Graffiti can be an artform when applied to the right canvas, but most businesses do not want their building decorated with art they didn’t commission. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to remove the unwanted paint quickly to ensure your building remains welcoming to visitors – and to deter future vandals.
While it may be tempting to tackle graffiti removal on your own, there are many ways to go wrong that can cause lasting harm to your property. Instead, consider these reasons to hire a professional graffiti removal company to return your property to its former glory.
Professionals Can Remove Graffiti Completely
Vandals typically use spray paint or other permanent substances to give their graffiti the best chance at a long life. Unfortunately, these substances are extremely difficult to remove with traditional methods.
Business owners who attempt to DIY graffiti removal often find that their chosen cleaning agents have damaged their property or left traces of paint behind. These remnants become even more challenging to remove – and can even become permanent – when treated with incorrect techniques or left for an extended period of time.
On the other hand, experienced exterior cleaning companies have professional grade chemicals and tools that can remove graffiti completely – the first time. Additionally, professionals have the expertise to remove even the toughest substances without damaging your property.
Different Surfaces Require Different Graffiti Removal Techniques
DIY graffiti removal is challenging because different surfaces require unique combinations of chemicals and water pressure to achieve optimal results without causing lasting damage. If your methods are too aggressive, you could dent, chip, or break the surface you are attempting to clean. Conversely, if your methods are not strong enough, you could be left with unsightly remnants.
Fortunately, the right exterior cleaning company will have the experience to use the correct combination of chemicals and water pressure to remove graffiti completely while preserving the integrity of your surface. Some of the different types of surfaces that a professional cleaning company can assist with include brick, wood, metal, masonry, concrete, and vinyl.
Removing Graffiti From Brick and Mortar Requires Experience
New brick responds well to pressure washing while older brick surfaces are more vulnerable to concentrated sprays of water. For these trickier brick surfaces, your cleaning company should use a combination of chemicals and avoid ultra high-powered pressure washing.
Removing Graffiti From Wood Often Involves Refinishing
Removing graffiti from wood can be a challenge, particularly for older and painted wooden surfaces. It requires the use of specialized chemicals, pressure washing, and sometimes re-painting to fully cover graffiti. When you have graffiti on a wooden surface, it is wise to work with a company that also offers professional painting services, so you can be sure that your property looks great after graffiti removal.
Graffiti Can Be Pressure Washed From Most Metal Surfaces
Most metal surfaces can be pressure washed without lasting damage. However, these areas often require different chemicals – such as industrial paint thinner – to completely remove graffiti, with care taken to avoid damaging protective coatings.
Graffiti Can Penetrate Porous Surfaces Like Stone & Masonry
Stone is more porous than other surfaces like brick and metal. For this reason, it requires a unique set of chemicals to clean without causing damage. Using the wrong chemicals can permanently damage your stone surfaces, so be sure to choose a cleaning company with vast experience in pressure washing stone.
Concrete Graffiti Requires The Right Tools
Despite its reputation for durability, concrete can be damaged if the wrong water pressure or nozzle tip is used to pressure wash it. To avoid etches and notches after cleaning, work with a company that has extensive experience pressure washing concrete.
Removing Graffiti From Vinyl Requires A Professional
Vinyl is a delicate surface and requires special care when cleaning. The right pressure washing company will use low water pressure and special, vinyl-safe chemicals to clean this surface.
Hiring A Professional to Remove Graffiti Saves Time
DIY removal might seem like a cost-saving option, but graffiti removal takes more time and money than you may realize. It can take a few days to research safe cleaning techniques, source the right chemicals, and pressure wash the surface – especially if the graffiti is in an inconvenient location.
Even after all this work, you still run the risk of costly damage if you make a mistake. On the other hand, a professional exterior maintenance company has the right equipment and chemicals on hand to get the job done.
By hiring a professional cleaning company to remove graffiti, you can save time and ensure your property is welcoming for visitors and employees. If you tackle the removal quickly, you can even deter future vandals by proving that their art won’t be left for long.
Contact Terra Pro-Wash for Graffiti Removal
At Terra Pro-Wash, a division of Terra Commercial Property Services, we remove graffiti quickly and restore your property to its former glory. Our team has experience removing paint and other markings from many types of surfaces without causing further damage.
Our graffiti removal services are available to current and new customers, but those on a recurring maintenance plan move to the front of the line for emergency cleanings. To learn more about our pressure washing and graffiti removal services, reach out to a member of our team today!