HELP PLEASE! "GRAFFITI" REMOVAL FROM BRICKWORK

P0123

Hi All

I am in desperate need of genuine help and/or advice as to how to remove spray-paint on brickwork, WITHOUT DAMAGING the brickwork!

I had spray-painted a number on the brick pillar, which I have now been told to remove and, of course, not to damage the brickwork in the process.

Looking online, there are differing opinions, particularly with chemical-based and less harmful items.

Since being close to pulling my hair out, I had thought about getting a "professional" in, but these days, how do I know they are genuine? How do I know that they will actually do the job? Also, I can't afford much, and I am sure they will charge a fair bit for their time, to start with.

If I can buy a recommended, genuine, product that WILL do the trick, it will be best.

I am hoping for one of the "non-hazardous" types, where I won't need protective accessories and extras, (as some advertise), and not too expensive, as I haven't got much of a budget.

(Also, ideally, obtainable from a store, online or in-person, rather than from Amazon.)

I did see one hopeful option whilst Googling, from Toolstation, about £13 approximately, and non-chemical. It had many good reviews, with several saying good on brickwork, whilst there were still the odd ones saying "not good on brickwork, etc".

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Many thanks, in advance.

Woodstok2000

Have you tried a pressure washer and elbow grease?

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6674050/help-please-graffiti-removal-from-brickwork

which I have now been told to remove

Does that mean the property belongs to someone else?

If so, then have a serious think about getting a professional in, rather than trying any DIY approaches. Once bricks have been ruined there's no easy way to unruin them. Fortunately spray paint can generally be removed without doing too much damage, but use the wrong method and a bad situation gets worse.

If you use professionals and they make a mess then when the building owner takes action against you then in defence you can say you relied on a professional and/or take action against them. If you DIY it and it goes wrong then there's only you to blame.

stuart45

Have you got a photo? It depends on the type of paint, and also the type of brick. Some bricks, such as engineering bricks, are easier to clean than something like an LBC Rustic.

P0123

It's standard red brick, I believe, and I used basic spray paint.

stuart45

The bricks look like LBC Flettons which have a sand face. The face is easily damaged on this type of brick. You can't use anything too abrasive, such as a wire brush. They are also quite porous, so paint soaks into them.

P0123

Woodstock - apparently pressure washers and too abrasive means mustn't be used on this.

P0123

stuart45 - yes, thank you. I know wire brushes cannot be used, but hard bristle brushes can. This is why I asked for information as to how to deal with it, what to use, etc, that is recommended by those in the know.

I think I shall probably have to go for the "Graffiti cleaner" at Toolstation, unless I get any better ideas.

P0123

Section 62 - it is rented. If quotes from "professionals" are too high, then no, I can't afford that. I am on a low budget. Also, like I said in my post, how do I know which professioinals to use? Which ones are genuine? Which ones can do this job, and successfully? How do I know which quotes are fair? and so on…?

Boohoo

It would be cheaper to paint the whole pillar going by the photo if possible.

You could get a professional person to come out and give you a free quote and then ask them what type of stuff they will use to remove it.

mta999

Another option you might be forced to do if removing the graffiti damages the bricks is to get a bricky to remove the bricks, turn them around so that the numbers face inwards and repoint