Erasing: how do I request graffiti removal?

What can I do myself?

Paint your walls in a neutral, mid-range colour

Graffiti is often found on very light or very dark surfaces because it appears more visible for the graffiti vandal. You might consider painting your wall in a neutral mid-range colour to help deter them. In addition, our graffiti removal operatives only carry British Standard colours and will obtain a better match if walls are painted the same.

Paint over or remove the graffiti yourself

If you have spare paint you could cover over the graffiti yourself within hours of it appearing or you could let our contractors do it for you within our normal target times.

What happens when we receive a request
When we receive a request to remove graffiti we have to consider whether fully removing it will cause damage to the original surface underneath. If it is possible to completely remove the graffiti then of course we will. If we are unable to we can paint over the graffiti with a finish that best matches the surrounding surface with a colour to the nearest British Standard and a type appropriate for the location. Bear in mind that weathering over time may change the appearance of a painted surface.

Graffiti hotline: 020 8871 7049

Email: graffiti@wandsworth.gov.uk

Graffiti removal products
DIY shops carry a range of graffiti removal products that may provide a solution to small-scale graffiti. Heavy attacks of graffiti on bare brick walls can be treated by specialist graffiti removal contractors who carry a range of products and equipment. Anti graffiti coatings are also available, which can offer some protection to a surface and will make the graffiti removal process easier. Coatings come in two main types, permanent and sacrificial - the choice of which will depend on the type of surface to be protected.

Fix a trellis

Where practical, you might consider fixing a trellis to your wall and growing plants such as ivy or prickly varieties of plants, which can act as a deterrent to the graffiti vandal.