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Helpful Homeowner Tips
Tips on Graffiti Prevention and Removal
Graffiti vandalism (by use of spray paint, markers, etching tools, etc.) in your neighborhood needs to be removed as quickly as possible. The longer graffiti stays on property, the greater the negative messages to you, your neighbor and business Customers. Prompt and consistent action keeps property values and discourages further vandalism.
Here are some tips that will help discourage 'taggers' from marking your home or building:
- Planting Ivy or installing a trellis will make exposed walls unattractive to taggers.
- Exposed surfaces can be sprayed or painted with a commercial wax coating such as Graffiti Off and Graffiti Melt. If the surface is tagged, simply hose it off and the graffiti and wax melt away. After the surface dries, reapply the wax to the affected spot to restore protection.
- Install a closed-circuit camera in the area(s) that is vulnerable to taggers.
If taggers do strike, be prepared with the proper supplies to remove the graffiti quickly:
Painted Surfaces (wood, concrete, stucco, etc.): Always have paint to match the color you are going to paint or that closely matches the original surface. Don't follow the outline of the tag or spot paint. Create a square, fill it in and let the paint blend to create the idea that there's never been a tag or paint from break point to break point in large squares.
Unpainted Surfaces (brick, cement, stone, etc.): Spray the graffiti with a paint remover, then wash it down with a high-pressure hose.
Glass / Plexiglas: You may use carburetor cleaner on either surface or use a sharp paint scraper or common paint remover on glass. Should the tagger etch the glass, some graffiti removal contractors offer scratch removal. Check you local Yellow pages under 'Glass Repair' for a contractor. Sometimes the only way to restore the glass is to replace it.
Stickers: Scrape away as much of the sticker as possible. Use nail polish remover or an acetone-based cleaner to remove gummy residue.
Dumpsters: Note the company name posted on the dumpster and report it to them. Such companies are listed in the telephone directory.
Graffiti attracts more graffiti! Graffiti that is left in place for more than 24 hours tends to attract more graffiti to the building that's been tagged and to surrounding buildings. To report graffiti or obtain additional information, please check with the Graffiti Watch / Abatement program in your local city.
 We have SAVED 331,000 gallons of water, or 26% of our previous year's usage to date. That represents a savings of $1,125. Irrigation repairs during this period cost us $555, so our savings represents a return on investment of 203% in this year alone. I would like to thank everyone at Serpico Landscaping for their continuing attention to this important area. They have accomplished this savings by changing spray patterns and altering water periods as well as repairing the system. And the place looks....Green!
Richard Johnson
The Views HOA
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