Your Questions Answered

How quickly should I get graffiti removed?
As soon as possible — ideally within 48 hours. Fresh graffiti that hasn’t had time to fully cure is significantly easier to remove and far less likely to leave ghosting or residual staining. The longer graffiti is left, the more deeply it bonds to the surface — particularly on porous materials like brick and concrete — and the more intensive the treatment required. On top of that, graffiti removed within 48 hours significantly reduces the likelihood of repeat incidents, as vandals are deterred when their work disappears quickly.

Can you remove graffiti from any surface?
We can remove graffiti from virtually any surface — brick, concrete, render, painted surfaces, Colorbond, timber, glass, signage, aluminium, steel, plastic, PVC, and vehicles, among others. The approach varies depending on the surface type and the graffiti substance involved. If you’re unsure whether we can help with your specific surface, call us on 1300 305 307 and we’ll advise you.

What procedure do you use to remove graffiti?
Our removal process is cleaning solution-based. We apply specialist cleaning formulations that break down the molecular bonds within the graffiti substance, drawing it to the surface where it can be rinsed away — typically with hot water pressure washing. The specific formulation used depends on the surface type and graffiti substance. We carry over 26 specialist formulations to ensure the right product is always used. This approach ensures effective removal without causing damage to the underlying surface.

Will there be any ghosting or shadow left after removal?
In most cases, no. However, on some surfaces — particularly porous materials like brick and concrete — a faint shadow can remain after the initial clean, especially if the graffiti has been left for some time. Where ghosting is present, we apply a specialist ghosting treatment solution that continues to work over time, gradually fading the shadow until it disappears.

Can you remove graffiti without damaging the surface?
Yes — when the right approach is used. The key is selecting the correct cleaning formulation and technique for the specific surface. Using the wrong product or too much pressure is one of the most common causes of surface damage during graffiti removal. Approximately 20% of our work involves repairing damage caused by other operators who used incorrect methods. We always assess the surface before treating it, and we test before we proceed on every job.

Is sandblasting a good method for removing graffiti?
No — sandblasting is no longer an accepted method for graffiti removal. While it can be faster, it causes irreversible damage to the substrate — opening up the pores of brickwork, contributing to rising damp and concrete deterioration, and leaving the surface far more vulnerable to future graffiti and moisture ingress. We never use sandblasting.

Should I wait to see if I get hit with more graffiti before removing what’s there?
No — remove it as soon as possible. The longer graffiti sits, the harder and more expensive it becomes to remove. UV exposure from sunlight also bakes graffiti onto surfaces over time, making subsequent treatment more intensive. Acting quickly also deters repeat vandalism — vandals are far more likely to move on when their work disappears fast.

Do you offer after-hours or emergency graffiti removal?
Yes. Call us on 1300 305 307 — our after-hours emergency line operates outside business hours for urgent callouts.

Can you remove graffiti that has been painted over?
In some cases yes, depending on the surface and how many layers are involved. Call our team to discuss your specific situation and we’ll advise on the best approach.

What hard surface cleaning services do you provide?
Through The Stain Eaters, we provide a comprehensive range of hard surface cleaning services including pressure washing and soft washing, car park and driveway cleaning, building facade cleaning, sports court cleaning, patio and paver cleaning, factory floor cleaning, solar panel cleaning, and sanitisation cleaning. We also provide hard surface stain removal covering oil stains, rust stains, mould, efflorescence, tyre marks, grease stains, urine stains, chewing gum, and more.

What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to physically remove dirt, grime, and staining from hard surfaces. It’s highly effective for driveways, car parks, concrete, and similar robust surfaces. Soft washing uses lower water pressure combined with specialist cleaning solutions to clean more delicate surfaces — building facades, painted surfaces, and areas where high pressure could cause damage. Our technicians assess each job and recommend the appropriate method.

Can you remove oil stains from concrete driveways and car parks?
Yes — oil and fuel stains are one of the most common requests we receive. We use specialist cleaning solutions formulated to break down hydrocarbon stains in combination with hot water pressure washing. Results depend on how long the stain has been present and how deeply it has penetrated the concrete, but in most cases we achieve significant improvement or complete removal.

Can you clean building facades without damaging the surface?
Yes. Facade cleaning requires careful assessment of the surface type — render, brick, cladding, glass, or painted surfaces all require different approaches and pressure levels. Our technicians are experienced across all facade types and will always use the method and pressure appropriate for the surface.

What is the difference between long life and sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings?
Long life coatings form a durable film on the surface that allows graffiti to be removed from them hundreds of times without needing to reapply the coating. They last up to 10 years and are the most cost-effective option for frequently targeted surfaces. Sacrificial coatings penetrate into the substrate and are almost invisible on the surface, but the coating is removed along with the graffiti during each cleaning cycle and must be reapplied afterwards. They’re best suited to surfaces that are only occasionally targeted, or where appearance cannot be altered — such as heritage buildings and natural stone.

What is the advantage of applying an anti-graffiti coating?
A coating makes future graffiti incidents significantly faster, easier, and cheaper to deal with — because the graffiti can’t bond directly to the substrate. For frequently targeted surfaces, the investment pays for itself quickly through reduced removal costs. Coatings can also be applied so that in-house cleaning staff can remove graffiti themselves without needing to call a specialist, which is particularly useful for shopping centres, schools, and facilities management teams. Beyond graffiti, coatings also protect surfaces from dirt, pollution, moisture, and UV degradation.

Can I remove graffiti myself from a coated surface?
In many cases yes — particularly with long life coatings, where graffiti can often be removed using specialist cleaning products available through The Graffiti Eaters. Apply the cleaner, allow a short dwell time, agitate lightly, then neutralise and rinse. Do not use abrasive pads or steel wool as these will damage the coating. If in doubt, call us — we can advise on the right approach or attend site if needed.

How long do anti-graffiti coatings last?
Long life coatings last up to 10 years with correct maintenance. Sacrificial and invisible coatings have a lifespan of approximately 3 to 4 years before UV degradation requires reapplication — or sooner if a graffiti incident has required the coating to be removed. The non-sacrificial invisible coating variant can withstand up to 5 cleaning cycles before reapplication is required.

Can a coating be applied to any surface?
Different coating types suit different surfaces. Long life coatings are suitable for Colorbond, concrete, render, painted surfaces, and most commercial substrates. Sacrificial and invisible coatings are better suited to heritage stone, brick including Old Red brick, and natural masonry where appearance cannot be altered. We assess each surface and recommend the most appropriate coating type before any application.

Do anti-graffiti coatings change the appearance of the surface?
It depends on the coating type. Long life coatings are available in gloss, low sheen, and matt finishes, and can be tinted to any Australian Standard colour — so they can change or enhance the appearance if required. Sacrificial coatings have a low sheen appearance that is barely noticeable. Our invisible coating range is completely invisible once applied — even our own technicians sometimes can’t spot it — making it ideal for heritage and sensitive surfaces where no change to appearance is acceptable.

Can an anti-graffiti coating be removed if I need to repaint?
Yes — long life coatings can be removed if corporate colours change or a building needs repainting. Ask our team about removal options when selecting your coating.

How do I request a quote or book a job?
You can request a quote or book a job directly through our website using the buttons at the top of any page, or call us on 1300 305 307 during business hours. For commercial clients and property managers, we also offer access to our online job management portal for logging and tracking jobs across multiple properties.

What insurance do you carry?
We carry $20 million public liability insurance on every job. All staff are also covered by WorkCover insurance.

Are your staff screened and vetted?
Yes. All technicians go through thorough interviews and reference checks before joining our team. Staff who work on school, TAFE, and university campuses hold current Working with Children checks and police checks.

Do you provide a risk report before starting work?
Yes — a detailed risk report is provided before work begins on every job, documenting all identified hazards and the controls we’ll put in place.

Do you offer maintenance agreements?
Yes. Many of our clients manage graffiti removal and hard surface cleaning through ongoing maintenance agreements — a fixed monthly arrangement that covers callouts and scheduled cleaning across their property portfolio. Maintenance agreements provide predictable costs, priority response, and significantly reduced administrative burden. Ask us about setting one up for your property or portfolio.

Are your cleaning solutions safe?
Yes. All cleaning solution formulations used by our technicians are biodegradable and safe for both our staff and the general public. Like any cleaning solution product, they require care when handling and should only be used by suitably trained people. Wastewater containing cleaning cleaning solutions is captured on every job using absorbent booms and wet vacuums — it is never allowed to run into stormwater drains.

Do you hold ISO certification?
Yes — we hold certification across four ISO management standards: Quality Management (ISO 9001), OH&S Management (ISO 45001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), and Risk Management (ISO 31000). All certifications are independently audited by third-party auditors. We were the first company in our industry to achieve ISO certification, back in 1995.

Do you offer franchising opportunities?
Yes. The Graffiti Eaters operates a franchise model across Australia. If you’re interested in operating your own graffiti removal and surface restoration business under an established, nationally recognised brand, visit our franchising page for more information.