subject: Graffiti Removal through Pressure Washing [print this page] Graffiti Removal through Pressure Washing
Graffiti is described as an artistic expression or decoration that is inscribed on either rocks or walls. Sadly, this artistic expression of troubled youths often plagues many of the walls of our streets, regardless whether you live in the metropolitan areas, suburbs, or rural areas. There are many communities and city councils who implement cleaning these vandalisms, especially on important public areas. When it comes to removing graffiti, nothing can match the cleaning power of pressure washers as they are able to effectively and effortlessly remove these so called artworks.
If a city community is on a cleanup job but cannot afford to buy more advanced cleaning equipment such as a sandblaster, they can settle into using an electric pressure washer with around 2,000 3,500 PSI as this will have enough power to strip off graffiti on concrete surfaces. There are some cases however that graffiti is painted on delicate masonry or brick. In this case, you would want to keep your pressure under 500 PSI just to make sure you do not damage its surface.
When it comes to removing graffiti, cold water pressure washers are sufficient, although hot water pressure washers are more effective. In fact, hot water is most effective when it comes to removing graffiti on metal surfaces as the hot water helps to expand the metal, which in turn breaks the bond between the graffiti and the metal surface.
Another important thing to consider when removing graffiti using pressure washers is the nozzle. Nozzles play an important role as it helps to channel the stream of water to make it more effective. Although zero degree nozzles are the most powerful, they are often too concentrated and can occasionally damage soft surfaces. In such cases, a 15 degree fan spray is a must have as the narrow fan spray acts like a chiseling tool to scrape off the paint on solid surfaces.
There are communities who use chemicals and solvents to help with the removal of the paint. However, there are some communities that do not rely on chemicals for cleaning graffiti and use it only as a final measure. This is because chemicals are not only toxic for the environment, but they can also cause unforeseen damages on surfaces you are trying to clean.
