Graffiti has become a common problem that can target any building. As a homeowner, graffiti on your fence will affect its original beauty. Therefore, you should employ the best techniques to keep those who enjoy painting art on your fence at bay. However, if you wake up one morning and realise there is graffiti on your fence, it is imperative that you remove it immediately. This piece takes a closer look at some of the best ways on how to remove graffiti from a wooden fence.
Removing Graffiti from wood tips
1. Try to identify the mode of application
The sooner you get rid of graffiti from wood, the easier it is to clean. Therefore, before you start removing it, take time to identify the mode of application, the type of wood you need to clean and the best technique that will ensure you get rid of the paint efficiently.
Hard and smooth wood surfaces are often easy to clean. If the wood is rough and porous, it might take a long time for you to remove graffiti. This means you need to identify the materials used to apply graffiti to clean the wood fence. Some of the conventional materials used in the application of graffiti include:
- Grease pencils
- Spray paint
- Water based paint
- Stickers
- Crayons
- Shoe polish
- Spray paint among others
The tools you will need for graffiti removal
- Thick protective gloves
- A face mask
- A solvent
- Pressure washer
- Spray bottle
- Safety glasses
- A sponge, preferably one that has a soft and a rough side
- A household cleaner, bleach-based and non-bleach cleaners
2. Choose an effective removal method
It is essential that you try to remove graffiti using water, soap and a soft brush.
Alternatively, use graffiti removal products including denatured alcohol for pen and spray paints. They are an easy way to get rid of the graffiti as opposed to painting over it. What’s more, it eliminates the need and the difficulty of achieving the same consistency as that of the original paint.
How to remove graffiti from wood fence
Before you start removing graffiti from wood, take time to identify whether the wood is finished or unfished. Often, fences made of rot-resistant wood and cedar are usually left unfinished. This means removing graffiti from these types of wood is quite simple. You need to start by cleaning graffiti as soon as you discover it on your wooden fence. If the paint sits on the wood for long, it will be absorbed deeper into the wood.
Begin by spraying down the graffiti with a stream of clean water using a garden hose. This is to wet the wood and to let the paint dissolve. Once the water is sufficiently soaked, you need to use a power washed spray wand and a medium angle nozzle, to clean by passing water across the graffiti. It helps to strip away the paint. Ensure that you maintain the stripe pattern to avoid creating unsightly marks on the fence.
To achieve the best results as you try to remove graffiti from a wooden fence, you need to clean as you hold the spray wand away from the fence. You can easily cut or gouge the wood if you hold the wand close to the fence.
If you realise that a medium angle nozzle is not getting rid of the graffiti as desired, consider using a narrow-angle nozzle for more power. It will work effectively while maintaining a consistent spray pattern and reasonable space between the fence and the nozzle. Once all the paint is out, let the wood dry up, then use sandpaper to clear any traces of paint. Sand the wood until you achieve a clear appearance.
If the wooden fence is relatively new and with no sign of wear and tear, use spirit or acetone to remove the graffiti. These products work by thinning the paint, and within a few minutes, the wood will be clear. However, if the fence is old, and shows a number of weathering signs, avoid the use of spirit. This is because the paint will absorb deeper into the old wood. In this case, it is highly recommended that you use a jet pressure washer.
Apply pressure from the outside edges as you work towards the graffiti inwards. The paint will start to fade away. The rule of thumb with this technique is that you need to be patient. With continuous cleaning, the graffiti will be removed.
Remove spray paint from wood made from vinyl
If the wood is made from vinyl, you can remove graffiti by first washing it with soapy water. Apply the solution to the wood fence using a soft sponge and try to remove the graffiti by scrubbing lightly. If the graffiti is still fresh, the solution will get rid of the paint immediately or instantly.
However, if the solution doesn’t work, you will need a solvent to loosen and get rid of the paint. You will find an array of graffiti removal products in the market. Choose a general purpose product that includes a petroleum solvent or mineral spirit. Consider a solvent that will not corrode the wood. Wipe out the graffiti using a large sponge soaked in the solvent. Clean periodically to ensure it cleans without damaging the vinyl.
Remove spray paint from wood fence- extra tips
While graffiti is considered a form of artistic expression on street walls, it is not acceptable or appreciated in wooden fences and buildings. Therefore if you have a wooden fence, you need to be extra careful and take note of any graffiti and try to remove it as soon as it occurs.
One of the most logical ways to remove graffiti from painted wood is through the use of a high-pressure system. However, it can easily damage the wood. Take time to work slowly as you target the painted area only.
Never use baking soda on wood even though it works best on removing graffiti from concrete surfaces.
Regardless of the method, you use to remove graffiti, ensure it doesn’t spread to the areas that are not affected by the paint.
Take care as you remove graffiti to ensure efficient cleaning. Take note of traces that could cause permanent damage on your wood fence.
How to remove graffiti from wood door step by step guide
- Gather all the needed materials and cleaning products before you start to remove graffiti from wood.
- Cover the surfaces that are not affected by graffiti.
- Safety is crucial, put on protective rubber gloves and goggles.
- Soak a cleaning sponge in a paint thinner, press and rub to the area with graffiti. If the paint has dried up, hold on the sponge to the graffiti for a little longer to soak the paint and remove it efficiently.
- Learn how to remove graffiti from wood siding using the best graffiti removal products. Purchase non-corrosive paint to remove spray paint without damaging your wood fence.
- Use a power washer and set it to the recommended power level and spray directly to the area affected by graffiti. This enhances your chances of successfully removing graffiti. It is however imperative to note that this step may remove or peel off the finish you have in your fence. As a result, you may need to reapply the finish once you have removed all the graffiti.
- Ensure you know how to remove graffiti from a wood fence and finish the process with sandpaper. Normal sandpaper will get the job done, but if you have a lot of graffiti on the fence, it is wise to get orbital sandpaper to work on the entire area. A detour sander is an excellent choice if the graffiti is painted on a larger area.
- Understand how to remove graffiti from a wooden fence an old and new fence. Similarly, know what techniques to use on fresh graffiti and old graffiti. This will help you to work efficiently without damaging the unaffected area.
- If the graffiti is completely off, paint your fence to restore its aesthetic appeal. Prime the fence first if you choose to paint the entire fence. A primer works best on exterior surfaces and you can choose your most preferred house paint colour to change the overall look of your wooden fence.
Professional Graffiti removal
Once you have tried the above graffiti removal techniques and you realise that you did not achieve the desired results, consider professional graffiti removal services. Many companies offer quality cleaning and graffiti removal services. They provide efficient services and at the most affordable prices. Therefore, you will be able to remove spray paint from the wood floor, wood fence and other places with graffiti.
Professionals use the most advanced paint removal products that work safely on a wide range of wood surfaces. Furthermore, professionals use low pressure and high-pressure washers that penetrate deeper into the most stubborn graffiti to ensure the surface is clean.
Whether you want to remove spray paint from wood furniture or to remove spray paint from the wood deck, you can count on expert techniques. They have the skills to get rid of graffiti without damaging your wood fence or wood floor. Different service providers use a graffiti remover spray and other techniques that will ensure the beauty of your fence is restored. Therefore, take time to get a competent and reliable graffiti removal company that not only understands how do to remove graffiti from a wood fence but also guarantees the best possible results.
Basildon Stone is a professional brick and stone cleaning expert that will help you to restore the natural beauty of your property, through quality graffiti removal techniques.