How to Remove Graffiti from Vinyl Siding and Fences

How to Remove Graffiti from Vinyl Siding and Fences

Cleaning all types of graffiti from vinyl siding can be easy using our products, however the variations in chemical combinations used in manufacture, as well as the degrading effects of UV which fade vinyl over time, can result in shadows. 


We must caution that some vinyl siding can be particularly vulnerable to any type of cleaner containing solvents. 


The Vinyl Siding Institute website states “do not use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine or bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, furniture polish or cleaners. They can affect the surface of the siding.” 


Thorough testing of our products is required in small inconspicuous areas using minimum dwell. Close observation must be made to any adverse reactions occurring in the vinyl during and even after the product is wiped away and allowed to dry, before commencing large scale use. Below is a good example of what to look out for. Ensure this doesn't happen to you by testing first in a small are before large scale use.

what to look out for when cleaning vinyl siding

Example of what to look out for when removing product from vinyl


Vinyl Siding is essentially plastic exterior cladding and comes in a variety of grades and thicknesses. Smaller graffiti can generally be removed with our Sensitive Surface Graffiti Remover (brush on/wipe off) with a DAMP toweling rag). This product is PH neutral and designed to be non damaging but thorough testing is still required before use.  

Large scale graffiti removal on vinyl fences such as these are done with Bare Brick Stone & Masonry Graffiti Remover in conjunction with a pressure washer. Hot water can make a difference to the final outcome.

If you need to remove larger graffiti spray can on a vinyl fence such as the examples seen above, we recommend first wetting the vinyl down, and then applying our Bare Brick, Stone & Masonry Graffiti Remover onto the graffiti with a nylon brush, agitating as you go to dissolve the graffiti in the textured surface. 


Once you see the graffiti dissolving, rinse with your pressure washer cleaning a maximum of several square feet at a time. Use a hot water pressure washer if possible. 


ALWAYS test a small inconspicuous area first, before commencing large scale cleaning. Occasionally you may notice a slight fading/discoloration of the vinyl especially on aged lower grade PVC vinyl. This can often be remedied with a coat of Feltpen Fadeout after the removal, but be please sure to test, test, test BEFORE starting large scale removals on any plastic surface. 


If after using the techniques described above you are still noticing a stain or shadow, then it may be that the graffiti has in fact bonded with the vinyl. 


If this happens it’s time for the art of ‘disguise’. Color match and paint or fog mist over the affected area with a High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer.


Vinyl siding can easily be protected with World’s Best Graffiti Coating which will also protect from pollution, salt spray and road grime helping to protect and extend the life of the vinyl.


3 Golden Rules

1) If graffiti is not coming off easily, you're doing it wrong. You may require a change of tact or use of another product.

2) If you can't remove a little bit of graffiti, then you're not going to remove a lot. Test first before applying product to an entire job. This way you can determine if you’re on the right track before embarking on full scale removals.

3) If you're working hard, you're doing it wrong. Forget the scrubbing, blasting and any other abrasive measures. Put simply, either your products are working or they’re not. Any problems can be taken care of with the right technique.

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