Tips for Surface Area Removal:

Brick, Cement, Concrete: Use extra strength paint remover. Apply with a wire brush to work into holes and pores of stone. Allow time to activate and rinse with a forceful stream of water from a hose. Use of a pressure washer or soda-blaster may be needed. If the surface is uniformly flat, a light grit (60) sand paper can remove paint, but will also scratch the surface. Consider using a sealer after removal to close pores and make future removal easier.

Stucco: Due to the multi-faceted surface of stucco, it is impossible to sand off.  Use paint remover and follow up with a high pressure water hose or better yet a pressure washer. Use stucco paint and go over the graffiti carefully. Consider using a sealer as a finish coat.

Aluminium/Vinyl Siding: Aluminium siding is usually coated or painted. Vinyl siding is made of plastic which can be marred by lacquer thinner-type cleaners.  Solvents may work too aggressively and remove the coating as well. Experiment in a small inconspicuous area first and then tackle the more visible areas. Use paint remover sparingly and carefully. Use a clean rag and keep turning to a clean part of the rag before each wipe. The longer the solvent stays on the surface, the deeper it penetrates. In most cases, you will probably have to repaint.

Glass or Plexi-glass: Any razor blade can scrape away cured paint on regular glass. For other marks any solvent can be used. Use the clean rag technique and hold the rag over the graffiti for a moment to let the solvent work. On plexi-glass be careful of the lacquer thinner type solvents as they can attack the surface causing it to fog and smear. Make sure your product is compatible with the type of surface you are cleaning. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Wood: Try working up the solvent list if the marks are new. Most thinners will remove magic markers and acetone will remove day old spray paint. You must use a clean rag and keep using a fresh part on each wipe. On latex or oil-based paint, use a stain-blocking primer for exterior use. After the stain blocker coat has dried, you can proceed with regular paints, oil or latex. Most oil base paints are more durable to solvents and hence could make future clean up easier. Consider a sealer coat after final finish. Avoid using flat paints as they readily absorb pigments from markers and spray paint.

Fibreglass: Depending on the type of graffiti, work your way up the thinner list. Be aware that acetone-based solvents will soften plastics. Use full-strength paint remover and rinse carefully.

Metal: On any unpainted metal (iron or stainless steel) surface, any solvent can be used. Some polished aluminium surfaces will cloud or oxidize with aggressive cleaners like lacquer thinner. Use the clean rag technique. If you are unsuccessful, try paint remover.

Etching: Surfaces scratched or scored with sharp objects can only be filled with fillers or the material will have to be replaced. Some new types of glass have replaceable covers or film layers that are cheaper to replace than the etched glass. Automotive body fillers can fill deep gouges and then be repainted. The only other recourse may be to replace the glass. You might deny the vandal visibility by etching over the vandal’s mark, thus turning a “P” into a “B” and so on. It’s a psychological solution, demonstrating that this area will not tolerate the vandal’s message.

In order to keep your neighborhoods graffiti free help from community members is essential.

• If graffiti is covered up and removed quickly, future acts of graffiti are discouraged.
• The sooner the removal is attempted, the easier it is to remove the graffiti.
• When witnessing suspicious behavior or acts of vandalism, call police immediately. Provide police with descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle, including the make, model, and color and license plate number.
• Take before and after pictures to help law enforcement and community organizations recognize and document repeat ‘taggers’ or offenders.

How can you deter crime?
Property Owners:
• Plant vines, shrubs or thorny plants to limit access to walls.
• Consider adding a mural to your property.
• Increase lighting and visibility. Consider motion or sensor lights to draw attention to any movement on your property.
• Prevent access to your roof or upper levels by removing dumpsters, cars and similar objects which could serve as assistance unto your roof.
• Consider graffiti repellent to protect surfaces against vandalism.
• Encourage community pride in your neighborhood and involve youth in community graffiti removal projects and organizations.
• Get involved in a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood.
• Encourage neighbors to look out for each other.
• Prevent access to potential “canvas” areas
• Post visible signs marking private property.