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Advice > Graffiti Removal

While PRIDE no longer offers graffiti removal as one of our services, we are happy to share with you some of our expertise in this area on this site. The following is a description of the process we used for efficient and effective graffiti removal.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask for our advice.

Do It Yourself Removal

1. Goal

Removal of pollutants, paint, ink from all substrates [wood, metal, concrete, plastic, glass, brick, painted metal siding both vertical and horizontal] causing as little damage to the substrate as possible and leaving as little shadow as possible with the combined use of chemicals.

Ask: is the product I'm using 3-ways safe?
  • for the user?
  • for the environment?
  • for the surface to which it is applied?

2. Process

  1. Take digital picture of graffiti noting the location in log book.
  2. Take a digital picture of the surrounding area noting any physical damage to the environment.
    1. These pictures will come in handy later if accused of damage.
  3. Set up secure perimeter for both the P.R.I.D.E. crew and the public.
  4. Suit up wearing applicable safety clothing for the process.
    1. Gloves
    2. Boots
    3. Face shield
    4. Ear plugs
  5. Use ZERO DISCHARGE PROCESS CONTROL.
  6. Use just water and high heat and see if the pollutants {graffiti} will come off.
    1. If not. proceed to {2g}.
    2. Painted Surfaces.
      Paint over a previously painted surface with matching colors. If matching is impossible paint over the entire surface.
    3. If it is removable, proceed to remove and go to{2m}.
  7. Use one of the MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF to see if it will be removed without blasting.
    1. MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 1-FOOD, BEVERAGE, PROTEIN STAIN REMOVER
    2. BIODEGRADABLE and WATER BASED product designed specifically to remove stains such as coffee, tea, Kool-Aid ®, soda pop, sauces, ketchup, blood and grass, in addition to other water or protein based spots and stains. WORKS ON ALL SURFACES!
    3. MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 2-ADHESIVE, OILY FOODS AND GREASE STAIN REMOVER
      original petroleum-based formula, commercially and industrially proven to effectively remove such items as; chewing gum, adhesives, grease, tar, motor oil, sap, and naturally oil-based foods such as salad dressing. WORKS ON ALL SURFACES
    4. MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 3-PEN, INK AND MARKER AND GRAFFITI REMOVER BIODEGRADABLE and WATER-BASED product designed to remove most types of ink, including; indelible ink, ball-point pen ink, permanent marker, highlighter and other related inks such as stamp pad ink. Also removes nail polish and correction fluid.WORKS ON ALL SURFACES
    5. MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 4-SPRAY PAINT GRAFFITI REMOVER BIODEGRADABLE and WATER BASED is the world's first and only Green Cross certified paint remover. Furthermore, it works more effectively in the same time or better, and cost less per ounce than most solvents. Our secret formula actually breaks the molecular bond between the paint and the surface, unlike solvents or d-Limonene based removers that simply dissolve paint and spread it around. WORKS ON ALL SURFACES INCLUDING CONCRETE, BRICK, STUCCO, STREET SIGNS
    6. MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 5-LATEX BASED PAINT REMOVER BIODEGRADABLE and WATER BASED is a patented breakthrough formula that removes fresh latex paint as well as dried old paint. Our latex paint remover is the only known water-based product that quickly and effectively removes all types of latex based paint from hard surfaces and brushes. Because our exclusive formulation is not a solvent, it is safe, economical, and easy to use. WORKS ON ALL SURFACES
    7. NEW TECH PASTE STRIPPER ® to be used on non coated concrete surfaces.
      Use 185 degree water and a little soap to do the final removal.
  8. If one of the chemicals work.
    1. Rinse the surface with warm water.
    2. Proceed to [2m].
  9. Determine the size of media and the pressure to use to remove the pollutants without harming the substrate.
  10. Start a 24 inches from the surface with 2000 psi and check for damage to substrate.
  11. Increase the pressure to 3200 psi and check again for damage.
    1. If there is damage change the size of the media to USP #2.
    2. If it is still damaging try BORAX "INDUSTRIAL".
      Move in closer until the pollutant is being removed from the surface.
  12. Constantly check for damage to the surface.
  13. Inspect the surface for complete removal.
  14. Sweep any and all debris from the surface and dispose properly in a designated waste receptacle.
  15. Take digital picture of the clean area for the record.
  16. Take a digital picture of the surrounding area after you are finished noting any physical damage to the environment or the lack of.
    1. These pictures will come in handy later if accused of damage.

3. Operational Tips

  1. All media will damage the surface in sum way except for glass, rubber and vinyl.
  2. Plan and look the project over carefully before submitting a bid.
  3. Make sure you have lots of blast media and supplies.
  4. Try to work out of the sun if possible.
  5. If working on grass or around plants:
    1. Cover plants if possible.
    2. Wet the entire area with fresh water to help dilute the Sodium Bicarb.
  6. Diminish problems by working away from people if possible.
  7. Use cold water for media blasting.
  8. Apply NEW TECH PASTE STRIPPER ® with 3" chip brush.

4. Common Mistakes

  1. Forgetting to turn on the heater while applying the cleaning agent.
  2. Not sweeping well.
  3. Not picking up the trash.
  4. Not taking before and after shots.

5. Equipment and Supplies

  1. Pressure washer.
  2. Blast wand ST-55
  3. Landa wand.
  4. 12 fifty pound bags of 3 sized media.
    1. XL HYDRO FLEX ARM AND HAMMER
    2. USP #2
    3. USP #5
  5. 12 Traffic Cones
    Must be clean!
  6. 5 gallons NEW TECH PASTE STRIPPER®
  7. 1 gallon MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 1-FOOD, BEVERAGE, PROTEIN STAIN REMOVER
  8. 1 gallon MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 2-ADHESIVE, OILY FOODS AND GREASE STAIN REMOVER.
  9. 1 gallon MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 3-PEN, INK AND MARKER AND GRAFFITI REMOVER.
  10. 5 gallons MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 4-SPRAY PAINT GRAFFITI REMOVER.
  11. 1 gallon MOTSENBOCKER'S LIFT OFF® 5-LATEX BASED PAINT REMOVER.
  12. 6 gallon pump up sprayers.
  13. 24 3" chip brushes.
  14. 25 clean cotton towels.

6. Maintenance

  1. Clean with warm water only all tools and flush to grass.
  2. Store all media in dry safe place.
  3. Dry all equipment.
  4. Wash out and dispose of dirty towels in proper disposal place.
  5. Restock vehicle in non freezing weather.
  6. Removing freezable items during freezing weather
 

© 1996-2003 PRIDE Services Inc.
231 S. Grant Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
800.427.6640
970.493.6254 (FAX)