See Our Vandalism Clean-Up & Damage Restoration Services In Action
We received a service request from the city for skatepark graffiti removal. The skate park was only a year old and had been vandalized with layers upon layers of graffiti. Before calling ServiceMaster TBS, a number of other companies failed at complete removal. Removing paint from skatepark-style concrete takes special planning and just enough force, as the concrete is delicate. Too much pressure could damage the smoothness of the surface, rendering it unsafe or unrideable.
Below is a comprehensive guide for removing graffiti based on our experience with this project. We’ve removed graffiti from brick, stucco, siding, and other surfaces, but this was our first attempt with this type of free-form concrete. Our team completed the requested service and learned a lot during the process:
- Project: Skatepark Graffiti Removal
- Days to Complete: 3
- Surface Area: Approximately 7500 square ft.
1. Assessing
The first step was evaluating the extent of the damage and determining the appropriate cleaning method. Different surfaces require different methods of cleaning, so we always look first for recommendations from the manufacturer to care for their product.
The biggest takeaway from the manufacturer's care instructions was to utilize pressure no higher than 1300 PSI and apply their favorite graffiti removal product from World’s Best Graffiti Removal Systems. We have experience utilizing a variety of products that have variable levels of success, so we were happy that the manufacturer had this written in their specifications, as it proved to be the absolute best!
2. Testing
Before applying any remover or cleaning solution, we test it on an inconspicuous area to make sure there isn't damage to the surface. World’s Best remover is safe and effective for all types of natural stone, stainless steel, trees, plastics, and playground equipment, as it does not have any of the harmful ingredients that other graffiti removers list. After assessing the area, we began the application process.
3. Applying
We used ‘Bare Brick’ Stone and Masonry Graffiti Remover, by the World’s Best Grafitti Removal System, two types of pump sprayers and paint rollers for application, trying each to determine which applicator would help adherence to the substrate.
Because the skatepark surfaces are curved and angled, we determined that the paint rollers were best to apply the product. After the product was rolled onto the surface, we used deck brushes to agitate the chemical coating. As we worked, we learned just how important it was to allow proper dwell time as directed in the product direction. This project was completed in mid-December, so the cold temperature inhibited some of our progress, but following along with the instruction and repeating the process three times before rinsing was the key to success.
4. Rinsing
After the application process, we moved on to pressure washing the park. ‘Bare Brick’ Stone and Masonry Graffiti Remover’ suggests using heated water versus traditional, so we decided to use our truck mount system. The truck-mounted power washers we used were set at their max temp of 230 degrees Fahrenheit with a PSI of 1,300.
Improper use of the pressure washing machine can lead to surface damage, so we stuck to the low PSI to make sure the surface had no degradation. With the high temperature, we rinsed away the graffiti and made sure to protect the surface at the same time.
5. Inspecting
After rinsing, we waited for the concrete to dry completely and then examined the skatepark. The graffiti removal was an amazing success.
