Tips to keep in mind 
when getting rid of graffiti

Over the past two decades, graffiti has become a growing problem for many U.S. cities. In recent years, graffiti writing has spread to neighborhoods in rural and suburban areas. A 1995 study by the National Graffiti Information Network estimates the national costs of graffiti removal to be approximately $8 billion.

Fixing the "broken window"
When discussing the consequences of graffiti vandalism, social scientists and economic advisors often refer to "the broken window theory." They draw a connection between the occurrence of graffiti and a perceived diminished quality of services. Such perceptions have numerous negative consequences on communities. The unconscious connection between graffiti and more serious crimes causes property values and business growth to decline and discourages tourism. Graffiti also attracts other forms of crime and street delinquency to the area; slowly replacing the sense of ownership once common among residents with fear, anxiety and frustration. Finally, graffiti causes large governmental and private expenditures for removal and clean-up efforts. The social and economic consequences of graffiti vandalism attest to the necessity of abatement programs. Graffiti removal should occur within 24 to 48 hours of discovery, bearing in mind the overriding necessity of keeping a business running.

Remove it right
Graffiti may be unappealing to most, but just as ugly are the results of ineffective removal attempts and/or inappropriate or slipshod methods. Unfortunately, many restoration and removal efforts leave surfaces looking as bad (or worse) than they were before the work began. Often this is because involved personnel do not know what agents and methods are required, have not been properly instructed or have ignored city instructions.

Neighborhoods will find proper removal less labor intensive. Consider the long-term effects of repainting an entire surface and saving enough paint for later. The next time the surface is tagged, the touch-up job will blend in perfectly and require minimal repair time.

• Make sure to paint a straight and even border to delineate painted area. The easiest way to accomplish this is to drag a paint-covered roller along the surface and then roll the area beneath to ground level.
• Try to color-match paint to surface whenever possible.
• Always save a few gallons of paint for necessary touch-ups.
• Take precautions against drips and spills.
• Avoid painting a large surface area more than five times. This prevents the surface from breathing, which can cause long-term deterioration of the structure.After five coats, strip the paint before painting again.
• Avoid painting unpainted masonry surfaces (e.g. brick, stucco, marble).
• Do not get discouraged. Repeated paint-overs will likely be needed, as the vandals will try again. However, if you remove it promptly, the vandal will realize that graffiti is no longer tolerated in that area and will move on.

Safety guidelines:
Health and safety regulations must be followed in all graffiti-removal and graffiti-protection work. Primary emphasis should be handling and storage of products and their residue, occupational hygiene and personal safety.

• Solvent-based graffiti removers have de-fatting properties that are liable to cause dermatitis. Skin protection is always needed. Safety goggles should be worn when using chemicals or when working on any overhead surface.
• Rubber and/or latex gloves should always be used (barrier creams should not be used as a primary form of protection).
• Adhere to application directions on product label.
• Proper clothing and footwear (no sandals) should be worn.
• Use drop cloths.
• Properly dispose of water used to clean equipment.
• Properly dispose of unusable paint and solvents. Completely dry paint containers can be put out with recycling.
• Hazardous operations must be continuously supervised.
• Properly dispose of unusable paint and solvents.

Occupational hygiene:
There are three routes by which substances can be absorbed into the body. They may be ingested through the mouth, absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

• Use of drugs or alcohol should be strictly prohibited while working.
• Smoking should be strictly prohibited while working.
• No eating or drinking while working.

What are the penalties for taggers? How is graffiti enforced in San Antonio? Read

Find out what local entities are doing to rectify the graffiti problem. Read

Hints, events and helpful numbers that show you how to get involved in wiping out graffiti. Read

Graffiti costs you money. San Antonio and other cities are dealing with the problem. Read

We can help your school or organization learn how to reduce graffiti in your community. Read

Learn how murals can deter graffiti and be a source of neighborhood pride. Read

Alternatives are available for kids. Teachers can create a graffiti lesson plan. Read