What is graffiti?
Graffiti is the deliberate painting of messages or images on property, without the permission of the rightful owner.
This graffiti is usually applied with paint or texta pen. It is an unfortunate fact that during recent years this crime has become more common throughout Australia.
Graffiti is a whole-of-community responsibility. Council has a zero tolerance policy in relation to its own buildings and facilities. Residents are encouraged to implement their own anti-graffiti measures at home.
Please contact Council to report graffiti.
How to prevent graffiti
There are numerous measures that can help prevent graffiti:
- Paint external walls in dark colours (graffiti is less visible on darker shades)
- Use graffiti-resistant paint on walls up to a height of at least 2m
- Choose non-porous surfaces for external areas to limit paint absorption
- Always budget to have leftover paint in case the need arises to paint-out graffiti
- Install sensor lights around your property to draw attention to movement
Gravel paths create noise, which also effectively alerts you to unwanted visitors
- Secure your own tins of paint so that they can’t be used illegally
- Plant trees that will deter illegal graffiti artists – vines and shrubs break up a large surface and thorny plants can discourage entry to an area
- It is advisable to keep your garden well cared for, as this sends a clear message that vandalism of any type will NOT be tolerated
- Avoid creating large, smooth surfaces or fences when designing your property. Try to use chain, paling or pool fencing
Removing graffiti
Once graffiti has occurred at a site, rapid removal is the most effective way of discouraging further graffiti attacks. Removing illegal tags within 24 hours deprives the artist of any recognition and sends a clear message that the area is being monitored and cared for.
Prior to removing graffiti it is advisable to photograph the damage and forward it to the Police. Be sure to record your name, the location of the graffiti and the date. This allows the Police to monitor particular tags and identify the responsible offenders.
Graffiti removal packs
Graffiti removal packs are available to all residents free of charge and can be obtained from Council's customer service centres.
There are two types of kits available. Both kits are environmentally friendly and include instructions, material safety data sheet, safety goggles, mask, brush and disposable gloves:
- Graffiti Kit A (liquid non-porous) for steel / glass
- Graffiti Kit B (gel) for brick / concrete / masonry
Paint out
Painting over the graffiti is one of the simplest methods of removing graffiti from a painted surface. For the best result, try to remove as much as possible prior to painting over.
Alternatively, use a sealant to prevent the graffiti from bleeding through the new coats. Darker colours are less attractive to other graffiti vandals and marks are also less likely to show through.
Mechanical
For unpainted surfaces, the removal of extensive aerosol paint may require sand or water blasting. For difficult cases, contact a specialist contractor (see Yellow Pages under paint removal services / supplies).
Chemicals
When using chemicals, always follow the instructions and safety procedures recommended by the manufacturer and do a ‘spot test’ first.
Household products such as dishwashing detergent, laundry liquid, oven-cleaner, mineral turpentine and eucalyptus oil will remove texta pen from most surfaces.
Aerosol paint needs to be treated quickly, before it penetrates absorbent surfaces. Try a solvent, such as mineral turpentine or chemical paint stripper.
Household products
Refer to our guide below for advice on self-removal using household products:
T = Texta pen
* = Aerosol paint
|
Glass & Aluminium
|
Soft brick
|
Hard brick
|
Concrete Slab
|
Terrazzo
|
Foam Oven Cleaner
|
TTT
***
|
T
*
|
TT
**
|
T
**
|
TTT
***
|
Liquid Cleanser
|
TTT
***
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
Turpentine
|
TTT
***
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
Hand Washing Detergent
|
TTT
***
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
Eucalyptus Oil
|
TTT
***
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
Liquid Laundry Detergent
|
TTT
***
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
TTT
*
|
T
*
|
Powder Cleanser
|
TTT
***
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
T
*
|
Effectiveness rating: 1 symbol = poor 2 symbols = fair 3 symbols = good
to top