How To Remove Graffiti From Brick (DIY For Spray Paint)

If you’ve ever faced the task of scrubbing someone’s idea of street art off of the side of commercial and residential buildings, you understand how frustrating the task can be.  

Not only are you cleaning up someone else’s mess, but you’re also toiling away with a cornucopia of solvents, removers, and detergents that just don’t quite get the job done.  

Instead of spending your day sweating and scrubbing, learn how to graffiti removal spray paint from brick wall with easy-to-find products that will leave your masonry looking sharp and sans your friendly neighborhood artist’s latest piece de resistance 

Graffiti removal paint from brick surface without damaging the pavers beneath, so long as you are mindful that the products you choose to cut through the components of the unwanted graffiti removal paint without eating away at the stone, is possible.  

Graffiti removal spray paint is AN anti graffiti coating, sticky paint that adheres to brick very well and can drench the porous material. The small aerosol droplets are masters of sinking into the tiny divots and rustic imperfections of the brick face. 

It’s also an oil-based paint which means that it’s hydrophobic, or resistant to water, but not completely waterproof. That means your trusty power washer will need a little extra help from a solvent to get the job done.  

It may be a challenge to eliminate graffiti from the structure, but with a bit of elbow grease, some perseverance, and my tips for how to graffiti removal spray paint from brick, you can certainly master this chore.  

We highly recommend using a pressure washer for brick. Because the brick surface is covered with little holes and crevices, it's difficult for the Graffiti Remover formula to reach all the paint without pressure washing.

Pressure washer is an important step which rinses chemical graffiti remover and any dissolved or broken spray paint from the brick substrate.

How To Remove Graffiti Spray Paint From Brick

What You'll Need For Cleaning & Removal (Tools & Supplies) 

There are some supplies needed for graffiti removers for removing spray paint from brick:  

  • Safety goggles
    Safety goggles are imperative for this job to protect eyes from chemicals and water splash-back.
  • Gloves
    Harsh chemicals can cause chemical burns or absorb through the skin and cause damage. It's best to cover up those hands and wear clothes covering the skin before starting paint removal.
  • Face mask
    Covering the face will save you from having to get spray paint fumes out of your lungs later on. 
  • Wire bristle brush
    This will be needed to scrub out the paint trapped in the porous parts of the brick.
  • Scouring pad
    A pad will give a more focused scrubbing power to the surface of the bricks.
  • A bucket of water
    Having a bucket on hand will allow convenience in rinsing the scouring pad and wire brush.
  • Graffiti Remover
    A paint stripper specifically used for graffiti remover to target the bases used in removing spray paints.
  • Power washer with a green 25-degree nozzle tip
    This fan tip will provide the proper pressure to remove the loosened paint without damaging the brick's integrity.

What To Use For Getting Graffiti Off Brick?

The best way to remove spray paint from bricks or pavers is to use a paint stripper or graffiti remover to break down the graffiti spray paint pigment without hurting the surface. 

Remember: Do not mix chemicals as they can cause a bad reaction that could cause serious injury. 

Acids 

rrpeated acid washing etches can help break down the spray paint, but it takes about a day to penetrate enough to loosen the paint before you can even start scrubbing off the color. Often the etch damage closely matches the graffiti tag, thus making the graffiti tag permanent.

Adipic acid or glutamic acid are acids in paint strippers that work on breaking down graffiti. Products with glutamic acid tend to work faster than adipic acid, but it's best to read the label first to ensure that it's safe for the surface. 

It's not recommended to use hydrochloric acid to remove graffiti from brick. Although it can work on breaking down the paint, it can also compromise the integrity of the mortar that holds the brick together.

When using hydrochloric acid, it's crucial to have baking soda blasting on hand to neutralize the acid in case of any splashes on you.  

Vinegar 

Vinegar can remove spray paint from brick. However, it is not considered the best way to remove graffiti from brick because the pH is not acidic enough to work efficiently. Instead, use vinegar after power washing to remove any leftover film. 

vinegar and lemon

GoofOff 

GoofOff is an effective way to remove spray paint off brick since it can penetrate porous areas and break down the stain without damaging the brick itself. 

Nitromors

For UK and European readers, Nitromors, an all-purpose paint remover, can work on removing graffiti from brick, although the reviews suggest other products might work better and faster.

Nitromors are applied with a gel that will blister off the paint, but you may need to repeat the process multiple times.  

Unfortunately, Nitromors has been discontinued since the European Union’s ban on methylene chloride 

SmartStrip 

Paint strippers like SmartStrip can work on removing graffiti from brick because it comes as a thick paste, which easily adheres to the graffiti.

Be aware that it strips up to fifteen layers of paint, so if you’re terribly attached to the color of your painted pavers, you likely won’t want to use this powerful product.  


Best Ways For Removing Graffiti Paint From Brick (How-To Guide) 

The best way to remove graffiti from brick is to choose a paint stripper and follow these steps: 

  1. 1
    Wear clothing that covers the skin. Also, use gloves, masks, and goggles for complete protection.
  2. 2
    Have all supplies handy and ready to go.
  3. 3
    Carefully apply the stripper or graffiti remover according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll use a spray bottle for professional liquids or a clean spray bottle for vinegar. Use a brush or roller for gel strippers. For acids, a plastic flower watering can might be a great tool to use.
  4. 4
    Let the stripper sit for a period of time. Some will take only 10 minutes, while others might take a substantial time longer to set.
  5. 5
    Once time has lapsed, scrub the graffiti remover with brushes and scouring pads to loosen the remaining paint.
  6. 6
    Rinse with water and repeat the process if necessary.
  7. 7
    After the paint loosens, use a power washer with the proper nozzle and spray down the wall to remove the remaining stain.
  8. 8
    If any graffiti spray paint remains, repeat the entire process. When graffiti spray paint remains after a partially successful graffiti removal, it is referred to as graffiti ghosting or graffiti shadow.  

Will Removing Graffiti Paint From A Wall Damage The Brick? 

It depends. Removing graffiti or graffiti remover can be an abrasive process, and it will take time to remove all traces of the paint, but the process should not damage the stone itself. 

For removing spray paint from brick thoroughly spray the product on areas covered with graffiti or paint and let sit 3-5 minutes.

The process of removing spray paint from bricks is notoriously difficult.

Graffiti removal paint from a painted brick wall might result in damaging the underlying layers of paint, depending on the spray paint removal process you choose. 

Paint removers, specifically, will almost certainly graffiti removal the original paint layer or change the color. 

What Type Of Paint Is Used For Graffiti? 

Spray paint contained within an aerosol can is used. The aerosol pressure releases the color in a burst that can give ease in covering an ample space in a less time-consuming way or allow the painter to have greater control in spreading and shading. 

Quick Tip - Giving a quick wash to the brick to remove any surface dirt and letting it dry before applying a paint stripper can produce better results in loosening the graffiti. 
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Common Graffiti Spray Paint Questions 

How long does graffiti paint last? 

Graffiti can last 5-10 years, depending on how harsh the natural environment is. 


Does WD-40 remove graffiti? 

WD-40 is a penetrating oil that can remove graffiti. It achieves this by sinking into the layers of spray paint, forming a lubricated brick surface between the wall and the paint.  Once you spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with steel wool.


How do you remove graffiti from stone and concrete walls? 

Using acetone and a pressure washer can loosen graffiti removal spray paint from concrete and stone. 

What pressure washer PSI do you need to remove graffiti? 

The best PSI pressure to graffiti removal from a brick wall is 500-2000 psi using a 25-degree green nozzle fan so as not to damage the brick. 


Conclusion

Nobody appreciates their property being vandalized. It feels like a personal violation, but it also takes a lot of time and energy to resolve the issue.  

Unfortunately, it can happen, but now you know the best options and procedures for graffiti removal from brick walls and pavers.