Let’s be real, graffiti is not always “street art.” Sometimes it’s just a mess. And when it’s on your business? Yeah, not so cute.
If you’re in Fridley, MN and your commercial property has been tagged (again), or if you’re just trying to avoid that headache in the first place, this one’s for you. We’ve heard our fair share of stories from other business owners in town. You know the type, just finished sprucing up the place, and boom… someone gets creative with a spray can at 2 a.m.
So, what do you do when your clean, professional storefront becomes an accidental art gallery? Well, here’s what commercial painters (like the friendly folks at Schwartz & Sons Painting) recommend for removing graffiti, and keeping it off.
1. Use a “sacrificial” coating (yes, that’s a real thing)
Sounds dramatic, right? But it’s a pretty smart solution. These coatings go on your exterior surfaces kind of like a temporary shield. If someone decides your brick wall is their new canvas, the paint sticks to the coating, not your building. Then we just wash it off and reapply the coating. Boom. Clean wall. Crisis avoided. These aren’t something you’ll find at the hardware store; they’re pro-grade and need a commercial painting crew to apply.
2. Go with a tough-as-nails coating
Not every surface needs a throwaway shield. That’s where non-sacrificial coatings come in. These are hard, clear finishes that stay on for the long haul. When graffiti hits, it doesn’t soak in. We just wipe it down (sometimes with a little elbow grease), and it’s gone. These work especially well for metal panels, signs, and other smooth surfaces that get targeted a lot in busy areas around Fridley.
3. Double up with a combo coat
Some businesses need a little of both. We’ve seen this work well on textured surfaces, think brick, stone, or concrete walls around industrial parks or along alleyways. A permanent undercoat gives you that solid protection, while a top sacrificial coat makes cleanup fast and painless. It’s like wearing both a raincoat and an umbrella. Just in case.
4. Call in the chemicals (we’ll handle it)
If the taggers already got to you, don’t panic. Commercial painters who know what they’re doing have access to all kinds of graffiti removers. Some are gentle. Some are strong. Some are meant for old brick, others for painted surfaces. We’ve used everything from water and soap to special solvent gels that you let sit and peel off. It’s all about using the right product on the right surface so you don’t make things worse.
5. Blast it, but carefully
Sometimes graffiti just won’t budge. That’s when we bring out the blasting tools. We’re talking low-pressure micro-abrasion for old buildings and wet or dry blasting for more modern surfaces. We’re not talking about sandblasting your grandma’s historic brick wall, that’s a no-no. Good commercial painting contractors know when to use which method so you get results without wrecking your building. (And yes, we’ve heard there’s even laser removal out there. Sci-fi stuff. We’re keeping an eye on it.)
Why Fast Action Matters in Fridley
If you’ve lived or worked in Fridley for any amount of time, you know graffiti can pop up overnight, especially near busy corridors like University Avenue or around warehouse districts. The faster you act, the less chance that paint has to bond to your building. And let’s be honest, clients don’t love walking past graffiti to get to your door.
So yeah, acting fast isn’t just about cleaning up. It’s about showing your customers that you care. And keeping your place from becoming the neighborhood mural board.
Trust the Local Pros (That’s Us)
Schwartz & Sons Painting has been doing this for a while, and we know Fridley like the back of our hand. We work fast, keep your schedule in mind, and make sure your business doesn’t feel like a construction zone for weeks. You’ve got customers to serve, we get it.
- 3-year warranty on all commercial work
- 100% satisfaction guarantee (we don’t stop till you’re happy)
- Our painters are fully vetted, so your space and valuables are always in safe hands
- Every painter is trained in industrial and commercial paint systems, we know our stuff
- We’re used to working in tight schedules, challenging environments, and high-traffic areas
Whether you’re dealing with graffiti now or want to get ahead of it, our team is here to help without turning your business into a jobsite warzone.
The Bottom Line
Nobody wants to show up to work and find “Larry was here” scrawled across the front window. And you don’t have time to scrub it off with vinegar and a toothbrush. So let commercial painting pros in Fridley MN handle it for you, with coatings, cleanup, and common sense.
You focus on running your business. We’ll take care of the walls.