For many people, the presence of graffiti implies security’s failure to safeguard customers and control lawbreakers.
While graffiti can be an art form or a political statement, it's also considered vandalism. Removing destructive graffiti will help restore the professional appearance of your facility.
The most effective strategy is the swift removal of graffiti. The quicker you act, the less likely new graffiti will be replaced, thereby discouraging further acts of vandalism.
According to Airtasker.com, hiring a Graffiti Removal Service usually costs around $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot, depending on the area, location, graffiti medium, and surface material.
Average Graffiti Removal Price & Type Of Cleaning
• Steam cleaning = $140 - $235
• Dry cleaning = $155 - $380
• Sandblasting = $300 - $900
Painting over graffiti is not recommended. Most graffiti involves dark-colored aerosol paint or permanent markers, which will show through light paint. It would take several layers of paint to cover it completely, even if you're using a medium or dark color you would need numerous coats. This makes the job time-consuming and expensive.
OpenEye, a provider of security surveillance systems for businesses, estimated the unlawful defacing of personal property, and it costs an estimated $12 billion each year to clean up graffiti in the United States.
The hidden cost of graffiti and vandalism exceeds the monetary cost of removal and clean-up. Having a rapid response system in place to deter graffiti, and vandalism and remediate damage can reduce facilities' costs and improve business in general.
Areas covered in graffiti encourage further vandalism. The presence of graffiti doubles the number of people littering and stealing in the surrounding vicinity. If it appears that no one is policing the area and doesn’t care, that location can become a target for even more people to dump trash or tag your buildings.
To discourage graffiti initially, property owners should employ various deterrents. For instance, vandal-proofing susceptible surfaces can significantly reduce tagging incidents. Anti-graffiti coatings make surfaces more challenging to deface, while wash-off coatings, made from wax or silicone, allow for easier removal when treated with hot water, although they must be reapplied regularly. Additionally, using dark or textured surfaces can help obscure graffiti and make it less appealing to would-be vandals, and reduce mindless graffiti.
All Photos & Illustration credit - J.S. Collard Design
ParkingZone has an environmentally safe, natural cleaning solution for removing graffiti. The Graffiti Remover Starter Pack features Safety One and Safety Two, designed for different surfaces. Safety One is a multipurpose concentrate that effectively emulsifies inks, grease, and various paints from coated surfaces. In contrast, Safety Two is formulated for more porous materials like concrete and brick. Both products are infused with a natural cleaning agent that not only removes graffiti but also leaves a pleasant citrus scent. These cleaners are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, provided there is good ventilation.
Understanding the impact of graffiti and effective methods for its quick removal is essential for businesses aiming to maintain their safety, property values, and overall user experience.
ParkingZone is proud to supply the parking industry with the best products available. Call us at 1-800-292-7275, chat with us from our website, or message us online if you have any questions about your needs and challenges. Customer Service and the Sales Team are available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PT, Monday through Friday.
