Graffiti on Your Property
If you find graffiti on your property, you should remove it immediately. By painting over graffiti as soon as possible, you will discourage further graffiti. Graffiti vandals want to be recognized for their work, and once they realize that their graffiti is removed quickly from a location, they will ultimately move on to other locations. It may take multiple paint-outs to deter the vandals. Be persistent!
Strategies for Keeping Property Graffiti Free
Check your local hardware store for special products that can be applied to surfaces, making them graffiti resistant. Install good lighting on the walls and fences that may be vulnerable to graffiti. Plant shrubs or climbing vines to restrict access to graffiti prone areas. Plants with thorns or foul scents are especially useful deterrents. And finally, encourage your neighbors to watch for and report graffiti vandals.
The City's Paint and Materials Exchange Bank
Contact the city's Paint and Materials Exchange Bank for assistance or questions pertaining to graffiti removal supplies and safety. The City of San Diego operates a Paint and Materials Exchange Bank in the Chollas View area where citizens can obtain free recycled paint in limited colors for graffiti removal. Call the paint bank at (619) 527-5419 to make an appointment for pick up of paint and supplies or submit the on-line Release of City of San Diego Materials Form.
For information regarding the proper disposal of paint and solvents, visit the City's Environmental Services Department web pages.