Tips on How to Remove Graffiti with Bio-Based Products

Brick, concrete, cars, glass, and other surfaces are all prone to graffiti. As a result, there is always a need for graffiti removal. Even during the height of the Roman Empire, graffiti was a problem, and the modern world is no different. Found in every modern city across the world, governments, non-profits, property owners, and other organizations spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on graffiti removal each year. But is there a safe, cost-effective way we can help remove graffiti and clean up the streets around our beloved cities? In this blog, Vertec BioSolvents explores three of the most effective methods for removing graffiti. Read on to learn more:

Pressure Washing Graffiti

Although pressure washing is a commonly used technique for removing graffiti from various surfaces, it is far from the most effective. Despite its popularity, it comes with several drawbacks that make it less effective compared to alternative methods. One of the primary concerns with pressure washing is its excessive water consumption, which can lead to wastage, especially when dealing with graffiti created using durable and resistant paints.

When graffiti vandals use tough paints, pressure washing might not completely eliminate the graffiti, resulting in the need for multiple attempts. Each additional round of pressure washing not only wastes more water but also increases the risk of causing damage to the underlying surface. Delicate surfaces like historical buildings, monuments, or sensitive materials may be particularly vulnerable to this method.

Furthermore, pressure washing can lead to the dispersion of paint particles and contaminants into the environment. This can cause pollution and contribute to the degradation of surrounding areas, such as nearby soil, water sources, and vegetation. Additionally, the high-pressure water used in this process might cause unintended etching or scarring on some surfaces, further compromising their integrity and appearance. While pressure washing remains a go-to method for many graffiti removal contractors due to its familiarity and ease of implementation, there are indeed more effective and eco-friendly alternatives available.

Painting Over Graffiti

Those who are new to graffiti removal may see painting over graffiti as the best course of action. However, anyone who has spent any time doing such probably understands some of the pitfalls associated with this method.

While also widely used, paint tends to peel, bubble, and fade when exposed to the harsh elements of the outdoors, where most graffiti is found. What’s left over after this happens is a mess which many may see as even worse than the original graffiti work. To make the cover-up last, multiple coats and continuous maintenance must be used. Unfortunately, this may be one of the worst methods of graffiti removal available to clean up crews.

Chemical Removal

Chemical removal has recently undergone scrutiny due to concerns about environmental impact, damage to surfaces, and worker safety. While these are all true of many traditional chemical removal processes, there are safe bio solvent options which can be extremely effective while simultaneously negating many, if not all, of the negative impacts associated with traditional chemical removal of graffiti.

For example, VertecBio™ Gold is a biodegradable corn and soybean derived solvent used to remove spray paint and ink from all types of surfaces. Easily rinsed away with water and with a low volatility, this safe solvent alternative product is perhaps the best option available on the market for the removal of graffiti, ink, and more. It is completely safe, non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic, making it the ideal solution for both worker safety and environmental protections.

How to Remove Graffiti with Vertec Biosolvents BioBased Products

At Vertec, our unwavering commitment lies in sustainable solvent technology, where we create products that not only surpass their petrochemical counterparts in safety but also excel in performance. We firmly believe that being "environmentally friendly" and "high performing" can go hand in hand, and our goal is to revolutionize the industry with each bio-based formulated product like ethyl lactate, d-limonene, soy methyl ester, or ethanol. We are dedicated to providing solutions that are both safe and effective, ensuring your graffiti removal needs are met efficiently.

If you are in search of a safer and more effective solution for graffiti removal, look no further than Vertec's Biosolvents. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the best product for your specific application. Contact us today for more information!