If you’re a building owner whose property has been graffitied, removing the unsightly vandalism as soon as possible is essential. Performing graffiti removal can be difficult on a textured material like brick. Thankfully, with the right assistance, you’ll restore your building’s exterior to like-new condition. 

A Guide to Brick Surfaces & Graffiti Removal 

What to Do Immediately 

Brick is a porous construction material with many nooks and crevices, which means it soaks up spray paint or marker. It can be additionally challenging to remove stains from the rough or uneven grouting between each block. 

If you notice the graffiti when it’s still wet, use clean rags or paper towels to blot the paint and remove as much as possible. This will minimize absorption and make subsequent cleaning efforts more effective. Avoid wiping or smearing the paint, or you’ll spread the coloring and make it worse.

How Professionals Remove Paint 

Pressure washing machines use fast-moving water to clean outdoor surfaces. Experts will typically set the system to around 3 gallons per minute and 3,000 pounds per square inch to take off the paint. They may use a wide hose tip to preserve the masonry. 

Paint stripper is a liquid or gel that contains chemicals that break down the paint, like sodium hydroxide. Some formulas contain solvents like dichloromethane that extract the paint from the textured surface. Some are designed specifically for brick or masonry. The professional may apply these products and let them sit for a specific period of time to let them work into the brick. 

They’ll then use a scrub brush to remove the paint. They may need to repeat this process of applying stripper and scrubbing several times to remove the vandalism completely.

If you need graffiti removal for your business or building, contact Dependable Cleaning Service in Waterbury, CT. This family-owned small business has been in operation since the 1970s and caters to commercial clients throughout New Haven County. Call them at (203) 574-2046 to get a free estimate or visit their website for information on their industrial cleaning services.