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Centralised Cleaning Systems

Graffiti Removal Equipment

Banish Graffiti with Pressure Washers & Anti Graffiti Products

Graffiti, as is well known, is the unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface. The name derives from Latin meaning to scribble or scratch and evidence of graffiti was found in the ruins of Pompeii, although it was certainly more literate than the adolescent daubing we live with today. Indeed when continental travel became popular in the 19th century the wealthy travellers, who should have known better, often etched their names onto the walls of the ancient monuments they visited. It is said that Lord Byron scratched his name on one of the columns of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion in Greece.

Materials for Graffiti Removal

The current practitioners of this dubious art are less illustrious but their work is ubiquitous and generally regarded as an eyesore. Graffiti removal is a constant battle for local authorities and private landowners and the weapons used are various. Most graffiti is applied using spray paints or permanent marker pens which are usually solvent or petroleum based and the method of removal depends upon the surface to which it has been applied as well as the medium of the graffiti to be removed. Common removal agents are solutions such as turpentine, white spirit, naptha, alcohol (non drinkable) in various forms, acetone and methylene chloride, a product which, when combined with other ingredients forms the basis for propriety graffiti removal products. All of these agents are, to a greater or lesser extent, hazardous and there are health and safety considerations when using them, however, a possible alternative would be to use a citrus based graffiti removal agent that contains an ingredient such as natural orange extract which can be effective and less hazardous to the environment and the user.

Cleaning up Graffiti

The variety of materials and finishes used in buildings and street furniture require different approaches to the removal of graffiti, for instance a solvent could remove not only the graffiti but also the underlying surface finish and in extreme examples could melt certain plastic finishes. Whatever the solution applied to remove the graffiti it must be efficiently washed off, ideally using a hot water pressure washer which has a controllable output as too high a pressure can be harmful to some surfaces.The most critical factor in the removal of graffiti is speed of response and a hot water pressure washer, without using chemicals, can be as effective as a later treatment using solvents washed off with cold water.

B & G Cleaning have an extensive range of pressure washers, including the Grimebuster a hot water washer with a water supply enough for an hours operation and Ranger (cold water) series both types are operated using an independent power source which makes them ideal for off site work. B & G Cleaning are a leading cleaning equipment supplier and would be pleased to advise on the most appropriate pressure washer for your needs so the clean up can begin.