Graffiti On Your Building? Our Pros Can Help!

If your business is located in a city or metropolitan area, there is an increased risk of vandalism, specifically from graffiti. Graffiti can be beautiful, but it is also costly to remove or repair. While you can hire painting services in Vancouver to help restore your property, it still pays to understand some aspects of the removal process.

Choose the Right Solvent

A solvent is a chemical substance that can eat through graffiti or vandalism. However, the type of solvent you choose will depend on the materials used to deface your property. If you use the wrong kind of solvent, you can risk damage to your property.

There is also a time-variant to solvent selection. The longer graffiti has had to dry or adhere to the building, the stronger the chemical agent must be for removal. The longer the graffiti has to dry, the more challenging it will be to remove.

There are many solvents you can choose from to help remove graffiti. However, the type of solvent you use and the precautions you must take depend on the surface and vandalism method. There are a variety of effective solvents, including:

• Acetone
• Lacquer thinner
• Alcohol
• Mineral spirits
• Turpentine
• Methylene chloride
• Naphtha

As most graffiti is the product of spray paint, lacquer thinner is the best choice.  It comprises two or more solvents, typically a mix of acetone, ketone, toluene, amyl, or acetate. The combination solvent is helpful for dissolving paints. 

If you choose to use a lacquer thinner, you will need to be cautious. The liquid can soften underlying paint or damage some surfaces, like vinyl siding or other plastic surfaces.

Consider the Surface

The exterior surface of your building is vital to consider before using any chemical solvents. Some surfaces, primarily unpainted brick, concrete, or cement, can handle aggressive solvents and often require them to get rid of the graffiti.

However, other surfaces, like aluminum siding, are more fragile. Aluminum siding typically has a layer of paint to protect the metal from the elements. Unfortunately, solvents can eat through the painted surface and damage the underlying structure. 

Before using any solvents on any surface, test an inconspicuous area to see how the surface reacts to the chemicals. If you have a surface like a stucco, it is best to avoid harsh chemicals and avoid aggressive scrubbing. Too much pressure or the wrong chemical can lead to permanent damage, requiring new plaster.  Some reports suggest paint remover is okay to use on stucco surfaces. However, if you would rather be on the safe side, hire a professional to help.

Hire Professional Painters

Depending on the size and complexity of the graffiti, it might be best to hire a professional. A seasoned painter is more capable of identifying the appropriate tools and chemicals required to repair the exterior of your building. They will understand the potential chemical reactions of solvents on particular surfaces and determine the best approach to building repair.

Unfortunately, some graffiti is so large and involved that removal just isn’t a viable option. Sometimes the cost to remove the problem far exceeds the expense of a coverup. A professional will help you determine which option is best for you, and if it is determined that covering the graffiti is best, they will know what paints and tools will be most effective.

Seeing graffiti on your business can be devastating. It is, after all, an act of vandalism, meaning you and your company are victims of a crime. While you might be limited in the legal actions you can take, a professional painter can help to restore your property. Contact the professional painting services at Handyman Connection to schedule an assessment and estimate.