How To Clean Graffiti Off A Gravestone

Preservation Briefs

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PRESERVATION BRIEFS

38

Poultice to remove pig graffiti. Photo: NPS files.

Removing Graffiti from Historic Masonry

Martin Eastward. Weaver

• Identifying the Graffiti and the Masonry
• Graffiti Removal Methods and Materials
• Testing
• Health and Condom Considerations
• Environmental Considerations
• Barrier Coatings
• Preventing and Controlling Graffiti
• Development of a Treatment Plan
• Selecting a Barrier Coating
• Tips for Successful Graffiti Removal
• Summary and References
• Reading List
• Download the PDF

Removing graffiti as presently as information technology appears is the key to its elimination—and recurrence. Thus, the intent of this Preservation Brief is to help owners and managers of historic masonry structures find the best mode to remove exterior, surface-applied graffiti* quickly, finer, and safely. The Brief will hash out the diverseness of materials used to use graffiti, and offering guidance on how to remove graffiti from all types of historic masonry without harming either the surface or the substrate. Suggestions will also be given regarding the use of physical barriers to protect masonry surfaces from graffiti, and the awarding of barrier coatings to facilitate graffiti removal. Building managers and owners of historic properties volition exist advised on the importance of being prepared for rapid graffiti removal past testing unlike cleaning techniques in advance in order to select the virtually appropriate and sensitive cleaning technique. Health and prophylactic and environmental concerns are addressed, too equally regulatory matters. Removing graffiti without causing damage to celebrated masonry is a job for trained maintenance crews, and in some cases, professional conservators, and generally should not be attempted by untrained workers, property owners or edifice managers. Although the focus of this Preservation Brief is on historic masonry, the same guidance may exist applied equally to removing graffiti from non-historic masonry.

Identifying the Graffiti and the Masonry render to top ▲

Successful graffiti removal from celebrated masonry depends on achieving a residual between breaking the bond between the graffiti and the masonry surface without damaging the masonry. This generally requires knowledge both of the materials used to make the graffiti and the masonry on which the graffiti has been executed, as well as cognition of cleaning methods and materials. Without this, masonry surfaces can be badly disfigured or damaged during graffiti removal.

*The word graffito (graffiti, plural)—is derived from the old Italian diminutive of graffio-to scratch, and the Latin graphire-to write. Graffiti in contemporary usage has come to hateful an inscription, drawings, or markings. Except in very formal or technical applications, graffiti is generally considered a "mass" noun and paired with a singular verb.

Inappropriate abrasive diggings to remove the graffiti has permanently etched the graffiti into the stone. Photo: NPS files.

Graffiti

Nigh graffiti is made with spray paints. Although a number of solvents and pigment strippers are capable of dissolving or breaking down these paints, some may permanently discolor or stain the masonry surface if non used correctly. Equally a result, the remaining paint may become more difficult, or even impossible, to remove. Poorly thought-out and generally hasty attempts to remove graffiti using harsh chemicals or abrasives can likewise crusade permanent damage to the masonry that may be worse than the graffiti.

Removing this densely painted graffiti will require several applications of paint remover. Photo: NPS files.

The ability to identify the graffiti cloth is an important stride in successful removal. Numerous kinds of spray paint (polyurethanes, lacquers, and enamels), and brush-practical paints (oils and synthetic resins such as vinyls, acrylics, acetates, methacrylates, or alkyds), equally well as permanent felt markers are the materials nigh often used to make graffiti. But other materials are as well used for graffiti, including water-soluble felt markers, ballpoint pens, chalk, graphite and colored pencils, pastels, wax and oil crayons, liquid shoe polish, and lipstick. The range of materials adopted by graffitists continues to expand.

Paints are composed of pigments that provide color and hiding power; folder that holds the pigments together and to the substrate; and a solvent that allows the pigment/binder mixture to menstruum. Some spray paints and markers may contain dyes instead of pigments. Paints are applied wet. By and large, as the solvent evaporates, the binder solidifies. The greater the solvent content of the paint, the greater the period rate, and thus, the greater the ability of the paint to penetrate into masonry pores.

The ii primary components contained in most graffiti materials—pigment or dye, and binder—may simply remain on the masonry surface, or penetrate into the masonry to varying depths depending on a number of factors, including the surface tension of the substrate and viscosity of the solvent or vehicle. Thus, even the total removal of the pigment or the binder may leave residues of the other component actually in, or below, the surface of the stone. Residual stains, or graffiti "ghosts," such as those from whatsoever kind of blood-red pigment or the fine black pigments used in spray paints, may be specially hard to remove.

With painted graffiti, it is helpful to establish how long it has been on the surface. For most paints that have been on the surface for several weeks or months, hardening processes are likely to exist complete or well-advanced; the solubility of the paint is proportionately reduced and information technology volition be more hard to remove.

Masonry

The historic masonry substrate must likewise exist identified. Equally used here, the term masonry encompasses all types of natural stones; manufactured dirt materials, including brick and terracotta; and cementitious materials, such as cast stone, physical and mortar. The common gene among masonry materials is that they are porous, to a greater or lesser extent, and sensitive to abrasion. Later on identifying the masonry, its condition, including fragility, porosity and permeability, must also be assessed prior to beginning graffiti removal. For example, a smoothen, newly-polished granite surface is comparatively like shooting fish in a barrel to clean because information technology is relatively impermeable and paint vehicles tend to stay on the surface rather than penetrate into microscopic pores. A very shine, polished surface also has no pits or crevices that will retain particles of pigment or folder. In contrast, weathered marble or limestone may be extremely porous and permeable, with a rough surface on which particles of paint can easily guild. The fragility of such a surface can make it incommunicable to clean the surface fifty-fifty with a bristle castor without risking astringent surface loss. A divergence in surface texture or finish may also be the reason that a particular cleaning agent will work in one situation but not another.

Spray painted graffiti defaces this celebrated brick building. Photo: NPS files.

Some types of masonry may react adversely to contact with the various cleaning agents required to break or dissolve the bail betwixt the graffiti and the masonry surface. Thus, for purposes of cleaning, masonry types are often categorized according to whether they are acid-sensitive, not-acrid sensitive, or alkali-sensitive. Acid-sensitive stones consisting of carbonate materials may be damaged or fifty-fifty destroyed by contact with acids. Although, in many instances, acidic cleaning compounds are not effective for graffiti removal and generally should not exist used for this purpose, it is useful to know that some acid-sensitive materials include: stones such as limestone, marble, travertine, calcareous sandstones and shales; most polished stones; and glazed architectural terracotta and glazed brick. Non-acid sensitive masonry materials include slate, granite, unglazed architectural terra cotta and unglazed brick. Alkali-sensitive stones may incorporate silicates, or ferrous, soluble iron compounds that tin react with alkalis or h2o to form astringent staining. Brine-sensitive stones include some granites, Indiana limestone, and many types of sandstone, especially those that are light-green or greyness in color. Glazed and polished surfaces tend to exist damaged by both stiff acids and strong alkalis.

Graffiti Removal Methods and Materials return to top ▲

A poultice is ofen the preferred method of graffiti removal. Photograph: NPS files.

A diversity of treatments are available from which to choose the nearly advisable method of graffiti removal that will not impairment the surface of historic masonry. Removal techniques, which are chosen according to the type of graffiti and the masonry, range from simply erasing pencilled graffiti with soft erasers, or removing chalked graffiti with soft brushes, to poulticing with water (with or without detergents), poulticing with organic solvents or alkali-based paint removers, or applying bleach to remove painted graffiti. In very limited situations, information technology may mean using very delicate and controlled abrasive means. Successful graffiti removal oftentimes requires a combination of cleaning materials and methods.

Poulticing

The nigh effective method of removing graffiti from masonry unremarkably involves the use of a poultice. A poultice consists of an absorptive cloth or powder-inert clays such as kaolin or sepiolite, diatomaceous earth (fuller's globe); or cellulose products such every bit fluff pulp cellulose or shredded paper-mixed with a cleaning solution (a liquid reagent such as water, organic solvent, paint stripper or bleach) to form a paste or slurry. The purpose of a poultice is twofold: it enables a cleaning solution to be kept in contact with the stained expanse equally long as possible, while allowing the cleaning solution to pull the staining material out of the substrate via the poultice without redepositing information technology in, or restaining, the masonry. A poultice is often covered with a plastic canvas to retard evaporation. With some extremely porous types of stone, such as marble, although a poultice may remove a stain from 1 side of the stone, stains tin laissez passer completely through the stone and be redeposited on the other side of the masonry slab. Thus, caution should always exist exercised in stain and graffiti removal.

Painting over graffiti on rock is not a recommended maintenance handling. Photograph: NPS files.

H2o and Detergent

Graffiti removal from historic masonry should always begin with the gentlest ways possible. In some instances, this means low-pressure water washing. Fresh graffiti-one or two days old-made with water-soluble markers may sometimes exist removed with water, perchance aided by a neutral or non-ionic detergent. (Non-ionic detergents which practise not ionize in solution, exercise not eolith a solid, visible residue.) Ammonia can also be constructive in removing fresh graffiti. Whatsoever detergent should exist approached with circumspection and tested earlier using because most commercial laundry detergents are not neutral and contain substances which may leave undesirable residues on masonry materials. Commonly, the water and detergent should exist mixed with an absorptive fabric and applied in the form of a poultice. Although water washing is often likely to exist the gentlest cleaning method for historic masonry, it may not be as effective for removing graffiti because many graffiti materials are non soluble in h2o.

Organic Solvents and Pigment Removers

Well-nigh graffiti tin be removed without damaging the masonry with proprietary graffiti-removal products and commercial paint strippers containing organic solvents. Just, these products should always be tested and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions included in the product literature. Ordinarily, solvents should be used in a poultice form to forbid them from penetrating into the substrate, and permanently discoloring or staining the masonry. A number of paint-removers are manufactured as thick gels or pastes that cling to the surface, and some commercial pigment-removal products include a tough fiber-reinforced paper or material backing that retards evaporation and also facilitates neat and make clean removal of the used stripper. The reward of using organic solvents is that they evaporate completely, leaving no residue fabric in the masonry. Nonetheless, organic solvents may present a severe health hazard, and workers using them must clothing adequate protection. "Off-the-shelf" aerosol graffiti removers generally should not be used because the dissolved pigment being removed may run down the wall "staining" a previously make clean expanse; or pigments may also exist redistributed by the rinsing and scrubbing recommended by the product manufacturer.

Alkaline metal Compounds

Alkaline compounds may be used to remove some oils and greases, and waxes from non-brine sensitive masonry. Similar organic solvents, alkaline metal compounds should generally be used in conjunction with a poultice when removing graffiti. The use of alkali metal compounds should e'er be followed by a weak acid wash and a water rinse in order to neutralize-or remove-all the alkaline residues from the masonry. Potent alkalies (pH13-14), such as sodium hydroxide-based paint removers (caustic soda or lye), generally should not be used as they can crusade efflorescence and staining on masonry surfaces, if not properly neutralized. Potassium and other hydroxide pigment removers may react with iron compounds in some masonry, particularly Indiana limestone, to form dark brown (rust-colored), or black ferric hydroxide stains, which are very difficult to remove.

Bleaches

Brine-based bleaches such every bit calcium hypochlorite tin can sometimes exist used very successfully in a poultice to bleach or decolorize certain dyes contained in some paints and inks that cannot readily be removed by other means.

Damaging graffiti removal methods take scarred the marble. Photo: NPS files.

Mechanical or Annoying Methods

Mechanical treatments include dry or wet blasting, using abrasive grits, such every bit sand, dolomite pulverization, aluminum oxide, ground-walnut shells, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and others; high-force per unit area h2o washing; and mechanical sanding or grinding. All of these annoying methods will crusade damage to masonry and, in nearly instances, should never be considered every bit a method of removing graffiti from historic masonry. Abrasive methods used mistakenly past untrained workers to remove graffiti normally result in carving the outline of the graffiti permanently into the masonry. Some historic masonry materials tin can exist easily damaged past pressure level washing fifty-fifty at low or moderate pressures (100-400 psi). Occasionally, yet, under very controlled circumstances, a micro-annoying technique may be appropriate for removing graffiti from delicate masonry surfaces, if used at low pressures of 35-40 psi with fine abrasives. This treatment, which must be done very slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the masonry, should be tested get-go, and undertaken only by a professional person conservator. Some other exception, fifty-fifty though it is not strictly an abrasive treatment, is using a razor blade equally a commencement step to remove spray pigment or felt-tip marker from polished granite. However, this as well, should be undertaken only by a professional conservator, and only on polished granite, which is very difficult and generally impervious to scratches.

Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation Cleaning

Although not in general use every bit a cleaning technique, laser technology offers bang-up promise in the future as a non-damaging method of graffiti removal.

Testing return to height ▲

Before selecting a removal method, all cleaning materials and techniques for removing graffiti from a celebrated masonry building should be tested on mock-ups or areas of the resources that are not highly visible, simply which are representative of typical conditions. Visual observation should exist supplemented by the utilise of a magnifying drinking glass, and spot tests should exist carried out with diverse solvents to assist identify the specific graffiti medium, which volition aid in its removal. More complex testing using laboratory equipment and more than scientific analytical processes may sometimes be necessary in complex situations. Sample areas that stand for the desired degree of "cleanliness" should be approved in writing by client, builder, conservator or other appropriate authority. The materials and all the other data necessary to reproduce the desired cleaning results should be meticulously recorded and the accepted sample area preserved for reference until the end of the chore. The being of a "clean" sample for comparison and a signed agreement can avoid unpleasant surprises, misunderstandings, and perhaps legal actions.

When a type of graffiti appears for the showtime time that was executed with a material non immediately recognizable and for which no countermeasures accept been adult, tests may demand to be carried out by an architectural conservator to place the material and to determine constructive removal treatments. Agencies with big inventories of graffiti-prone buildings and structures should watch for graffiti made with new materials and experiment with different cleaning methods in order to exist prepared when information technology appears. Such early action can save big sums of money in the long term. (See "Evolution of a Handling Plan.")

Health and Safety Considerations render to peak ▲

About of the chemicals used for graffiti removal are dangerous to workers, too as to others who may exist in the vicinity. Organic solvents are toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Textile Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), available from the production manufacturer for all paint-removal products, should always exist consulted and followed. Identification of chancy components and checking with chemic reference works will help assure that the least chancy, just most effective, products are selected.

Generally speaking, it is a sensible policy to carry out all graffiti removal in well-ventilated conditions. Some solvents can be used only outdoors, and sometimes forced ventilation may be necessary fifty-fifty in that location, requiring workers to use air-fed respiratory equipment to avoid current of air-diddled fumes. Smoking, eating or drinking must non exist allowed when cleaning is in progress.

Some materials used for graffiti removal are so corrosive that accidental contact can cause serious, permanent scarring and painful injuries. Wearing advisable protective clothing must be strictly enforced. Mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) normally includes face shields or rubber spectacles; long, chemical-resistant gloves; face masks with respirators for organic solvents; and peradventure, full protective clothing with an contained air supply.

All smoking and open flames should be rigorously excluded from work areas; many solvents are flammable or highly explosive in vapor or liquid class when mixed with air. Solvent residuum, used swabs, cloths, overalls and all other solvent-contaminated items should be safely and legally disposed of, or properly stored-fifty-fifty overnight-abroad from potential sources of fire. Electrical equipment may require explosion-proof fittings when used with certain solvents.

When electrical pumps and force per unit area-spraying equipment are used, information technology is especially of import that all necessary precautions be taken to avoid electrical shock. Water sprays and puddles on the ground present a potentially dangerous state of affairs, if they come into contact with temporary wiring at worksites where graffiti is being removed. Such hazards must be carefully monitored and controlled.

As with whatsoever construction project, attention should ever be directed toward the general safety of the workers and passers-by, merely too toward possible damage to the resources itself that might result from devil-may-care placement of ladders, or scaffolding. Chemicals used for masonry cleaning can also damage next metals, glass, and painted surfaces, as well as vegetation. Product manufacturers' instructions should always exist closely followed to avoid such inadvertent "collateral" harm.

Environmental Considerations return to peak ▲

To protect confronting ecology contagion, including the formation of unwanted ozone at footing level and impairment to the ozone layer in the world's outer atmosphere, legislation has been enacted in some states making it illegal to use fifty-fifty moderate quantities of some solvents—volatile organic compounds (VOCs) independent in paint removers. In response to this legislation, many new products are beingness developed that do non contain VOCs.

After completing graffiti removal, the disposal of chemic products and rinsing effluent must be taken into business relationship. Arrangement for disposal of the cleaning waste should be made prior to beginning graffiti removal, especially if it is a project of considerable size. In many places it is illegal to belch solvents and/or paint residues into sewers or tempest drains. The possessor or managing director of a historic property, or in some cases the individual or house doing the cleaning or graffiti removal, is responsible for being informed of, and complying with, relevant laws and regulations. Under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, approval may exist required from a land or federal preservation bureau before any piece of work tin be undertaken on buildings or structures listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, if such a project involves federal funding or licensing. Many country and local celebrated commune commissions and review boards have their ain regulations that require approval for cleaning or graffiti removal work that is undertaken on landmarks or properties in locally designated historic districts.

Barrier Coatings render to height ▲

Anti-graffiti or barrier coatings are intended to facilitate the removal of graffiti from porous as well as non-porous surfaces. These coatings are most commonly transparent, but may also be pigmented. They are bachelor in a variety of formulations designed to serve dissimilar needs. The use of barrier coatings to protect graffiti-prone historic masonry surfaces may seem to be an easy preventive solution to a persistent graffiti problem. However, for the most role, these coatings are non the panacea that some advertising might advise. Some of them simply do not piece of work, and others may cause physical or aesthetic changes or damage to the masonry.

Transparent Coatings

Transparent coatings serve as a barrier between the masonry surface and graffiti, preventing graffiti from penetrating into the masonry. They are also intended to make graffiti removal easier since well-nigh graffiti does non adhere well to them. By and large, graffiti applied over transparent bulwark coatings can be removed with low-pressure water and a detergent, or with a solvent.

The difference in color between the bottom and the superlative of the stone spandrel is the only clue to the presence of a clear barrier coating. Photo: NPS files.

In that location are basically ii kinds of transparent barrier coatings: temporary and permanent. Temporary, or "sacrificial" coatings are removed when graffiti is removed and so must exist reapplied. Permanent transparent barrier coatings are more resistant to the water or solvents used to remove graffiti, and remain on the masonry surface when graffiti is removed (although this type of coating also must usually be reapplied subsequently several cleanings). A third type of transparent barrier blanket combines temporary and permanent coatings, based on a two-role organisation. A water-based acrylic sealer is offset applied to the masonry surface, after which a sacrificial layer consisting of a polyethylene wax emulsion or dispersion glaze is applied over the sealer. When graffiti is removed, the sealer coat remains on the masonry, but the sacrificial coat dissolves and is removed with the graffiti, and thus must be reapplied. (With this two-part organisation, even the first coat will eventually wearable off subsequently multiple cleanings, and must also exist reapplied.)

Unfortunately, in application, in that location are a number of negative aspects of transparent barrier coatings that generally prevent their being recommended for utilize on historic masonry. Kickoff, clear coatings may modify the colour of the masonry surface and add a gloss that may be highly visible, or apparent only in certain lighting conditions or when it rains. Second, clear coatings may reduce the water-vapor permeability of the masonry, thereby contributing to possible h2o-related deterioration. Third, the blanket may discolor and change over time. Exposure to ultra-violet lite tin crusade a coating to xanthous; dirt build-up may darken the treated surface; and some coatings acquire a sheen when rubbed or brushed against. Such changes are especially noticeable when only a portion of the building has been coated. Furthermore, if coatings are not maintained on a regular basis, usually through periodic removal and reapplication, many coatings tend to fail. What frequently results is an uneven, "patchy" look to the masonry that can have a very negative affect on the character of the historic edifice.

Despite these potential drawbacks, there may be some instances in which the graffiti problem or frequency of occurrence is so astringent that awarding of a transparent bulwark blanket on historic masonry may be worth considering. Some water-base polysaccharide coatings, and silicone and silicone-base coatings take been used with success on masonry structures. They are essentially invisible, and do not alter the natural appearance of the masonry. Although less durable than solvent-borne coatings, they are water-vapor permeable (breathable), and may be reapplied to the masonry surface immediately afterwards removing graffiti, while the surface is notwithstanding damp.

Withal, extreme circumspection must be exercised before applying a transparent barrier coating. Experimental examination applications should e'er be tried start on detached areas that are non highly visible, and the treated areas evaluated over a period of fourth dimension. Laboratory examination results on the operation of coatings practical to samples of like masonry types may exist useful to some extent. But considering the tests are carried out in a controlled surround, they may not be as accurate or reliable as tests actually carried out on-site where the factors of atmospheric condition and pollution are the same as those at the location where the coating volition be used. If circumstances warrant, and the use of a bulwark blanket is determined necessary, an architectural conservator should evaluate the exam operation of a multifariousness of coatings earlier selecting one to exist applied to historic masonry. Because of the potential for disfigurement, owners of landmark-designated buildings are required by some preservation review boards and landmark commissions to obtain approval before they apply a barrier coating.

Pigmented Coatings

A pigmented barrier coating may exist used on masonry as a permanent, preventive barrier coating, or as a temporary ways of concealing graffiti until it tin be removed.

This formerly articulate bulwark coating is very shiny and has discolored as information technology has aged. Photo: NPS files.

Like a transparent bulwark coating, a pigmented barrier coating facilitates the removal of graffiti considering graffiti does not attach well to it. Pigmented barrier coatings that are h2o-vapor permeable may sometimes exist used equally a permanent barrier coating on non-historic masonry where there is frequent recurrence of graffiti, and when abiding surveillance is non possible. Although there are some instances in which pigmented bulwark coatings may be appropriate on painted historic masonry, they are not recommended for unpainted historic masonry because they will change the appearance of the masonry. There is also some other kind of pigmented coating that is specially formulated to exist used as a temporary measure to conceal graffiti that cannot be removed right away. This temporary, vapor-permeable paint is removed when the graffiti is removed.

Pigmented coatings are besides non generally recommended as a permanent measure out to cover up graffiti. Some graffiti materials, particularly felt markers, bleed through the blanket; and repeated applications of the coating or paint can outcome in a heavy paint build-up on a masonry surface. Another disadvantage of using paint or a pigmented blanket to hide graffiti is that it usually appears as an obvious patch on unpainted masonry and tends to attract more graffiti unless the paint can exist applied in a discrete, and well-defined expanse. If incompatible with either the masonry or the graffiti, such a coating may peel off the masonry surface in an unsightly manner. Like transparent coatings, pigmented coatings may be hard or impossible to remove completely once their operation or appearance is no longer satisfactory.

Preventing and Controlling Graffiti render to top ▲

Feel shows that prompt removal of graffiti is one of the almost effective measures against its recurrence. Graffiti that is not removed quickly tends to attract more graffiti. Often motivated by a need to take their work seen, graffitists tend to exist discouraged from repeating their efforts in a location where their work is quickly removed.

Apart from removal, effective graffiti-prevention measures can be considered nether two headings. The outset consists of physical measures involving maintenance, lighting, security and the erection of barriers on or around the property itself. The 2d focuses on community awareness programs that include neighborhood patrols, community service programs and educational programs in the schools.

Maintenance and Security

Neglect invites vandalism, whereas a well-maintained property encourages civic pride. Thus, careful attention should be given to establishing regular maintenance programs which do not allow properties to attain a indicate of obvious deterioration or abandonment. Cyclical maintenance besides makes good sense economically.

Graffiti is less likely to occur if graffitists can exist clearly seen. It is frequently recommended that attainable, graffiti-prone areas be illuminated with floodlighting or spotlights. Graffiti may besides exist reduced or prevented by the presence of security guards, park rangers or police officers, or past the visible presence of surveillance cameras. Publicity near arrests and punitive measures against the graffitists, and the general vigilance of the security organization may too reduce graffiti.

If they are historically appropriate and compatible with the celebrated property, soft barriers in the class of low, maybe thorny, shrubs and bushes or other forms of landscaping and planting may exist effective deterrents. Such plantings can make information technology difficult to reach the property by any route other than the approved secure ane. Hard barriers provided by fences and transparent screens or shields, such as articulate acrylic or other polycarbonate sheets, may as well afford some caste of protection. Merely these tin can have a negative aesthetic impact on the property's appearance, particularly if the barriers themselves become disfigured past graffiti.

Community Sensation

Customs activity and educational activity often play an important role in a successful anti-graffiti program. Neighborhood watches tin can effectively deter graffitists, and can assistance police and other security agencies in the detection and prevention of graffiti. Intensive public campaigns confronting graffiti, including presentations in schools, developing programs to foster community pride, and sentencing offenders to remove graffiti in their own community can as well exist useful. Publicity concerning arrests of graffitists can be a useful preventive tool. (But, on the other hand, frequent newspaper coverage of graffiti outbreaks or fifty-fifty of new community efforts at deterring graffiti tin can sometimes accept the contrary issue by challenging the "creativity" of graffitists.) Customs groups trained in proper cleaning techniques can besides assist property owners in prompt and non-damaging graffiti removal.

Development of a Treatment Program return to top ▲

For managers or owners of historic masonry buildings, or agencies responsible for large inventories of graffiti-prone properties, including parks, highway and railroad bridges and viaducts, autobus, train and subway stations, and cemeteries, the development of a treatment programme may exist the start step toward an effective graffiti-removal programme. Information technology is becoming increasingly common for large or important historic backdrop to have regular maintenance and disaster plans that include graffiti removal.

When feasible, a separate treatment program should exist prepared for each construction. Even so, if this is not possible, information technology is advisable to fix a multifariousness of treatment plans for specific masonry types. Plans should be prepared to cover all types of masonry that fall under one jurisdiction, management or ownership that are potential targets for graffiti.

Guidance contained in treatment plans should be based on the results of carefully controlled testing to remove a broad multifariousness of common graffiti materials safely, and without damaging the various types of masonry. Individual treatment plans should address all parts of the building or structure that could be disfigured by graffiti, and any features too fragile to exist cleaned past anyone other than a conservator should exist noted on the plan.

A treatment program is essentially a cleaning specification, but it should also include information on the post-obit:

• the types and conditions of masonry likely to exist targeted past graffiti;
• methods, materials and techniques known to work nigh successfully in the removal of specific types of graffiti from the surface of each type of masonry;
• sources for materials;
• a list of contractors with expertise in graffiti removal, including names, telephone numbers, information on emergency access to the property, and storage location of materials;
• graffiti-removal methods which may be harmful to the masonry surface;
• contractors or consultants who are not acceptable and should not exist considered for graffiti removal;
• scaffolding, pumps, or condom equipment that might be required, where it is bachelor, and costs involved; and
• wellness and safety concerns regarding specific removal treatments, product literature and Textile Rubber Data Sheets (MSDS).

Criteria to Consider Before Selecting a Barrier Coating equally the Primary Protective Means of Combating Graffiti render to top ▲

What to wait for in a Bulwark Coating:

• Water-vapor permeable, or "breathable".
• "Invisible" without gloss or sheen, when applied to masonry.
• No alter in appearance from uncoated areas when masonry is moisture.
• Does not discolor or concenter clay.
• Weathers evenly.

Questions to Ask:

• Will the blanket last long plenty to offset its cost?
• Will the application and reapplication of the coating exist cost effective?
• Will the coating be effective against more than one type of graffiti?
• Can the coating be completely and thoroughly removed, and then that, if necessary, paint, or some other coating will adhere to the masonry surface?
• Will the edifice always need to be repointed or patched? A bulwark coating may make this hard or fifty-fifty impossible.

Before Application:

• Seek advice of an architectural conservator.
• Test coating on an inconspicuous expanse of masonry, or study the success/failure of the coating in other locations where it has been used.

Tips for Successful Graffiti Removal return to superlative ▲

• It is of import to pre-wet the masonry surface when using an alkaline paint remover; information technology is also advisable to pre-wet the masonry surrounding a graffitied surface area to dilute the upshot of whatsoever cleaning agents that might exist inadvertently splashed or spilled on the unsoiled surface. Exercise not wet the surface area to be cleaned if the cleaning agent is solvent-based or incompatible with water.
• Always rinse the cleaning agent off the masonry surface starting at the bottom and moving upwardly. This prevents the cleaning agent from running down and staining a lower surface.
• Air temperature tin be a gene in graffiti removal. Most paint removers exercise not piece of work when the air temperature is either very common cold or very hot. This may sometimes explain why a method that worked in 1 case may not exist effective once more in another, like state of affairs.
• Variations within the same type of stone, such equally bedding planes, density, finish, or caste of weathering, may explicate why some areas of the aforementioned stone sometimes clean better that others.
• Even if advance testing has been done and a treatment plan exists, at least some on-the-spot testing will probably exist necessary.
• Mortar joints react differently from masonry units, and may require a unlike cleaning material and/or method to be cleaned finer.
• Graffiti removal may result in an plain "clean" spot. Always clean the entire masonry unit that is bounded by mortar joints (but non the joints themselves, unless necessary). The prominence of the clean spot may be minimized by fanning the cleaning out from the spot, and "feathering" information technology by gradually reducing the strength or thoroughness of the cleaning.
• If it is not possible to completely remove all traces of graffiti without removing some of the masonry surface, it may exist preferable to leave the masonry solitary. Some graffiti ghosts get less noticeable with time due to fading of the dyes used in paints and markers. Sometimes information technology may be possible to conceal more than obvious graffiti ghosts with advisedly-matched paint.
• After graffiti removal, the masonry surface should always be tested with Ph strips to brand sure all the cleaning materials have been completely removed. Non-staining Ph strips, available from chemical supply companies, will bespeak whether acids or alkalis remain on the masonry surface.
• Although alkaline metal paint removers are sometimes ineffective on modern formulations of aerosol paints, they can work well in removing multi-layered graffiti because they final longer.
• What removes graffiti in one instance may not always work again fifty-fifty in what appears to be an identical situation.
• More than than one cleaning textile and technique may exist required to clean a heavily graffitied area if unlike materials were used to make the graffiti. For example, shapes are ofttimes outlined with broad-tipped felt markers and and so filled in with spray paint.
• Effective graffiti removal often depends on trial-and-mistake testing, besides equally a knowledge of masonry materials, graffiti materials and cleaning techniques.

Summary and References return to peak ▲

Although rapid graffiti removal is the most effective weapon in eliminating graffiti and preventing its recurrence in the same location, jerky, untested removal attempts tin can disfigure and cause harm to historic masonry. Thus, information technology is of import that the owner or managing director of a historic masonry building or structure be prepared with a plan to ensure the prompt removal of graffiti when it occurs. Regularly scheduled maintenance and cleaning programs to eliminate graffiti from historic masonry properties may be assisted by the installation of physical barriers, security systems and lighting, too as increased community involvement. Successful graffiti removal from historic masonry requires cognition of a variety of cleaning methods and materials, and an awareness that what works to remove graffiti from ane kind of masonry surface may non remove it from another. Past testing different cleaning methods in accelerate, treatment plans volition be available, when needed, to provide guidance for safe and sensitive graffiti removal from celebrated masonry.

Acknowledgements

This Preservation Cursory was developed under a cooperative agreement between the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the National Park Service. Mark A. Weber, Director, Technical Services Center, served as project coordinator for the Conservancy. The writer, Martin Eastward. Weaver, is the Managing director of the Middle for Preservation Research at Columbia University. He is an internationally recognized expert in the conservation of architectural and cultural resource, a noted lecturer, and author of Conserving Buildings: A Guide to Techniques and Materials, every bit well as numerous manufactures on the subject field.

Anne E. Grimmer, Senior Architectural Historian, Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service, coordinated the development of this Preservation Brief and served as Technical Editor. Technical review of this publication by the post-obit is gratefully acknowledged: Frances Gale, Training Coordinator, National Middle for Preservation Engineering and Training, National Park Service, Natchitoches, LA; Judith M. Jacob, Architectural Conservator, Building Conservation Co-operative, Northeast Cultural Resources Center, National Park Service, NY, NY; Andrea Mones-O'Hara, Regional Celebrated Preservation Officer, National Capital Region, General Services Assistants, Washington, DC; Nicolas F. Veloz, Conservator of Outdoor Sculpture and Monuments, National Capital Area Function, National Park Service, Washington, DC; and Michael J. Auer, Timothy Buehner, Charles E. Fisher, and especially Kay D. Weeks, Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service.

This publication has been prepared pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, every bit amended, which directs the Secretarial assistant of the Interior to develop and make available information concerning celebrated properties. Technical Preservation Services (TPS), National Park Service prepares standards, guidelines, and other educational materials on responsible historic preservation treatments for a broad public.

October 1995

Reading List render to top ▲

American Geological Institute. AGI Glossary of Geology and Related Sciences . Washington, D.C.: American Geological Establish, 1960.

Ashurst, Nicola. Cleaning Celebrated Buildings. Vol. I: Substrates, Soiling and Investigations; Vol. II: Cleaning Materials and Processes . London: Donhead Publishing Ltd., 1994.

"Chemistry Leaves Its Marker on Graffiti." Chemical Marketing Reporter. November 14, 1993.

Ehrenkrantz and Eckstut Architects, P.C. Technical Tips: Removing Graffiti . New York: New York Landmarks Conservancy, n.d. (1994).

Graffiti Removal Transmission. Providence, RI: Go along Providence Beautiful, September 1986.

Grimmer, Anne E. Keeping it Clean: Removing Exterior Dirt, Pigment, Stains and Graffiti from Celebrated Masonry Buildings. Washington, D.C.: Preservation Help Partition, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1988.

Lewis, Richard J. Chancy Chemicals Desk Reference. 2d Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991.

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemic Hazards . Washington, D.C.: National Institute for Occupational Safe and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Wellness and Man Services, June 1994.

Reisner, Robert. Graffiti: Two Grand Years of Wall Writing. Chicago: Cowles Book Company, 1971.

Science for Conservators: Conservation Educational activity Series . The Conservation Unit of the Museums and Galleries Committee. iii volumes. New York: Routledge, A Partitioning of Routledge, Chapman and Hall, Inc., 1992.

Torraca, Giorgio. Porous Edifice Materials . Rome: ICCROM, 1988.

Torraca, Giorgio. Solubility and Solvents for Conservation Problems. Rome: ICCROM, 1990.

Weaver, Martin E. Conserving Buildings: A Guide to Techniques and Materials. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1993.

Whitford, Maurice J. Getting Rid of Graffiti: A practical guide to graffiti removal and anti-graffiti protection. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, Inc., 1992.

Wollbrinck, Thomas. "The Composition of Proprietary Pigment Strippers." Journal of the American Institute for Conservation. Vol. 32 (1993), pp. 43-57.

Immature, Daniel J. How to Comply with the OSHA Chance Advice Standard: A Guide to Compliance with OSHA Worker Correct-to-Know Regulations. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1989.

Source: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/38-remove-graffiti.htm

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