How do you remove graffiti from brick?
Graffiti is often very hard to remove. You need to have the proper tools and solvents to remove graffiti, especially when rough surfaces like brick, mortar or concrete is involved. The cleaning process can prove to be time consuming and hectic, but once you do it; your brick can gain its original looks.
The items you will need to remove graffiti of your brick are:
A- Graffiti Remover
B- Spray Bottle (Make sure it’s clean)
C- Pressure Washer
Steps to remove the paint:
1- Start with pouring the Graffiti Remover into a spray bottle. Make sure that the spray bottle is perfectly clean so that you do not accidentally mix the remover with chemicals.
2- Carefully spray the remover over the graffiti.
3- Leave the remover for around 20 minutes for maximum effect when the temperature is warm. Leave the remover for a longer period of time when the weather is cold.
4- Wash the area using pressure wash at around 1500-2000 PSI. For even better results, hot water is ideal.
5- Repeat the process if required.
Important advice and tips
A- Depending on the type of graffiti remover you use and the intensity of how strong the paint is, different quantities and repeated cleansing may be required.
B- A secondary option is to use a paint thinner. Make sure that you always use your safety gear. You have to be certain that you use the eye protection especially. Scrub the area covered by graffiti with a brush (preferably nylon bristle) until it is clean. Although this method is labour intensive, it is one of the most effective ways to get rid of graffiti.
C- Refrain from using metal bristled brushes or acids for this job. They have a big risk of damaging the brick as either of them can leave a mark. Metal bristles could even end up leaving rust stains on the surface. In case you plan to etch the brick, make sure you are prepared to do the whole wall. Once you are through, put on a sealer to protect the brick surface.
D- Replace the bricks that have intense graffiti that fails to be removed, even by using intensive methods. It is not necessary that you replace the entire wall with new bricks; you can just replace the ones that have very strong strains on them. This is also a time consuming and labour intensive method but if you find similar bricks, you do not have to use energy-consuming methods.
The following is a list of things that you may need to include in your graffiti fighter’s toolkit:
1- Aerosol Solvent
2- Trash bags
3- Paint Scraper
4- Safety Glasses
5- Kitchen cleaner
6- Dust Mask
Graffiti removal is not an easy job, especially when rough surfaces like bricks are involved. Nevertheless, that does not mean you give up that easily. Use the methods described above, collect the basic tools and you can regenerate the appealing look of those bricks again!
