Before you begin, please read this cautionary information:

• The city does not endorse specific brands of products
• Always use caution when using dangerous and toxic chemicals.
• Test your removal methods and materials on a small, unimportant area to be sure they work without causing damage. 
• Hire a trained professional for valuable surfaces, historic buildings or unstable materials. 
• Remember: Always read product labels and follow all manufacturer instructions and recommendations. Most of the products identified above are flammable - use caution and follow safety directions when using these products. Always use proper safety clothing and equipment (including gloves, safety glasses, etc.).

Metal Surfaces

• Try wiping the graffiti with a citrus based cleaner, common paint thinners (such as mineral spirits), rubbing alcohol or lacquer thinner with a soft cloth.
• Try to remove it by rubbing with steel, bronze wool, or light sandpaper. Monitor the surface for damage.
  
• Try power-washing it with a pressure washer. It is not recommended to exceed 700 psi.
• If none of these methods work, paint over the graffiti.

Wood Surfaces

• If the wood is painted, try using mineral spirits to remove the graffiti.
• Try power washing with low pressure. It is not recommended to exceed 700 psi. Monitor the surface for damage.
• Try to sand the wood and re-paint or stain.

Plastic Surfaces

• Try wiping graffiti with a citrus based cleaner or rubbing alcohol with a soft cloth.
• Do not use paint thinners as they can soften the plastic and can cause clouding (if clear plastic) or permanent tackiness of the surface.

Glass Surfaces

• Try removing painted graffiti from glass by using a razor blade to carefully scrape it off with a citrus based cleaner or glass cleaner. Use the razor blade in a holder and scrape at a 30-degree angle to the glass. Monitor the surface for damage.
• Try wiping ink graffiti with a citrus based cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or a glass cleaner with a soft cloth.

Masonry Surfaces

• Try power-washing the graffiti with low pressure with a citrus based cleaner. It is not recommended to exceed 700 psi. Be careful in selecting the type of tip you use in the pressure wand. Too narrow of a tip (such as 0 degree) will etch the masonry surface leaving a perfect outline of the graffiti removed. Monitor the surface for damage.