How to remove graffiti on a garage door

[go4donuts]

A few months ago some new owners moved into the tumbledown house across the street from me, and I watched with approval as they immediately got to work fixing it up - big tree removal, new roof, new siding. During August and September I watched the guy build a nice double garage. This morning I got up and looked out to see that some shiitheads have tagged his garage door with graffiti. It's a huge scrawl covering approximately 1/4 of the double door.

I haven't even met the guy yet, I assume he is gone to work. It is possible he hasn't even seen it yet. If I see him later today I might go over and offer assistance or at least commiserate with him.

I was wondering if anybody has any specific advice about removing rattle can paint from a garage door. I've done some googling already and I know there are some products available, but I don't know if they are available in my town.

I live in Saskatchewan so it's cold here now - minus 14 degrees C / 7 degrees F here today. I wonder if this might help in the removal if the guy gets to it quick - maybe the paint can't dry properly in these temperatures. I'm wondering if a power washer with hot water might do the trick. Or even wiping with paint thinner.

Anybody know what material garage doors are covered with?

I just bought my house three years ago, and I too have a nice new white double garage door that would make a nice canvas for a graffit artist. So this is something I've been fearing/anticipating for my own door. In fact, I haven't checked my door yet this morning, maybe I've got the same problem.

 

[scooz14]

brake clean will take off the paint. not sure what it would do to a composite or wood door. a steel door would just need paint touch up

 

[James-W]

Since it was pretty cold when the door got sprayed with paint, I have some doubts that the paint stuck real well to the door. It MAY be easier to remove than you thought it would be, but I would start removing it as soon as possible.

It would nice if the person(s) who did this got caught and had to pay for the door to be repaired professionally. Unfortunately, I doubt that will happen.

 

[rkstr]

A friend had their two cars and mailbox tagged a while back. We used lighter fluid, it removed everything that was on the paint and windshield. After we were done you couldn't even tell it had been tagged.

 

[Bill Bowman]

This stuff works pretty well.

 

[AirJunky]

Seems like using a pressure washer would make a ice berg of his driveway & door. I'd try Goof Off or acetone first. Might come off pretty easy with the cold temps.

 

[myredracer]

Maybe one of these products or similar: http://cartierchem.com/graffiti-removal-products/

I thought there was a blasting media that will work (not soda) that will just remove the paint and not damage the underlying surface but I may be wrong.

Someone painted graffiti on an '86 Hyundai we once had that was in a parkade while working late at the office one night. Got most of it off with varsol the next day and then took it to a carwash and used the pressure wand. Took off a lot of the clear coat in big sheets and pieces... Be careful of whatever you apply and using a pressure washer after.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Tub Towel

 

[kmkalf]

We use zep paint and graffiti remover on the city buses that get tagged. This stuff works great on all kinds of paint except permanent marker which it won't touch

 

[stafford]

If it's on a metal door and it doesn't come off too well try some laquer thinner.

 

[P_856]

WD40 worked for me in the past.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I find using the liver of the POS that tagged my stuff works best.
It may not get all the paint off but my level of satisfaction is extremely high.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I find using the liver of the POS that tagged my stuff works best.
It may not get all the paint off but my level of satisfaction is extremely high.

Just because that needs quoted.

My first go to would probably be Brakleen.

 

[ilikedirt]

Hope I didn't get in here too late....this is part of my profession. Key is you want a caustic/alkaline maybe solvent depending on the paint that is enough to remove the spray paint but not too strong to where it affects the paint in the door. I use specific chemicals for different types of situations but these wipes i'll link you below work very well.

http://www.graffitisafewipes.com/

Just saw you live in a very cold climate. Low temps can effect the chems and cause them to not work or be slow at working. Also, just using pressure and hot water will not do it.

 

[XS29L9B]

This stuff works pretty well.

This stuff does work, but in my own use, I didn't wear gloves, and it literally ate away and tightened my skin on my hands. Was that way for 2 weeks. It was awful.

I contacted the vendor and they couldn't care less.

 

[ilikedirt]

This stuff does work, but in my own use, I didn't wear gloves, and it literally ate away and tightened my skin on my hands. Was that way for 2 weeks. It was awful.

I contacted the vendor and they couldn't care less.

It's acetone/d-limonene...gloves definitely needed.

 

[nadogail]

I once downloaded the MSDS for Goof Off, I found it reported to be 100% Xylene.

I have used Goof Off in the past to remove spray can paint from a graffitied up truck body.

 

[ilikedirt]

I once downloaded the MSDS for Goof Off, I found it reported to be 100% Xylene.

I have used Goof Off in the past to remove spray can paint from a graffitied up truck body.

There's different types of Goof off. Not all the same contents. They have a "pro" aerosol which is a Methylene Chloride base which is nasty nasty stuff (known carcinogen)

 

[akdiesel]

I have had luck removing overspray with detailing clay bar.

 

[calvertatie]

It MAY be easier to remove than you thought it would be, but I would start removing it as soon as possible.

 

[ryan77]

a rag damp with gasoline will wipe off spray paint and not harm a cars surface, wash and wax after of course.