GRAFFITI REMOVAL & CAR PARK CLEANING
AJ Quinn Building Contractors - Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4
Client's Challenge
Working on behalf of AJ Quinn, APT ICC was instructed to carry out specialist graffiti removal works at Riverside Multi-Storey Car Park in Pontypool.
The structure had been affected by repeated graffiti vandalism across brick and masonry surfaces. In addition to visible paint, previous removal attempts had left ghosting and shadow marks embedded within the brickwork, continuing to detract from the appearance of the facility.
The graffiti negatively impacted public perception and conflicted with the council’s standards for maintaining clean, safe, and presentable public spaces. A robust solution was required to fully remove both graffiti and
shadowing without damaging the underlying masonry, while operating safely within a live public environment.
Assessment & Planning
APT ICC met with site representatives to review the affected areas and assess the condition and porosity of the brickwork.
The assessment focused on identifying the type of graffiti paint used, the depth of penetration into the masonry, and the extent of ghosting left behind from previous treatments. Safe working zones within the live car park were also reviewed.
Based on this assessment, a controlled chemical-assisted steam cleaning methodology was selected to ensure complete graffiti removal while preserving the integrity of the brick surfaces. The proposed approach and expected results were agreed prior to works commencing.
Methodology
The graffiti removal works were delivered using a controlled,
step-by-step process:
1. Identification and preparation of graffiti-affected brickwork areas.
2. Application of specialist graffiti removal gel to painted surfaces.
3. Manual agitation using brushes to ensure effective penetration.
4. Controlled dwell time to break down paint adhesion.
5. High-temperature steam cleaning to remove loosened paint.
6. Secondary treatment applied to eliminate ghosting and shadow marks.
7. Final steam clean to restore a clean, uniform brick finish.
This approach ensured both visible graffiti and underlying staining were fully removed without damage to the masonry.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• High-temperature steam cleaning systems
• Hand tools and brushes for chemical agitation
Chemicals
• Wipeout Gel – Professional graffiti
removal gel
• Ghost Buster – Specialist treatment for graffiti shadow removal
All products were selected for effectiveness on masonry surfaces while avoiding surface damage.
The Results
• Graffiti fully removed from brick and masonry surfaces
• Ghosting and shadow marks eliminated
• Brickwork restored to a clean, uniform appearance
• Improved presentation of a key public facility
• Works completed safely within a live public environment
The project successfully reinstated Riverside Multi-Storey Car Park to a condition aligned with local authority public-realm standards.
