Quote
tjnthesky
Any body got a better idea? Thanks
The two best things are a Pressure Blaster or "Graffiti-Gone".
Graffiti is a growing problem in forest recreation sites and along highways. When an object or facility is vandalized by graffiti, it is very likely that it will be vandalized again in an effort to erase the marks from the previous group. For this reason, it is important to remove graffiti as quickly and as thoroughly as possible, not only to eliminate unsightly messages but also to prevent further damage to facilities.
There are three successful approaches for eliminating graffiti:
1. Remove graffiti everyday. Do not give up. Eventually, the taggers will become frustrated and will leave the site alone.
2. Anti-graffiti paints and graffiti removers are effective and efficient.
3. A pressure blaster with a sand blaster attachment is effective at removing graffiti from natural features including trees and from unpainted paved surfaces.
The USFS began experimenting with various anti-graffiti treatments in the 1980’s. Numerous anti-graffiti paints and graffiti removers were tried. Graffiti removers are agents that lift graffiti off most surfaces. A number of these products are on the market and they work with varying degrees of efficiency. Some smear the graffiti and leave a shadow; some work well; several are very toxic.
GRAFFITI-GONE is one graffiti remover successfully tested in the field and warrants further discussion. It does not contain chlorinated solvents, does not cause cancer, and does not require the user to wear full protective gear. Field personnel report GRAFFITI-GONE did not sting their eyes or burn their skin. It did not smear the graffiti or leave a shadow.
The manufacturer reports its product removes spray paint, marker, lipstick, ball point pen, crayon,and tree-marking paint with no damage to tree.
GRAFFITI-GONE does not work effectively if the surface temperature of the object covered with graffiti is warmer than 80 degrees .Also, the product does not work effectively on a surface that is too cold, below 40 degrees.
PRESSURE BLASTER
A pressure blaster machine with a sand blaster attachment works very well to remove graffiti from rocks, concrete, pavement, and trees. The primary component of a sand blaster attachment nozzle should be tungsten carbide. Prices for nozzles range from $100.00 to $300.00, depending on tungsten carbide content. The sand blaster attaches at the nozzle so sand and water mix together just before they are sprayed out. The sand, Silica #20, must be kept dry. In some climates the sand should be stored in temperature-controlled rooms so it will not collect moisture. The preferred blaster has a pressure of at least 3,000 psi The water flow is generally 4 to 4.5 gpm This pressure setting works well to remove paint from rocks and other surfaces. In areas where water is plentiful, drafted from a stream or from a tank, a 4 to 4.5 gpm water flow is best. A 2.5 gpm (0.16 L/s) model can be special ordered for areas where water is scarce. The job will take longer to accomplish, but less water will be used in the long run. Pressure blasters have a fixed rate of flow so be sure to order the machine best suited for the water available.
When blasting graffiti from a multifaceted surface such as a rock, it is necessary to blast the same spot from several different angles to make sure the paint comes out of all the nooks and crannies. Figure 3 shows one rock covered with graffiti and another rock being pressure blasted to remove graffiti.
