Using Power Washers to Erase Signs of Vandalism

Unfortunately, today graffiti removal is a constant battle in many cities both large and small. This ongoing problem often requires heavy-duty solutions because spray paint is difficult to remove using ordinary soap and water. To erase these signs of vandalism, a power washer is often necessary. In fact, a power washer will remove graffiti that otherwise seems permanent. Unlike scraping with a razor blade, using paint stripper, or other removal methods that work slowly, removing a large section of graffiti takes just a few minutes. Power washing is particularly recommended for removing graffiti from brick, masonry, or wooden surfaces.

Luckily, a power washer can be used for graffiti removal quite easily. The key is to find a powerwasher that puts out water at a high enough water pressure to remove the paint, but a low enough water pressure to avoid damaging the surface behind the graffiti. A very high-pressure system may seem like an easy way to remove graffiti, but in reality too much pressure can actually damage the surface behind the paint. On concrete surfaces, 2000-3500 PSI is ideal for graffiti removal. On brick, masonry, or wooden surfaces, 500PSI or less should be used to avoid damaging the surface.

A wide or fan-shaped sprayer nozzle is also helpful when trying to remove graffiti; a more focused nozzle can sometimes damage or etch the surface, so it should be avoided when removing graffiti. To use a power washer for graffiti removal, one should be careful not to concentrate the spray on one area for too long, or permanent signs of graffiti existence will be etched into the wall. Instead, use broad sweeping motions until the graffiti disappears from the surface. This is particularly a danger when using a high PSI power washer.

Even with broad strokes, it is possible that a powerwasher could cause some color change. After all, power washers are often used to clean concrete, brick, or wooden surfaces that gain a darker tone as they age; the difference in color between pressure washed and unwashed sections can often be dramatic. When using a power washer to remove graffiti, wash the entire wall if possible to help the cleaned space blend in. If this is not possible, lightly power wash the area surrounding the removed graffiti to blend it in.

Whenever possible, a hot water power washer should be used for removing graffiti. Particularly on metal surfaces, the heat helps to break the bonds between the paint and the underlying surface. Despite this, a cold water power washer is nearly always effective at removing graffiti.

When using chemicals and solvents along with a power washer for graffiti removal, first apply the chosen solution to the surface according to the directions on the package. Then use the power washer as you would have if you had not applied this product. However, in most cases detergents or other products are unnecessary for removing graffiti. In just a few minutes, the power washer’s spray allows for effective graffiti removal. The signs of vandalism can be removed almost as quickly as they appeared.

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