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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Oct 23, 2014 - 12:35pm PT
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I know APOGEE (Hello)
this has a way of going through cycles
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Oct 23, 2014 - 01:22pm PT
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I once climbed up the north side descent route. (long story) On the way up there are several caves you often do not notice while descending. In the caves are some graffiti tags dated from the 1950s. Should be still there. Pretty remote location.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Topic Author's Reply - Jan 30, 2019 - 07:00pm PT
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Idyllwild County Park (site of the well-known bouldering area) is seeing a significant increase in graffiti vandalism, especially within the last year or so.
These 'tags' appeared last summer:
^^^The 'Juice' tags appeared in about 6 locations within County Park. The 'Smiley Face' near the central X-Crack boulder was likely done at the same time.
I've used a product called 'VandlClean Super' for the trees, and had average to good results. It was not as effective on the green 'Eye' graffiti, however- several applications did not make much progress, nor did a stronger product that I tried applying. Over the last two days, I tried applying those products and then scrubbing with wire brushes, without much success. The granite on this side of the boulder is relatively soft, decomposing granite, and the paint had soaked in deeply.
So today, I got more serious- applied a removal product for a good long time, then created a system to be able to use a gasoline engine pressure washer at the site:
There is no water here, so I rigged up a bucket with a hose to the pressure washer, and filled the bucket repeatedly with many gallons of water that I hauled up to the site. This was much more effective, but because the rock is relatively soft, it scarred it more than I would have liked. Having tried less impactful options first that had no success, this seemed to be the only remaining option (short of leaving that shitshow for the ages). I also used this system on the 'Smiley Face' near the X-Crack boulder.
I will post up some 'After' pics tomorrow after they've had some time to dry- that's the real test of effectiveness.
In researching products, I looked back at the beta many had provided in this original thread- in the 8-9 years since then, some of those products are no longer available due to environmental regulations- in particular, 'RemovAll' can't be found anywhere in the US any longer, from what I understand. Too bad, as this product seemed to provide good results for many people.
I'd appreciate updated beta from anyone who has done graffiti removal projects on natural stone in their local areas- there's an art to it, for sure...and sadly, as Idyllwild has become more and more popular in recent years, this kind of vandalism is only going to increase...and the need for the art of removal needs to parallel this.
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johntp
Trad climber
By decision or indecision we are where we are.
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Jan 30, 2019 - 07:05pm PT
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^^^ good on ya. Urban encroachment.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jan 30, 2019 - 07:06pm PT
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Bless you, Ap. A terminal pox on those vermin.
Hopefully Karma will reign.
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ClimbingOn
Trad climber
NY
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Jan 30, 2019 - 08:21pm PT
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Strong work apogee. I for one really appreciate all your effort.
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Aeriq
Sport climber
100-year Visitor
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Jan 30, 2019 - 08:31pm PT
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Strong work, Apogee! The tree tag removal issue is a big meh.
Urban blight goes beyond the sub-urban.
There are guys that specialize in tags...
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boognish
Trad climber
SLC
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Jan 31, 2019 - 07:49am PT
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I started battling graffiti this summer in Salt Lake, mostly Little Cottonwood and Bells Canyon. This is the local watershed so my hands were tied with the chemicals I could use.
Here is what I found most effective:
Elephant Snot applied with a 4" roller. This is thick and goopy and will cling to a vertical surface while the chemicals dissolve the paint. I let it sit for about 30 minutes. During the wait I agitate it a bit with a soft nylon brush to work it into all the nooks and crannies and get it under some of the thicker layers. Scrubbing harder doesn't help too much, better to wait and let the chemicals do the work. Wire brushes dib't work as well on rough surfaces and can damage the rock. After 30 minutes you need to rinse off the paint and goop. I use a Sun Joe SPX6001 power washer. It is battery operated and has a bucket on top to hold water. The high pressure helps lift the paint a little, but mostly it speeds up the rinsing. If I have a long haul in or its a wilderness area I have used a garden sprayer. It works, but its really slow. This will lift most tags completely in one application. Occasionally it takes a few coats.
I have a few before and after pictures on Instagram under "Backcountry Buffer".
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Splater
climber
Grey Matter
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Jan 31, 2019 - 12:39pm PT
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Elephant snot with a similar procedure is what we have also been using at ACSD for a few years. The snot doesn't dry out quickly like some of the other removers. I would say the power washer helps a lot on really tough paint on good granite. And we have a hose running to the power washer from a tank or barrel instead of a bucket on top. That only works when you're going downhill. Otherwise if uphill, it takes a booster pump.
And if it's more than your hoses reach, then the garden sprayers.
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