There are four controllable factors that should be understood when removing graffiti.

• Time
• Temperature
• Agitation (Brush / Pressure Washing)
• Chemical

Time – The longer the contact time the deeper the graffiti remover will penetrate. The more
sensitive the surface the shorter the time the graffiti product is on the surface.

Temperature – Warmer weather speeds up the rate in which the graffiti remover products
operate.

Agitation – When graffiti removal products are applied by means of hard bristled brushes or
scourers, it assists in breaking the bond between the graffiti and the surface. NOTE: be
careful on sensitive surfaces, otherwise the underlying surface maybe damaged while removing graffiti.

Chemical – Use the right chemical for the task at hand (review the product selection guide).
To compensate for any reduction in one of these for variables increase one of the other
variables ie. Should the temperature be cold, increase the contact time between the graffiti
and the graffiti remover, alternatively you could increase the temperature, by using a hot water
pressure washing system.

Once you understand the above components, you too can become an expert at removing graffiti.

Resources

Councils view to removing graffiti | SoSafe Australia’s – Hints to removing graffiti