Graffiti vandalism is described as writings or drawings made to a property without the consent of the owner, and it has become a pervasive problem in many urban areas. As an eyesore that can detract from your curb appeal, graffiti not only diminishes the appearance of your property but can also affect the value and safety of the neighbourhood.

There are many types of graffiti that can be found on your building including:

• Tags: This often looks like just the name of the vandal.
• Stencils: This involves using a stencil that’s often filled in with spray paint.
• Bombs: These are larger pieces that are often filled in, typically using spray paint or latex paint.
• Stickers and posters: Include unwanted add-ons that are adhered to your building.

Graffiti can be applied using many types of media, from ink markers to latex and spray paint.  Newer forms of graffiti are also emerging, including scratching and etching tags into glass, referred to as ‘scratchiti’ and ‘etchiti.’

Before you encounter graffiti on your property, try and deter it from happening in the first place with a simple, proactive approach:

1. Install proper lighting: One of the most effective ways to deter graffiti is by ensuring your property is well-lit. Adequate lighting can make potential vandals feel exposed and less likely to target your property. Consider installing motion-activated lights in dark corners, alleyways, and around your building to save costs and provide illumination when you need it most.
2. Use an anti-graffiti coating: Investing in graffiti-resistant coatings for your property can be a wise choice that will save you time and money in the long term. These coatings create a protective barrier, making it easier to remove graffiti and discouraging vandals from tagging your property in the first place. Consult with a professional to determine the best type of coating for your specific surfaces, such as brick, concrete, or metal.
3. Plant defensive landscaping: Strategically placed thorny or prickly plants can act as a natural deterrent against graffiti. Consider planting bushes like roses or holly near walls and fences to create a barrier that makes it difficult for vandals to access your property’s surfaces.
4. Mount surveillance cameras: Surveillance cameras can be a powerful tool for deterring graffiti and identifying vandals if an incident does occur. Make sure your cameras are visible and have signage posted that your property is under surveillance for maximum effect.
5. Invest in a mural: Murals are a great way to beautify your property while deterring taggers. Work with a local artist and the community to install murals in areas of high-frequency tagging. Don’t forget to have the mural protected with a coating. Professionally applied coatings will not only protect the artwork from fading but also provide a protective barrier in the event that the art needs to be removed.

What should you do if you find graffiti on your property?

• Photograph and document graffiti, including an incident report.
• Report the graffiti to local authorities.
• Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Using the wrong product on the first try can “set” the ink and make it much more difficult to remove.
• Hire an experienced contractor for removal.

Graffiti removal can be complex, depending on factors like what media was used, and the substrate underneath. There is no one-kind-fits-all approach because different inks require different chemicals to pull ink to the surface. Similarly, different substrates require specific products for successful treatment. For example, removing an ink marker tag from glass would simply require a graffiti removal solution and rag, however, ink marker removal from a brick wall would require a different graffiti removal solution and a hot water pressure washer to remove. The ‘scratchiti’ and ‘etchiti’ types of graffiti require a three-step buff and polish process to remove them from each surface.

If graffiti does appear on your property, it’s essential to remove it quickly. The longer graffiti remains visible, the more likely it is to attract additional tags. Quick action sends a message that your property is well-maintained and not an easy target for future vandals.

If you are a repeated victim of graffiti, it may make sense to create a tailored maintenance program with a graffiti removal vendor. Programs can include weekly patrols by certified technicians and unlimited graffiti removal for a set monthly price to better address it promptly and minimize cost and effort.

Hiring a professional  

Graffiti removal is not a job for maintenance managers, posing risks, and potentially increasing expenses if not conducted correctly. DIY solutions can be costly, ineffective, and cause further damage to your building, but a qualified graffiti removal contractor can use their expertise, advanced techniques, and professional equipment to remove graffiti efficiently.

Safety is also a concern when dealing with chemicals and accessing hard-to-reach areas on your property, and hiring a professional takes that risk out of your hands.

Many of the graffiti removal products use chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Attempting to remove graffiti yourself can lead to the release of toxic chemicals that can cause environmental pollution. Seek out a contractor that uses environmentally friendly methods and products that align with your ESG goals.

What should you look for in a qualified removal contractor?

• Ensure your contractor has ample experience dealing with the size and scope of your project. Ask for references from prior customers to confirm.
• Look for the proper certifications. Before accepting a proposal, request a WSIB Clearance Certificate, Certificate of Insurance, and confirmation of RRPA registry. Also ensure their employees are qualified by requesting confirmation of employee training, and any certifications such as working at heights and AODA.
• Do your research to find someone whose practices align with your environmental goals. Contractors using a pressure washer for removal need to be registered with the Ministry of the Environment’s RPRA’s Hazardous Waste Program Registry to be compliant with local municipal by-laws. Ensure that you choose a contractor whose environmental approach provides a greener removal process.

Graffiti vandalism is inconvenient, unsightly, and expensive. Deterring and removing it from your property will help simplify your maintenance plan, save time and money, and provide consistent curb appeal for your building.

Katie is owning-partner of Goodbye Graffiti™ Toronto West. With 11 years of invaluable experience spanning diverse roles within the company, Katie’s journey epitomizes dedication and expertise in combating graffiti vandalism. Katie assists clients in achieving a cleaner, greener, more prosperous community with solutions to eliminate the impact of vandalism on neighbourhoods and businesses.

This article was featured in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Facility Cleaning & Maintenance magazine.