How To Get Spray Paint or Graffiti Off a Brick Wall?

Porous Surface Graffiti Remover

For a porous surface such as brick, there are special removers in the market. These removers are suitable to remove graffiti off the marble, granite, stone, and other porous surfaces.

One can also use multi-surface paint removers to get rid of spray paint and magic marker from porous surfaces.

In case your brick walls have been riddled with layers and layers of graffiti, you should go for a heavy-duty paint stripper. Heavy-duty paint strippers usually remain active on walls for 24 hours. This extended contact ensures the removal of graffiti no matter how many years it has been on the wall.

Heavy-duty paint strippers work slow but dissolve paint buildup effectively. Paint types such as graffiti, latex, clear sealers, lacquers can be easily dissolved using this type of paint stripper.

If you live in Los Angeles, the chances are high that your wall has graffiti. The city shells out around $7 million per year to remove graffiti from public places. Call us at (213) 459-1667 if you are affected by graffiti vandalism.

Trisodium Phosphate Solution

The only pitfall while using Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) solution is its agility. One must be very careful while handling this compound. The sole reason the popularity of this agent has declined is because of its potentness.

It is a tested cleaning agent that can act powerfully on tough stains. Grease stains, mildew, mold, dirt -- you name it, TSP will remove it with ease.

To procedure to use TSP is pretty simple. Start with mixing 1/2 cup of TSP with 1 gallon of hot water. Mix the solution well. Take a brush or a sponge and start applying the solution on the wall. Wait for 10 minutes. Scrub the wall and repeat the process if necessary. You can also use a sprayer to apply the solution. A power washer is a useful tool to use while using TSP.

TSP's Advantages & Disadvantages

TSP does not damage cement, stone, and brick surfaces. Coupling it with your household bleach will effectively remove mold and mildew too.

Experts prefer TSP to get rid of oil stains from concrete driveways and creosote from fireplaces. Peeling off decades-old paint from a surface is a breeze with TSP. You will often see this solution at the workplaces in Los Angeles where painting works occur.

Perhaps the biggest issue with TSP is its toxicity. Full-sleeve cloth, respiratory mask, gloves, goggles, and boots are a must while dealing with this agent. Adequate ventilation is compulsory if you work indoors.

TSP contains phosphates, a compound that can aggravate the growth of algae. Overgrowth of algae invariably reduces the oxygen level in the water. Thus, TSP is a threat to aquatic species, period.

Certain surfaces do not go hand in hand with TSP. The agent is a big no-no for Glass, ceramic, and metal.

Before using TSP, check local rules and regulations. Some local bodies put a blanket ban on TSP, some limit its use.

Borax, Ammonia & Washing Soda

Using borax is an unusual way of removing older paints from walls. Mix borax, ammonia, and washing soda in equal quantities. Mix them with twice the amount of water. Mix until you get a creamy paste.

Apply the agent on the paint using a brush. Wait for the solution to penetrate the paint. Take a ball of steel wool and scrub the surface. Wash the surface with warm water. One can also add vinegar to the recipe and clean soiled walls.

Borox primarily comes from the desert mines of California and China. Cleaning companies tout this as a 'green' cleaning material. According to historians, the agent has been in use for the last 4,000 years. Note that borax is harmless to paint. But when coupled with ammonia and washing soda, it can effectively remove paint.

Chemical & Gel Masonry Stripper

Stripping paint off a wall is a challenging task. Though the process is pretty straightforward, the time it requires to strip off the paint is high. Several coatings of the stripper and multiple scrubbing are a must.

The process differs based on the paint status. If the paint is wet, use an absorbent material to soak the paint. Make sure you do not wipe the paint. Use white spirit or other solvents to treat the surface.

Last comes the de-greasing part. Use a suitable agent to get rid of the run-off material.

If the target is dried paint, start with scraping it off. Apply a solvent-based paint remover on the wall surface. Choose your compounds wisely, as some solutions are acidic in nature. Some change the color of the brick; some fail.

The Process

Remember: While removing paint, you are dealing with chemical substances. Hence, one must use proper safety gear. Safety goggles, masks, gloves, and boots are prerequisites.

Start with brushing the wall with paint stripper outward and downward. Refer to the product and wait for the time mentioned by the manufacturer. Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove the paint. The paint usually comes off as chunks and flakes.

Once done, spray warm water to wash away the paint and stripper residue. Let the wall air-dry. Note that you are not supposed to opt for pressure washing as it can erode a brick wall's surface.

If the wall still has paint flakes, apply another coating of the paint stripper. Repeat the 'brushing' part once again. If the paint is too stubborn, you may have to repeat the process a few more times. If you are satisfied with the removal process, you may move ahead to the last step.

White vinegar is an excellent compound to remove paint residue. Apply it generously on the wall and use a clean brush to remove the residue. Rinse the wall with water.

The Don'ts

No matter how challenging the stain is, do not opt for pressure washing. As the name suggests, pressure washing will put pressure on the wall and erode its surface. You should also pick the chemical solution carefully. Some chemical compounds are acidic and can change the color of bricks. Some tend to damage the surface, and some will lead to rapid deterioration of the wall.

Give us a call at +1.(213) 459-1667 for a free quotation.

Our team and company is operated from Los Angeles California but can service other outlying areas with our experts ready to work on your sand blasting or graffiti removal projects at any time. Call us now to schedule an appointment with one of our experts and we’ll offer you a quote.

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