Graffiti is an art form for many people and a nuisance for others. Regardless, it’s a headache for you when you see it on portable toilets at your event or construction site. This guide isn’t about the moral implications of graffiti; it’s about the scrubbing, scraping, and solvents required to erase it.
When you cannot postpone your event or construction project, getting rid of unsanctioned artwork is the next best step. Keep reading to learn how to remove graffiti from porta potties and get back to business.
The History of Graffiti in Chicago
Before tackling the art of graffiti removal, it’s worth exploring the background of graffiti, which has deep roots in urban culture. In Chicago, graffiti has woven itself into the city’s identity, from the cultural murals of Pilsen to the political messages scrawled across trains and alleyways.
The city has seen waves of graffiti, each influencing the next, from tags to elaborate masterpieces that adorn many city buildings today. Graffiti is so ingrained in Chicagoland that it has a section of its own in the Art Institute.
Laws Against Defacing Private Property in Chicago
Despite its prevalence, graffiti in Chicago is largely illegal. The city has strict laws against defacing public and private property, with penalties ranging from fines to community service.
Familiarize yourself with local ordinances before attempting to remove graffiti, as you could face legal ramifications for improper cleaning methods, especially when cleaning private property.
Basic Equipment for Graffiti Removal
Using the right tools is half the battle. Your team will need supplies for basic graffiti removal so they don’t do more harm than good and make the problem even harder to resolve. Here is a list of the essential supplies you’ll need for graffiti removal:
- Rubber gloves
- Goggles
- Disposable scrubbing pads or towels
- A mild solvent such as acetone, paint thinner, or high-concentration rubbing alcohol
- A pressure washer
Begin with the gentlest method, and only escalate the cleaning intensity if necessary. Taking the cleaning process slowly will help you protect the integrity of the porta potty’s surface and use the most environmentally friendly solutions for graffiti removal.
Instructions for Removing Graffiti From Portable Toilets
Once you’ve gathered the equipment, it’s time to begin the cleaning process. If you’ve never removed graffiti from a portable toilet before, don’t worry! Here’s our step-by-step guide for removing unwanted artwork and returning your porta potties to their normal state.
Step 1: Safety First
Always wear gloves to protect your skin when working with solvents. Goggles can keep the cleaner out of your eyes if it’s a particularly windy day. Using protective equipment will prevent any unnecessary accidents from occurring that could prevent you from removing the graffiti.
Step 2: Conduct a Spot Test
Before large-scale application, test the solvent on a small area to see whether it causes discoloration or damages the porta potty’s surface. If it does, you should search for another cleaning solution that’s suitable for the surface.
Step 3: Apply the Solvent
Using a disposable towel or pad, apply your chosen solvent to the graffiti. Allow the solvent to sit for a few minutes to break down the paint. You should review the instructions on the solvent’s container to determine the appropriate dwell time.
Step 4: Scrubbing
After letting the solvent sit, start scrubbing with a back-and-forth motion. The graffiti should begin to lift off as you scrub. You may need to apply more solvent and force if you’re having difficulty removing the paint. However, be careful not to scratch the surface and permanently damage the porta potty.
Step 5: Rinsing
After you’ve removed most of the graffiti, use a pressure washer or hose to rinse away the remaining paint and solvent. Pressure washers are fast, efficient tools that will clean your porta potty with minimal effort.
Step 6: Drying
The final step is to allow the unit to dry completely before using it again. A dry toilet is more hygienic for your guests or employees and gives remaining solvent the chance to evaporate.
Using Grit for Tough Situations
You may need to use more aggressive cleaning methods on graffiti that’s deeply embedded or covers a large area. Here are a few options:
- Sandblasting involves blasting high-pressure sand against the graffiti, effectively removing it. This method is best left to professionals, as mishandling can cause irreversible damage.
- Use a paint thinner and a wire brush for hardened or multiple layers of graffiti. Rubbing with solvent and a wire brush can remove the most stubborn residue.
- Chemical paint strippers are severe solvents that could harm the environment and human skin, so you should use them with extreme caution. However, they can dissolve most forms of paint, so they would likely work on tough jobs.
These are last-resort methods. Only try them after attempting the least harmful approach. You should always review the application instructions before applying chemical substances, like paint thinner or chemical paint strippers, to your porta potties.
Tips for Reducing Public Vandalism at Your Next Event
Preventing graffiti is just as important as removing it. Here are some tips to discourage public vandalism at your next event or construction site:
- Setting up good lighting and security cameras in areas where vandalism is likely to occur can act as a deterrent.
- The fast removal of any graffiti that does show up shows vandals that their work won’t last or make an impact.
- Create a designated graffiti area to redirect creative energies away from your event or site.
- Work with local artists to create sanctioned murals or street art to beautify the area.
- Educate event attendees or workers on the negative impact of vandalism and the importance of respect for public and private property.
Learning how to remove graffiti from porta potties might not be the most glamorous part of your job, but it’s an essential one. By understanding the history of graffiti in your area, the laws surrounding it, and the proper removal techniques, you can cleanse your porta potties and maintain the integrity of the spaces around you.
If you need a portable restroom rental for your next event or construction project, consider obtaining a toilet holding tank from Floods Royal Flush. Our portable toilets provide users with a comfortable, sanitary, and private space to use the restroom. We also take great pride in maintaining the cleanliness of our units. We clean our toilets regularly, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted artwork or drawings while using our equipment.
