Removing graffiti: How can you remove graffiti?
Graffiti on buildings is often annoying and expensive to remove. Comparis explains how you can remove graffiti and when professionals should take over.
02.02.2026
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1. How do I remove graffiti from my house wall?
There are many factors to consider when removing graffiti. For example, not every surface can be cleaned using the same method. The number of layers and the type of paint are crucial.
The age of the graffiti is also crucial. This is because the fresher the graffiti, the easier it is to remove.
These methods can be used to remove graffiti from walls:
Steam cleaner
Steam is a gentle option for removing graffiti from walls, as it is kind to the surface. It is also environmentally friendly.
To use steam, you need a steam cleaner that can heat the steam to up to 150°C. The high pressure and heat are able to remove many forms of graffiti.
However, if there are several layers of paint on top of each other, the steam does, however, reach its limits.
Particle blaster
In this method, blasting media are used. Blasting media include, for example, sand, baking powder or micro glass beads. However, pure water can also be suitable. Which agents are used depends, among other things, on the substrate. You can use the blasting media dry or mixed with water. They are then sprayed onto the affected area using a little pressure onto the affected area.
Particle blasters are a relatively effective method for removing graffiti. However, there is also a risk that you may damage sensitive surfaces. You will also need a special cleaning device.
Chemical graffiti removers
You can find a variety of chemical cleaners online. They promise to remove the paint efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. These graffiti removers cost anywhere from 20 francs to several hundred francs.
How well they work depends largely on the surface, the number of layers and the paint.
However, chemical graffiti removers also carry the risk of damaging the surface. Therefore, pay close attention to which cleaner is suitable for your surface. In addition, as a rule, you are not allowed to let the cleaner run into the sewer system; instead, you must collect it and dispose of it.
Painting over
Especially in the case of large areas, it’s advisable to repaint the surface. Cleaning would take a lot of time. Make sure that you use a paint with the appropriate properties for the painting work.
Important: some surfaces are not suitable for painting over. Check carefully beforehand whether you can paint over your surface or not. In addition, the graffiti may show through the new paint, or the new paint may develop cracks.
Graffiti on rental properties
As a tenant, you should inform the management company, if you discover graffiti on your building. Don’t try to remove the paint yourself.
Comparis tip: Have you decided on a method? Then you should always try it on a small area first. This way, you can see whether the method works and whether it damages the surface.
The city of Zurich also provides an overview of different cleaning methods. In this overview, you can see which cleaning and protection methods are suitable for which surface, and how much they cost.
2. When do I need to hire professionals to remove graffiti?
It often makes sense to have graffiti removed by professionals. Most households are unlikely to have the necessary cleaning products on hand. In addition, hiring professionals helps save time and hassle.
There are several reasons, to hire professionals:
Are you unsure, whether and how you can remove graffiti on your own? Then it is usually worth using a painting company. This is because they are familiar with various techniques and surfaces, allowing them to remove graffiti as gently as possible.
Removing graffiti is very time-consuming. Especially for large areas, the entire cleaning process can take several hours or even days. Painters and professional cleaning companies have the right equipment, to remove graffiti as quickly as possible.
There is practically no surface that is sure to be spared from graffiti. Even at great heights, you can often find graffiti.
Do not under any circumstances put yourself at risk yourself at risk when trying to remove graffiti. Professional painters have special lifting platforms that ensure their safety at lofty heights.
Some materials may be damaged by incorrect cleaning methods. These include, for example, natural stone, bricks, concrete, wood and certain types of façade cladding.
A specialist knows exactly which method and which cleaning agent are suitable for the respective surface.
Attention: façades with a special coating (such as thermal insulation composite systems) require special techniques. They may be sensitive to chemical and mechanical treatment.
Certain graffiti paints penetrate deep into the wall and can hardly be removed with conventional means. The professionals have special agents and equipment, that easily remove even stubborn paint.
Some insurers require graffiti to be removed by professionals. They may reduce benefits if you cause new damage during the cleaning process.
Good to know: compulsory buildings insurance often does not cover damage caused by graffiti on your home often does not cover damage caused by graffiti on your home. Check your insurance policy. If vandalism damage is not covered, you must add it as supplemental cover.
3. Removing graffiti: what are the costs?
Graffiti cleaning costs depend on various factors. These include:
Surface area
Age of the graffiti
Type of cleaning
Condition of the surface
Type of paint used
Time and machinery required
Due to the many factors involved, it is difficult to make general statements. Providers are also reluctant to provide pricing information. It is best to request quotes from different specialist companies.
Comparis tip: Do you regularly fall victim to graffiti? It may be worth applying an anti-graffiti coating. This does not prevent graffiti from sticking to the wall, but cleaning is much faster and more effective.
4. Do I always have to pay for graffiti removal myself?
As a rule, you are best protected against vandalism with supplementary insurance. However, even without such cover, you don’t always have to foot the bill. This is because some municipalities contribute to the costs of graffiti removal.
Examples of support from municipalities are:
If you find graffiti on your private property, the Canton of Basel-Stadt will provide you with financial support. To do this, you must report the damage to the police with a good photo.
After that, you can have the graffiti removed by a painter or a specialised company. Within one month, send the following documents to the Civil Engineering Department (Tiefbauamt):
The invoice
photos before and after cleaning
your account details
The Civil Engineering Department will examine the application and reimburse up to 80% of the costs up to a maximum of CHF 4,000. However, they may also reject the application. This happens, for example, if the cleaning was not carried out properly or the price is disproportionate.
You don’t receive any financial support in the city of Zurich. However, special «anti-graffiti subscriptions» are available. Depending on the area of the walls, these cost between 580 and 1’070 francs per year. It covers all cleaning that occurs during the course of a year for a single building number. For more information, please contact the Graffiti Unit.
In addition, the Homeowners’ Association of the Canton of Zurich has been supporting its members in cleaning graffiti since 2003. This is done through a one-time payment of 300 francs.
The City of Solothurn supports homeowners by usually covering 10% of the amount of damage. However, this only applies to buildings in the old town and the old town area of the suburbs.
You must proceed as follows:
Take photos of the graffiti.
Report the damage with a criminal complaint to the police, including the photos.
Forward a copy of the criminal complaint to the city building department.
After the damage has been repaired, submit the invoice and your account details to the Urban Development Office.
You can find out more from the City of Solothurn’s Urban Development Office.
Comparis tip: Ask your local commune or canton whether you’ll receive financial support for the costs of clearing graffiti. A short phone call or a visit to the website is usually all it takes.
5. How can I find the right painter to remove graffiti from the wall?
First, consider whether you want to have the area repainted or cleaned. Because not all painters have the necessary equipment and expertise to remove graffiti.
After that, you only need to agree on the price with the painter. Comparis can help you find the right painter.
6. FAQs on removing graffiti
On private property, the owners may decide who should remove the graffiti. This can be you yourself or a specialist company.
For a rented apartment or a rented house you should inform your property management company or landlord. Do not remove the paint yourself.
In the case of public areas, the town/city or municipality is usually responsible for the removal.
Which graffiti remover is best depends on your situation. The remover must be suitable for your surface and the graffiti paint used. Always check the information on the packaging.
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This article was first published on 29.10.2024
