Graffiti is not only a problem on street buildings and fences but kids love to show their artistic abilities from an early age on our own household walls.

 

Here are a few simple way to remove or disguise some of them with a little effort on our part.

 

Prevention is always better than the cure, it is a good idea to make feature on one wall of either a blackboard (using chalks) or a white board where the kids can use their crayons or pens.  Then encourage them to show the whole family their artistic abilities.

Outside brickwork

 

Outside bricks are prone to algae, white water stains, and of course the painter drops a few spots from time to time as he does his best balancing on the ladder. 

 

Paint spots on brick: Paint enters the pores on bricks so it is not easy to remove. Don’t use paint strippers. With paint scraper remove as much as you can, then find a matching brick and rub the rest off. (Or use a drill with a wire brush) Make sure you wear safety goggles. If it’s a large area it may be quicker to repaint the wall.

 

Algae or mould: Moisture especially during the cooler months will encourage mould or algae to grow.  If spores are heavy try removing the worst with a paint scraper and stiff brush. Use a fungicidal solution following the instructions on container, and apply with stiff brush to remove.  Treat again if required.

 

 

Biro or felt markers on wallpaper: You could cut out a piece of wallpaper out matching it to the pattern on the wall and glue on.  I marked out a square and cut the offending area, then wet it and carefully took that piece out and replaced with another matching piece.  Be careful to match it exactly and no one will notice it at all.

 

Stickers: How many times have we put stickers on windows, fridges, and then cursed because you cannot remove the backing glue.  The printed part will come of easy if you soak it with a wet cloth.

 

To remove the glue put a small quantity of eucalyptus oil on a soft rag and rub off. A little patience during this time will also help.

 

Always wear gloves and safety goggles when following any of these suggestions and you also need a bit of good luck.