Tools for Graffiti Removal from Brick, Concrete and other Porous Surfaces

1. Graffiti Remover Solvent: heavy duty for brick and concrete (soy-based, pH Neutral, non-aerosol.  Clean City Pro Red Label Graffiti Remover and Clean City Pro Blue Label Gel Graffiti Remover are the best choice for brick and concrete) 
   
2. Brush: Brass wire brush or stiff nylon grout brush (the harder the bristle, the more "bite" but the greater the risk of scratching the substrate)
   
3. Scouring Pad: (Scouring pads mounted on a handle work best)
   
4. Gloves: Chemical resistant (thicker gloves will prevent tears and allow for repeated use)
   
5. Safety Goggles: Non-vented  (protects the eyes, especially important scrubbing a surface or pressure washing)
   
6. Pressure washer, garden hose or bucket of water to rinse. 
7. If using a pressure washer, always use a face shield and 15 or 25 degree green or white nozzle.  NEVER use a red zero degree nozzle as this will likely cause irreversible damage to the brick or concrete surface.
   

For more information, check out our Best Practices in Graffiti Removal page, our Graffiti Removal Selection page or our Tips and Techniques for Graffiti Removal page.

A 21 year old University of Delaware student was arrested for 82 charges related to graffiti crimes.  The charges include 38 counts of graffiti and 37 counts of graffiti implements.  His graffiti tagging spree has lasted approximately 6 months on campus and in Newark.  Graffiti tags were spray painted onto brick buildings, plastic garbage dumpsters and plastic porta-potties.

The suspect was brought to justice after a police investigation that includes surveillance camera footage, information provided by witnesses, and police vigilance.  Active policing and enforcement directly results in decreased instances of graffiti.  Also, widespread publicity around the arrest of a well-known and prolific graffiti tagger can have a chilling deterrent effect on other graffiti taggers in the community.
  
The cost of graffiti to communities is significant.  The appearance of blight drives down commerce and drives up the cost of graffiti removal.  Cities are forced to reallocate dollars for improvements to graffiti abatement.

It is an essential graffiti removal best practice that graffiti be removed as quickly as possible after a graffiti attack.  

​Step-by-step instructions for removing Graffiti from Rough Surfaces
​STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION BEST PRACTICES for Removing Graffiti from Concrete, Brick using Clean City Pro Heavy Duty Blue Label Gel Graffiti Remover.
1.  City Pro Heavy Duty Blue Label Gel Graffiti Remover is for use on non-sensitive surfaces such as brick concrete, stone and other difficult surfaces.  If using on sensitive surfaces, always test in inconspicuous area before use.
2.  Use chemical resistant gloves & goggles.
3.  Spray or brush graffiti remover onto affected area.  (Ready-to-use. No dilution necessary)
4.  Control drips using nylon or wire brush 
5.  Allow dwell time from 10 to 20 minutes (longer in cold temps)
6.  Warmer temperatures, hot water, and agitation with wire brush increase effectiveness 
7.  Rinse with pressure washer using even, slow passes.  Use 15° fan tip or wider.
8.  Repeat if necessary.

​Step-by-step instructions for removing Graffiti from Plastic garbage Toters.
Five Simple Steps to Remove Graffiti from Plastic Garbage Toters.
Step 1: Spray Clean City Pro Red Label Graffiti Remover or Clean City Pro Green Label Graffiti Remover
Step 2: Allow short dwell time of 10 to 30 seconds
Step 3: Swirl gently with mild scouring pad
Step 4: Wipe surface clean with dry, absorbent rag.
Step 5: For the best results, rinse with water or wipe down with wet rag.

Step-bystep instructions for how to remove Graffiti from Bathrooms and Portable Toilets.
Five Simple Steps to Remove Graffiti from Bathrooms and Portable Toilets
Step 1: Spray Clean City Pro Red Label Graffiti Remover or Clean City Pro Green Label Graffiti Remover
Step 2: Allow short dwell time of 10 to 30 seconds
Step 3: Swirl gently with mild scouring pad
Step 4: Wipe surface clean with dry, absorbent rag.
Step 5: For the best results, rinse with water or wipe down with wet rag.

For more information, check out our Best Practices in Graffiti Removal page, our Graffiti Removal Selection page or our Tips and Techniques for Graffiti Removal page.

After racist graffiti tags were spray painted on a building which sells products made by minority artists, the Boston Herald published an editorial calling for more aggressive defence against graffiti.  Included in their recommendations to reduce graffiti were an increase in fines and harsher penalties for graffiti tagging.  They recommend security cameras as there are documented cases where graffiti taggers were brought to justice after being filmed by security cameras.   

According to a 2016 Department of Justice report, “There are huge public costs associated with graffiti: An estimated $12 billion a year is spent cleaning up graffiti in the United States. Graffiti contributes to lost revenue associated with reduced ridership on transit systems, reduced retail sales and declines in property value. In addition, graffiti generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity.”

Clean City Pro Red Label Graffiti Remover is a fast, effective and safe heavy duty graffiti remover for removing Spray Paint from Brick.

3 Simple Steps for graffiti removal from Brick.
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Step 1: Spray, pour or brush Clean City Pro Red Label Graffiti Remover or Clean City Pro Blue Label Gel Graffiti Remover onto graffiti tag.

Step 2: Allow a moderate dwell time of 5 to 30 minutes
Note:  A longer or shorter dwell time is possible depending on conditions.  If spray paint is highly saturated, the brick is highly porous or the temperature is cold, allow for a longer dwell time. 

​Step 3: Pressure wash using a wide, fan tip pressure washing nozzle such as 25 degree green tip.  Repeat if necessary.

​For more information, check out our Best Practices in Graffiti Removal page, our Graffiti Removal Selection page or our Tips and Techniques for Graffiti Removal page.