How to Remove Graffiti from Brick Walls

Trying to remove graffiti from brick walls is frustrating for property owners and businesses. It is especially costly and time-consuming for councils as they keep public areas and infrastructure clean and clear. Have you recently found unwanted tags, flyposting, or murals on your walls and wondered how to remove them without damaging the brick? Removing graffiti from brick requires a careful approach – not just any paint stripper will do. This guide offers expert advice on the best graffiti removal techniques, products, and application methods to restore your brick walls safely.

Why Removing Graffiti from Brick Walls Requires Specialist Products

Brick surfaces are porous, making them more challenging to remove graffiti from than non-porous surfaces like metal or glass. Paint and dyes from graffiti penetrate these small pores, creating a bond that makes the graffiti tough to remove. Standard paint strippers or household cleaners can damage the brick, leaving stains, rough spots, or even causing discolouration.

It’s not impossible, though. Specialist graffiti removers are formulated to break down graffiti pigments on brick surfaces safely, without damaging the surface. They’re particularly effective on porous materials like brick and concrete, lifting away the graffiti while preserving the brick’s original texture and colour. Using the correct product not only protects the surface but ensures an efficient and thorough clean.

Steps to Remove Graffiti from Brick Walls

Preparation

Graffiti removal products often contain strong chemicals, so start by wearing gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing. It’s also essential to cover surrounding surfaces, plants, and windows, as the graffiti remover could damage them if it splashes or runs off.

Ensure that you have read the product’s data sheets and are familiar with the manufacturer’s guidance.

Step 1: Select a Specialist Graffiti Remover

Choose a high-quality graffiti remover designed specifically for brick and other porous surfaces. Reputable removers break down graffiti without damaging brick. These products are tough on graffiti yet gentle on brick – this ensures effective results without compromising the wall’s appearance.

Step 2: Apply the Graffiti Remover

Following the instructions on the product label and data sheets, apply the graffiti remover to the affected area. Let the product sit for the specified amount of time, as this allows it to penetrate the brick and lift the paint or ink.

Step 3: Gently Scrub the Surface

After the remover has had time to act, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the graffiti. Avoid using overly harsh tools or brushes, as these can cause permanent damage to the brick. Repeat this step as needed, especially if the graffiti has been on the wall for a long time or is deeply embedded.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the wall with water to wash away the graffiti remover and any remaining paint particles. A power washer can be helpful, but keep the pressure low to avoid eroding the brick surface. Rinse until all traces of graffiti and remover are gone, leaving the brick clean.

Step 5: Apply an Anti-Graffiti Coating

To make removing graffiti in the future easier, apply an anti-graffiti coating. These coatings create a protective barrier that prevents graffiti from seeping into the brick. You may also wish to invest in lighting to make brick walls more visible at night to deter vandalism, or use plants to cover them, preventing tagging.

Removing Graffiti From Painted Brick Walls

So far our guide covers how to remove graffiti from bare brick. If your brick walls have been coated with masonry paint, which has then been attacked by graffiti, you have one of two options:

1. Use a mild graffiti remover, such as Hydron AG3 Graffiti Remover. This specially blended solvent product works on gloss paints, removing unwanted tags, slogans, and posters from painted masonry.

However – most masonry paints have a matt finish. Wiping and cleaning a matt masonry paint could well transform that area into a gloss finish. That means even with the graffiti removed, that particular section of wall may still have a different appearance to the rest of the property.

2. Paint over the graffiti. Using a masonry paint that has good blocking power, like Wethertex AP77 Flexible Smooth Masonry Paint, should mean you can simply paint over the problem and restore your brick walls.

If you choose this option, you must test the masonry paint on a small area first. What you’re looking for is to ensure that it doesn’t react with the graffiti, and that your masonry paint does block it sufficiently. Always read the manufacturer’s data sheets for their recommended best practises.

 

Conclusion

Removing graffiti from brick walls doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right specialist products and techniques, you can effectively restore your brick walls without damage. Take the time to choose the correct product and follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the data sheet carefully for best results.

If you have more questions or need assistance with a challenging graffiti removal project, leave a comment below! Rawlins’ Technical Experts are here to help, offering professional advice tailored to your unique situation.