How to Remove Spray Paint Graffiti

Removing spray paint graffiti usually requires using a strong chemical solvent.

Graffiti artists have recently acquired respect and recognition in the art world as having a unique set of artistic skills. Urban areas all around the country are encouraging graffiti artists to beautify run-down areas of the city since resources don't allow for the city officials to do anything about the unsightly neighborhoods. Despite the respect earned by real graffiti artists, people are still vandalizing buildings and cars by spraying them with graffiti. Often, these culprits are involved in gangs and destroy property to gain acceptance.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Dish detergent
• Water
• Sponge
• Face mask
• Gloves
• Acetone
• Cloth
• Pressure washer
• Methylene chloride
• Scrub brushes

Instructions

Vehicles

1. Fill the bucket with hot water, and add a few squirts of dish detergent. Swish the water and detergent to mix well.

2. Wet a sponge with the soapy water and scrub the graffiti paint. Apply as much pressure as needed to remove all of the paint. Rinse well with warm water. If the detergent solution does not remove the paint, proceed to step 3.

3. Put on your face mask and gloves to protect your skin and lungs from the harmful chemicals. Wet a cloth with a small amount of acetone. Gently wipe off the paint with the cloth. Apply more acetone to the cloth if needed. Rinse well, and wash the affected area with the detergent solution. Rinse with warm water.

Concrete or Brick

1. Rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store. Use the pressure washer to remove the paint on the concrete or brick surface. If you are unable to use a pressure washer, proceed to step 2.

2. Put on your face mask and gloves to protect your skin and lungs from the harmful chemicals. Apply methylene chloride to the painted concrete or brick, and let it sit for 30 minutes.

3. Wet a scrub brush with hot water, and scrub the area until the graffiti paint is completely removed.

4. Rinse well with warm water. Fill a bucket with hot water, and add a few squirts of dish detergent. Wet a clean scrub brush with the detergent solution and scrub the affected area to remove traces of the methylene chloride. Rinse well with warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, remove the spray paint when it is fresh.

• Avoid getting acetone or methylene chloride on your skin or in your eyes. If this happens, call 9-1-1 immediately.

References

• City of Minneapolis: Graffiti Removal Techniques
• Tipdeck: How to Remove Spray Paint
• Soul Cast: Learn How To Remove Spray Paint On Car Finish