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Graffiti Removal: Be Prepared

By September 27, 2017August 8th, 2022Painting Tips, Renovation Tips

Graffiti removal after the fact is a long and costly process. Learn what you can do to prevent vandalism on your property in the first place!

We think you’d agree that vandalism is a hindrance to a community. This is particularly true when it comes to graffiti.
“Graffiti comes from the Greek word graphein, meaning, ‘to write.’ Today, graffiti ranges from simple, one-color monikers (like a nickname), called ‘tags’ and repeated on many surfaces to complex compositions of several colors” (Take Back the Wall).

When property vandalism by way of graffiti litters your schools, businesses and streets, it shows visitors that no one cares to stop these kinds of vandalizing acts. Unfortunately, this welcomes other forms of crime and dereliction, leading residents to feel unsafe in their neighborhood. To combat this misconduct from happening in the first place, and to remove it after the fact, we have a few suggestions for you to consider:

Stop graffiti in its tracks

In terms of protecting your property from graffiti, you have several options:

  • You could try using an environmental design, such as thorny bushes, to make it more difficult for people with mal-intent to reach the surface of your exterior.
  • Also, making sure the surrounding area is well lit will deter loiters from the area, as it is unlikely they will want to stand there long.

If your property is a frequent victim of graffiti, using an anti-graffiti coating is an excellent way to protect against it. Usually, when graffiti is painted onto a wall, a solvent or abrasive chemical solution is necessary to remove it, in unison with pressure washing. However, with the implementation of anti-graffiti coating, removing graffiti becomes a lot easier. Some of the best solutions on the market are:

Benjamin Moore’s Aliphatic Urethane- Gloss (V500)


These products make it so that a simple pressure wash alone removes any graffiti that is defacing the wall. What’s more is that because it is a clear coating, it allows the color of your building to show through, keeping your branding intact. These coatings will save you money and time, as you won’t have to constantly purchase expensive chemicals and implement a long removal process.

Research shows that the best way to deter graffiti is through rapid removal (within a 24-48 hour timeframe) in addition to education on the issue. With this new paint/coating technology, communities can prevent decreasing “property values, loss of business growth and tourism, and reduced ridership on transit systems” (City of Salina).

Remove Existing Graffiti Now

So, what do you do if you already have graffiti on your building?

As discussed earlier, the best method of removing graffiti is pressure washing. Hire a pressure-washing contractor to remove the defacement, and then have them apply a topcoat to protect the surface, such as the ones recommended above.

Not sure if this applies to you? Here are some of the businesses that could benefit from implementing this system the most:

  • Restaurants
  • Educational facilities (schools, colleges and universities)
  • Commercial facilities
  • Multi-family communities
  • Hospitality facilities
  • Retail environments

 

re:fab is an experienced and trusted pressure-washing contractor. Not only do we emphasize client communication, but we also focus on working to improve your home or business. Call us today to get your free estimate!

Sources:

 

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Whether the interior walls of your commercial facility have been damaged, the front door of your business needs an upgrade or your floors are in need of attention, re:fab has the right team and process to meet your specific needs.
With a team of skilled carpenters and specialty craftsmen, re:fab helps clients tackle quick improvements to full-scale renovation needs.


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re:fab is the trusted partner for commercial renovations and specialty applications for properties and facilities across all industries. Whether a commercial office building or a multi-family property, our experienced team has the knowledge and resources to get your job done right.

  • Flooring & Epoxy Coatings
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Floor Coatings Keep Your Foundations Safe

re:fab’s floor coating services provide a dramatic enhancement to the look and feel of commercial and industrial properties. In addition, specialty floor coatings maintain the health and durability of your floors and overall properties, creating a more healthy and safer space for your employees, customers and the environment

Our Experts Provide A Variety Of Floor Coating Services, Including:

  • Epoxy Floor Coatings
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*Please note: re:fab provides flooring services as part of a larger renovation or painting program or project, not a standalone service.


EIFS + Stucco


Commercial buildings and industrial facilities featuring exterior walls with an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) have the attractiveness of a stucco finish but with greater insulation, toughness and longevity. In fact, unlike stucco, EIFS is actually a multi-layered system that includes insulation board, base coat and finish coat. It’s a combination that provides a classic look with modern advantages.

In addition to much-improved insulation, EIFS can improve indoor air quality and reduce the environmental impact of a structure throughout its lifetime, and it is available in a virtually unlimited range of colors and textures.

EIFS has transformed commercial buildings across all industries and our team of specialists can help you understand the benefits of this important application.

*We are Dryvit Systems EIFS Certified Installers.


Power Washing


Regular power washing keeps commercial facilities running efficiently and safely, helps businesses stay compliant with environmental regulations, rids surfaces of mold and delivers an attractive first impression to clients and guests. Our team can quickly and easily return your properties to excellent condition.

Exterior Power Washing Services Include:

  • Exterior wall pressure washing
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re:fab’s 30 years+ experience with commercial interior and exterior painting, sealing and wall & ceiling applications assures each client that we have the expertise to deliver for any business painting requirement. Tackling projects both large and small, across New England, our teams are capable of serving all of your standard and specialty painting and application needs.

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