Graffiti, while sometimes celebrated as urban art, is vandalism when it appears on private or commercial property without permission. For property owners and managers, it’s more than an aesthetic nuisance; it’s something that invites further antisocial behaviour, and often costs time and money to remove. At Balmore Group, we specialise in high-access and heritage-safe cleaning services across Scotland and the North of England. As a trusted Doff Cleaning Contractor, we deliver fast, effective, and surface-safe graffiti cleaning using advanced DOFF steam cleaning technology, backed by rope access expertise for even the most hard-to-reach areas.
Below, we explain how graffiti is safely removed from various surfaces, why DOFF is the gold standard in the industry, and how to protect your property from repeat vandalism.
The Cost and Impact of Graffiti in the UK:
Graffiti is not just an eyesore; it’s a significant financial burden. It’s estimated that graffiti costs the UK over £1 billion per year to clean up. For instance, Glasgow City Council had the highest graffiti removal expenditure among UK councils, spending almost £650,000 in 2019 alone. These figures highlight the pressing need for effective graffiti removal solutions.
Removing Graffiti From Brickwork, Concrete, and Stone Walls:
Brick, stone, and concrete are highly porous, making graffiti paint soak in deeply and cling stubbornly to the surface. Using pressure washers on these materials risks damaging the mortar or eroding historic features, particularly on Glasgow sandstone and Edinburgh sandstone buildings.
With DOFF cleaning, we use superheated steam (up to 150°C) delivered at low pressure to:
- Gently lift paint and ink from surfaces without abrasion
- Avoid forcing paint deeper into the material
- Preserve the structural and visual integrity of heritage or modern brickwork
This method is ideal for tenement buildings, commercial façades, stone walls, and conservation areas.
Removing Graffiti From Painted Metal:
Metal shutters, gates, and utility boxes are often easy targets for vandalism. While they’re less porous than stone, painted metal can be easily scratched or stripped if cleaned with abrasive tools or harsh chemicals.
Our cleaning approach involves gentle solvents followed by DOFF steam treatment, allowing us to:
- Remove spray paint and marker ink without affecting the original finish
- Avoid warping or scratching the metal surface
- Reduce the need for costly repainting
This makes us a go-to for graffiti cleaning on shopfront shutters, storage units, and public infrastructure across Scotland.
Removing Graffiti From Glass Windows and Facades:
Glass presents unique challenges. Harsh scrubbing can cause permanent scratching, and some graffiti, including acid etching, is difficult to remove without causing further damage.
We assess each case individually and apply the most suitable combination of:
- Specialist solvents
- Non-abrasive tools
- Controlled DOFF steam application
The result? Clean, clear windows and glass panels, without any loss of clarity or surface integrity.
Removing Graffiti From Plastic and Signs:
Plastic signage, bins, and cladding can be especially tricky. These materials are sensitive to both heat and chemicals, making graffiti removal a delicate task.
We tailor our cleaning methods based on the plastic type, ensuring we:
- Avoid melting or discolouration
- Remove all traces of paint or marker
- Protect any graphics or branding on signage
This is particularly useful for councils, schools, and transportation services trying to maintain clean, presentable public-facing assets.
Why Use a DOFF Machine for Graffiti Removal?
The DOFF machine is a trusted system developed specifically for cleaning delicate surfaces. Here’s why we at Balmore Group rely on it:
- Temperature, not pressure: Steam is delivered at up to 150°C but with minimal pressure, meaning even heritage masonry or paint-coated metal isn’t damaged.
- No harsh chemicals: Unlike solvent-heavy methods, DOFF steam cleaning is eco-friendly and doesn’t leave behind chemical residues
- Effective across multiple materials: From sandstone to aluminium and everything in between, one method fits all.
- Prevents surface damage: Especially important when dealing with historic buildings or listed structures in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh
- Ideal for Rope Access Use: Our team combines DOFF cleaning with industrial rope access, allowing graffiti removal from buildings several storeys high, without scaffolding.
- Trusted by Conservation Bodies: Because it doesn’t harm substrates, DOFF cleaning is endorsed for use on listed buildings and protected structures.
As a top-rated Doff cleaning service provider, we’ve seen firsthand how the DOFF system outperforms traditional methods for graffiti removal.
Why Fast Graffiti Removal Matters?
Graffiti is more than an eyesore, it can be offensive, threatening, or used as territorial tagging. Research has shown that visible graffiti can lead to increased criminal behaviour in the area, a concept known as the Broken Windows Theory.
Removing graffiti quickly:
- Reduces the chance of repeat offences
- Restores public trust and property value
- Prevents further vandalism from spreading
High-Level Cleaning? No Problem.
Graffiti isn’t always applied at ground level. Whether it’s on a multi-storey block, a commercial office façade, or a church steeple, our rope access trained technicians can reach and clean even the most difficult access points, without the need for costly scaffolding.
We’re one of the few graffiti cleaning teams in the UK who are IRATA-certified and qualified for high-rise DOFF cleaning.
Wrapping Up: Choose Balmore Group for Safe, Effective Graffiti Removal
Whether it’s sprayed on sandstone, etched into glass, or marked on metal, graffiti doesn’t have to stay. At Balmore Group, we provide efficient, discreet, and damage-free graffiti removal using the best equipment, the safest techniques, and the most experienced technicians.
Based in Glasgow, we serve Scotland and the North of England with professional DOFF cleaning, rope access, and full graffiti management solutions. Get in touch today!
