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Paint coating on brick foundation wall (C) Daniel FriedmanHow to Remove Graffiti
from brick, concrete, concrete block, stone & similar masonry surfaces

Graffiti removal: advice & procedures from experts.

This article series describes the causes & cures for various types of stains found on concrete, stone & masonry surfaces both outdoors and indoors.

The article series also distinguishes among common brick stain sources such as algae, bacteria, lichens, moss, soot, sulphur, fungal growth, and other causes of markings on brick.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Graffiti Removal Procedures

The table below is adapted from an older US NPS document, providing a detailed list of graffiti removal suggestions not present in some later documents.

Suggestions for Removing Graffiti from Historic Masonry

   
Graffiti Media Removal Method Health & Safety Warnings
Ballpoint Pen 1. Erase with non-abrasive pencil eraser.

2. Poultice with organic solvent or petroleum-based compound**.

3. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent.

4. Rinse with water.
+ See cautions below for NMP, solvents and petroleum-based compounds.

Wear proper respirator, gloves and eye protection.
Chalk/ Pastel
(Not wax or oil based)
1. Brush off with bristle brush.

2. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent.

3. Rinse with water.
None.
Crayon
Lipstick
Shoe Polish

1. Poultice with denatured alcohol, paint remover* or organic solvent**.

2. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent.

3. Rinse with water .

+ See cautions below for NMP, solvents and petroleum-based compounds.

Wear proper respirator, gloves and eye protection.
Paint
Spray (aerosol)
Non-spray paint

1. Poultice with paint remover*, organic solvent, or petroleum-based compound**.

2. Rinse with water, denatured alcohol or mineral spirits.

3. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent.

4. Rinse with water.

+ See cautions below for NMP, solvents and petroleum-based compounds.

Wear proper respirator, gloves and eye protection.
Pencil

1. Erase with non-abrasive pencil eraser.

2. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent.

3. Rinse with water.

None.
Permanent (felt-tip) Marker

1. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent, if necessary.

2. Poultice with bleach***, paint remover*, organic solvent or petroleum-based compound**.

3. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent

4. Rinse with water.

+ See cautions below for NMP, solvents and petroleum-based compounds.

Bleach is corrosive, causes chemical burns and forms toxic gases (chlorine)

Wear proper respirator, gloves and eye protection.

Water soluble (felt tip) Marker

1. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent.

2. Poultice with bleach***.

3. Wash with water and non-ionic detergent.

4. Rinse with water.

Bleach is corrosive, causes chemical burns and forms toxic gases (chlorine)

Wear proper respirator, gloves and eye protection.

Notes to the table above

Poultice on graffiti - US NPS Weaver cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com ... Poultice on graffiti - US NPS Weaver cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Graffiti photos above are excerpted from Weaver (1995) cited in detail below and illustrate using a poultice as part of a graffiti removal procedure and inappropriate sand-blasting efforts to remove graffiti - a procedure against which readers are warned in this article series.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Graffiti Removal Guides

Spray painted graffiti - US NPS Weaver cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Graffiti photo from Weaver (1995) cited in detail, below.


...

Continue reading at BRICK SURFACE PAINT REMOVAL, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

GRAFFITI REMOVAL FROM BRICK CONCRETE STONE SURFACES at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING STAINS

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.



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