Our team, led by Andy, takes pride in working closely with residential and commercial clients across the local area to address and eliminate all types of graffiti.
Graffiti on glass surfaces is a persistent and challenging problem that can significantly impact the appearance and value of your property. Two of the most damaging types of graffiti are scratch graffiti and acid etching, both of which are intended to be permanent and cannot be removed with traditional cleaning methods.
What is scratch graffiti?
Scratch graffiti involves using sharp objects like screwdrivers, Stanley knives, or other hard tools to etch or scratch a tag into the surface of the glass. The goal is to create a lasting mark that cannot be easily removed or cleaned off.
Unlike paint or marker-based graffiti, which can often be cleaned off with solvents or pressure washing, scratch graffiti physically alters the surface of the glass.
The purpose of a scratch tag is not just to deface the property but also to serve as a ‘calling card’ for other graffiti artists. When one tag appears, it often invites others to add their marks, leading to an escalation in graffiti.
Once a single tag is present on your glass, it is common to see several more within a short period, further detracting from the appearance and value of your property. This kind of damage not only affects the aesthetics but can also give the impression of neglect, potentially inviting more vandalism.
What are acid etchings?
Acid etching is another destructive form of graffiti that targets glass surfaces. This method involves using acid or glass-etching products, which can easily be purchased from craft stores. Vandals typically transfer these corrosive substances into containers and applicators, using them like a pen to create their designs.
When applied to the glass, the acid does not show immediate damage. Instead, it gradually burns into the glass, creating an increasingly deep and visible etching. The longer the acid remains on the glass, the deeper the corrosion and the more severe the damage. This makes acid-etched graffiti particularly insidious because the full extent of the damage may only be visible once it is too late to intervene.
Acid etching leaves behind a milky or frosted appearance on the glass that is rough to the touch. Like scratch graffiti, it is a permanent alteration to the glass that cannot be reversed with traditional cleaning methods. In most cases, the only solution for acid-etched graffiti is to replace the damaged glass entirely.
What we do
Whether the scratch is minor or severe, we can restore your glass to the original BSI standard, making it look as good as new. We pride ourselves on achieving a near-perfect finish with minimal distortion, often leaving the glass completely distortion-free.
When faced with a scratched glass panel, the first instinct is often to replace it. However, this process can be time-consuming, involving the ordering and installation of new glass. We offer a more efficient alternative: glass repair, commonly known as glass polishing. Our service is typically 80 per cent cheaper than replacing the glass, and it also eliminates the need for additional services like redecorating and cleaning after installation.
Our team has extensive experience removing scratches from various glass installations. As long as the glass is large enough, we can repair it on-site without removing it.
In some cases, we might not be able to remove the scratch damage. This could be due to factors such as the thickness of the glass, the surface texture, the scratch’s proximity to the framework (within 30mm), or the panel’s size (generally anything smaller than two pieces of A4 paper). If you are unsure, please get in touch with us, and we will provide guidance on whether your glass can be successfully repaired.
Call now for a graffiti glass cleaning quote
To speak with our graffiti cleaners, please call 020 3837 3605 or email graffiti@wipeoutuk.co.uk.
Disclaimer: During the glass polishing process there is a very slight risk that the glass could fracture during repair which is due to unforeseen flaws within the glass. This failure rate is very low (less than 3% typically) but increases when working within 20mm of the glass edge. Any other existing defects, e.g., chips, or cracks, may render the glass unrepairable or may damage the glass further during the scratch repair process. Wipeout Ltd. cannot accept any direct or consequential liability for any damage or accidental damage to the glass that is being repaired. Wipeout Ltd. will not be held responsible for glass replacement, or any costs relating to glass replacement. If the glass has had specific treatment or has any other known defects please inform us before works commence. Abrasive glass polishing can cause light distortion which is only visible when viewed from a side angle, this is unavoidable when removing stock from the glass. This is not visible when viewing the glass head-on in accordance with BS and GGF standards for glass & glazing.
