Weedon Bec was subject to an unsightly Graffiti attack last year to one of our railway bridge arches, as you left the village you couldn’t fail to see the bright orange and green writing or “Artwork” on the historic arch wall. It was so disappointing to see but as “Gaffer” of Weedon FC and having my own cleaning business gave me an idea and spurred me into action which you can read about from my previous BLOG. There are different solutions and methods of Graffiti removal but due to the amount and size of the Graffitti I contacted my good friend Charlie Kenlay of NN Drainage Ltd as I knew he was eager to try out a new piece of kit!
How To Remove Graffiti Using A Water Pressure Lance
While there are various methods to remove it, using a water pressure lance is one of the most effective and environmentally friendly solutions. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of removing graffiti using a water pressure lance, ensuring a cleaner and more presentable surface.
Assess the Surface:
- Before you begin, examine the surface with graffiti. Determine the type of material (brick, concrete, metal, etc.) and the kind of paint used for the graffiti. This will help you adjust the pressure settings and decide if a cleaner is necessary.
Choose the Right Pressure Setting:
- Most pressure washers have adjustable settings. For removing graffiti, a pressure range of 2,500 to 3,000 PSI is generally effective. Start with a lower setting and gradually increase if necessary to avoid damaging the surface.
Set Up Your Work Area:
- Lay down drop cloths or tarps to catch any debris. Ensure that the surrounding area is clear of obstacles and that you have a good water supply.
Apply Graffiti Cleaner (if needed):
- If using a specialized graffiti cleaner, apply it to the affected area according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to sit for the recommended time to break down the paint.
Use the Water Pressure Lance:
- Connect the lance to your pressure washer and turn on the water supply.
- Begin at the top of the graffiti and work your way down. Hold the lance at a slight angle (about 45 degrees) to effectively blast away the paint.
- Use a sweeping motion, maintaining a distance of about 12 to 24 inches from the surface to prevent damage.
Rinse and Check:
- After applying pressure, rinse the area with clean water. Check if any remnants of the graffiti remain. If necessary, repeat the process using a higher pressure setting or additional cleaner.
Our Kit:
- In this instance, graffiti cleaner wasn’t required as we used a specialized lance. The lance has a line that is fed into sharp sand, it mixes with the water and blasts of the graffiti from the surface at a fast pace.
Weedon FC
We removed the Graffiti and carried out the work FREE of Charge, we just asked members of the community if they were pleased with the work to donate to Weedon Football Club. We wanted to raise funds for new goals and equipment for the club as we have a thriving junior section, for us this was a WIN WIN for all concerned. We raised over £500 for the club and would like to thank Charlie at NN Drainage Ltd and the village for their support and kind comments.