Introduction
Graffiti has been part of society for decades however not all graffiti is welcome within our City and in particular, uncommissioned graffiti known as vandalism. We believe rapid removal of graffiti is the best deterrent to this vandalism and encourage you to report any person you see attacking our community with graffiti vandalism to the SA Police on (08) 131 444.
Council gives free advice about graffiti prevention and removal and in some cases can provide you with graffiti remover.
Graffiti Clean Up Team
Our Graffiti Clean Up Team may also be able to help you. This group of concerned residents volunteer their time to help keep our public space free from graffiti vandal.
The Team is always looking for new helpers. If you enjoy working with others, are community-spirited, and would like to help with the removal of graffiti then contact Council's Customer Service Centre on (08) 8397 7444.
Removing Graffiti
Removing graffiti depends on the surface. In most instances a biodegradable graffiti remover will work, however please note specific preparations and other considerations from our detailed list of how to remove graffiti from those various surfaces:
Concrete, Brick, Terrazzo Ceramic and Porous Surfaces
- Remove excess thick paint carefully with a suitable paint scraper.
- Apply a biodegradable graffiti remover with a cloth or spray directly onto the surface, then using a stiff brush work into the surface.
- Leave for 10 minutes (longer if possible).
- Wipe with a clean dry cloth and allow to dry.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for difficult to remove graffiti.
- Rinse with water & wipe with a damp, clean cloth.
Wood (Unpainted)
- Apply a biodegradable graffiti remover with a clean cloth or spray directly onto the surface.
- Remove with a clean dry cloth.
- The area can also be sanded down and a two-component lacquer applied.
Painted Surfaces
- Apply a biodegradable graffiti remover with a clean cloth or spray directly onto the surface.
- Allow minimum contact time and wipe off immediately with a clean cloth.
- Wash off with water and wipe with a clean damp cloth and allow to dry.
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 until graffiti is removed.
Car Body Work
Test an inconspicuous area prior to attempting removal.
- Apply biodegradable graffiti remover directly onto surface using a cloth or spray.
- Wipe off immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
- Wash off with water and allow to dry.
- Repeat steps 1-3 until removed.
Vinyl, Perspex, Plastic & Rubber
Test a small, inconspicuous spot prior to attempting removal.
- Apply a biodegradable graffiti remover with a clean, soft cloth or spray directly onto the surface.
- Allow minimum contact time and wipe off immediately with a clean cloth.
- Wash off with water or wipe with a clean damp cloth and allow to dry,
- Repeat steps 1-3 until graffiti is removed.
Fibreglass
- Apply a biodegradable graffiti remover with a clean damp cloth or spray directly onto the surface.
- Use a course pad and work remover into surface.
- Leave for a few minutes.
- Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth and allow to dry
- Repeat steps 1-4 until graffiti is removed.
- Rinse with water or wipe with a damp cloth.
Glass Windows, Aluminium and Stainless Steel
- Remove excess thick paint carefully with a suitable scraper.
- Apply biodegradable graffiti remover with a cloth or spray directly onto the surface.
- Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.
- Water rinse or wipe with a damp, clean cloth.