Graffiti Removal

Utility boxes and light poles

Supplies

• Graffiti removal solution
• Scrub pad
• Rag or paper towels

Metal surfaces leave a better appearance when scrubbed. Painting metal is discouraged. It tends to build up with frequent tagging and may leave an off-color patch.

Painted metal surfaces

Supplies

• Matching paint (light grey)
• Paint pan
• Roller
• Roller nap

Consider painting the entire tagged surface to ensure a color match. Avoid painting post office identification, key holes, hinges, and working parts of doors.

Black decorative light poles

Supplies

• Flat black or shiny back spray paint. 

Scrubbing with solution may dull the paint.

Street signs

Do not paint or clean the front of:

• Stop signs
• Traffic direction signs
• Street barricades

Traffic signs are coated with a reflective surface so they are easy to read at night. Graffiti removing solution can destroy their reflective surfaces, making the signs unsafe. 

The backs, but not the fronts, of these signs may be cleaned with graffiti removal solution. 

If the front of a sign has been tagged, take a picture and email it, along with the address, to TransOperations@GreshamOregon.gov.

Or call 503-618-2626 to report the graffiti.

Cable boxes and garbage cans

Supplies

• Graffiti removal solution
• Scrub pad
• Rag or paper towels

Black pen graffiti may leave a stain on plastic surfaces; however, this will fade in time.

Chain link fencing inserts

Supplies

• Paint
• Paint pan
• Roller
• Roller nap

Inserts can be cleaned but painting the entire fence is more efficient and effective.

Painted wood fencing

Supplies

• Paint
• Paint Pan
• Roller
• Roller Nap

If fencing is a uniform color, touch up over new graffiti can be quick and easy with paint.

Natural wood fencing

Supplies

• Graffiti removal solution
• Scrub pad
• Rag or paper towels

If ineffective, try power washing or scraping with a wire brush. The color of the fence will be somewhat changed.

Telephone poles

Supplies

• Flat black spray paint

Graffiti tends to show through a coat of spray paint; a layer of primer may be necessary.

Rough walls, sidewalks, brick

Supplies

• Graffiti removal solution
• Brush
• Power washer and water source, or
• Matching paint

For best results, apply solution with brush, then let sit for five minutes before power washing. Paint will cover graffiti, but may leave surface discolored or patchy.

Smooth walls

Supplies

• Paint
• Paint pan
• Roller
• Roller nap

Concrete walls with a smooth surface can be easily painted. Future tagging can be quickly covered with a matching color.

Supplies

• Graffiti removal solution
• Putty knife or five-in-one tool
• Scrub pad
• Rag or paper towel

Stickers on the front of traffic signs must not be removed and should be reported to TransOperations@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2626. 

Elsewhere, applying solution and allowing it to soak a few minutes before scraping off is effective.