How to Clean Graffiti Off of Red Brick

Some people aim to literally make their mark on the world in the form of graffiti on someone else's property. If you've been the victim of taggers, you'll want to remove the offending paint as soon as possible. In order to clean graffiti from brick, you need to lift the paint from the surface of the brick without damaging the brick itself. Harsh chemicals or physical means of removal could damage the color or surface of your brick, so you'll need to use gentler methods to dissolve the paint and restore your brick to its former beauty.

Plastic sheeting
Rubber gloves
Plastic apron
Shredded paper or cellulose pulp
Large bucket
Paint thinner or commercial graffiti remover
Masking tape
Water hose

Instructions

- 1
  Spread plastic on the ground and all around the area in which you'll be working. The plastic will protect sidewalks and flowerbeds from any runoff from the graffiti-removing chemicals. Put on plastic gloves and a plastic apron to protect your hands and clothes.
- 2
  Put the shredded paper or cellulose pulp in the bucket and saturate it with the paint remover or commercial graffiti remover. Allow the solution to soak for several minutes so the paper or pulp will absorb as much of the chemical as possible.
- 3
  Press the saturated pulp against the painted areas of the brick. Shape the mixture with your hands in a thick layer over the wall. Cover all the painted areas completely.
- 4
  Cover the pulp with plastic sheeting. Tape the edges of the sheeting to keep it in place. Leave the plastic in place overnight. This allows the solvent in the pulp to work on dissolving and lifting the paint from the brick.
- 5
  Remove the plastic from over the pulp. Wash off the pulp with the stream from a water hose.

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