Why You Should Act Fast When It Comes To Graffiti Removal & Cleaning

Graffiti rose to popularity in the 70s, and now you’d be hard pressed to find a building that doesn’t host a variety of tags and artwork. Whilst some may appreciate the creativity, more often than not it becomes a nuisance and requires graffiti removal services to restore the building back to its original condition.

As restoration experts, we’d like to offer a few of our top reasons on why you should act fast to remove it.

A brief history lesson on graffiti

Whilst we’re on the topic of graffiti removal, we should take a look at why it is so popular in the first place.

Graffiti is thought to be taken from the Greek word Graphien which translates to ‘write’. The origins of graffiti are currently speculated to trace back some 64,000 years ago, by the discovery of prehistoric Neanderthal cave paintings or paleolithic art created before the existence of homosapiens, in Maltravieso cave, Spain.

Paleolithic cave painting of Bison at Altamira, Northern Spain

These markings are believed to demonstrate symbolic thinking and communication, suggesting Neanderthals were more advanced in complex behaviour and language than previously presumed. Whilst the true meanings are unknown, cave paintings are suggested to be creative expression representing their relationship with nature and religious beliefs.

Evidence of graffiti and symbolism can be seen across many heritage sites, showing the art form has been commonplace in society across generations. Fast-forward to the 21st century and we are looking at a much different version of the now contemporary art.

Tagging rose to popularity in New York in the 70s, with Cornbread being a notable artist that inspired the movement. Whilst it is still regarded as expression of culture and creativity, graffiti is now a controversial topic due to its gateway to more serious crime and further association with gang-related activity.

Statistics on graffiti within the UK are limited, but it has been estimated graffiti removal costs the UK £1billion per year, suggesting the problem is still rife. It’s understandable why home and business owners feel violated when their property is vandalised.

Why is graffiti so hard to remove?

Graffiti removal often requires specialists due to way the paint bonds to a surface. Often buildings are made of rough, porous materials such as stone and concrete, meaning the paint is able to penetrate deep into the wall and becomes difficult to clean. The longer you put off graffiti removal, the harder it becomes to remove.

The method of graffiti removal and required chemicals also varies by surface, further complicating its removal.

How graffiti Can Damage a Reputation (especially for businesses)

When it comes to graffiti on business or public buildings, it can really affect your reputation, with any visitors passing through seeing it and potentially forming an opinion of your company or organisation from the appearance of your property. After all, first impressions do count for something!

Repeat Graffiti Offenders

Leaving graffiti for an extended period of time may encourage repeat offenders, as they may gain the impression their artwork will be left undisturbed. This is why its important to act fast when it comes to graffiti removal.

Avoiding Permanent Graffiti Damage

Depending on the surface the graffiti is on, permanent damage can be caused, particularly when having it removed, as certain companies may use the wrong substrate to clean it and cause edging, or even leave shadows. Take a quick read of this article exploring the damages incorrect removal can cause.

You may also be tempted to cover the graffiti in paint or try DIY methods of graffiti removal, however there is a much safer and effective solution to your problem.

I think we have identified that immediate graffiti removal is important, and unless you’ve discovered a Banksy – it’s probably best for the reputation and the condition of your building.

What methods can be used for professional graffiti removal?

Chemical cleaning is the first non-invasive method which can assist in graffiti removal by dissolving the paint, with different chemicals used for different surfaces. Should this not work, pressure-washing or blast cleaning can also used to break this down.

If the paint doesn’t respond to non-invasive graffiti removal techniques, it may require abrasive intervention. We offer ice, grit and soda blasting which uses pressurised pellets to effectively grind down the top layer of a surface that is effected.

Our team will ensure they fulfil this with the minimum degree of damage necessary to provide the highest-quality results.

Call In The Graffiti Removal Experts ASAP

For swift graffiti removal, we recommend you call in the experts, to make sure it is handled with the proper equipment and substances.

At Rainbow Restoration, we have over 30 years of experience in high access blast cleaning, hot & cold water blasting, power blasting, and general blast cleaning for graffiti removal. Our technicians are fully trained and kitted out with the best equipment to make sure your building looks spotless.

If you require immediate graffiti removal, feel free to get in contact with our specialist cleaners today to discuss your requirements further!