Seattle’s Go-To Team for Graffiti Removal
Graffiti is more than an eyesore — it’s a signal. When graffiti stays up, it invites more graffiti. It tells vandals that nobody’s watching and nobody cares. That’s why speed matters, and that’s why we’ve built our graffiti removal service around fast response and consistent follow-through.
Since 2018, we’ve been handling graffiti removal for business improvement associations across Seattle, including the Broadway BIA on Capitol Hill, the West Seattle Junction Association, organizations in the Chinatown-International District, and Columbia City. We know these neighborhoods, we know the patterns, and we know how to stay ahead of the problem.
Reliable and on schedule
We show up when we say we will. Consistency is what deters repeat vandalism.
Real-time updates via Slack
Every client gets a dedicated Slack channel with before-and-after photos posted as we work.
Rapid scaling with ASAP Graffiti
For large-scale emergencies, we partner with ASAP Graffiti (Pedro) to bring in additional crews fast.
Responsive and communicative
Call us at 206-503-3712. A real person answers — office hours M–F 9–5. Service crews available 7 days a week.
Our Graffiti Removal Process
Every graffiti job is different. The type of paint, the surface material, the age of the graffiti — all of these factors determine the right removal approach. Here’s how we handle it:
Step 1: Assessment
We start by examining the surface and the graffiti itself. Is it spray paint, marker, sticker residue, or etching? Is the surface brick, concrete, metal, glass, wood, or painted? We identify the best removal method before we touch anything — because using the wrong technique can do more damage than the graffiti itself.
Step 2: Chemical Selection
Based on our assessment, we select the right cleaning solution. We carry a range of eco-friendly, biodegradable graffiti removers designed for specific surface and paint combinations. For sensitive surfaces like painted walls or natural stone, we use gentler formulations that dissolve the graffiti without affecting the underlying finish.
Step 3: Pressure Washing & Removal
After applying the cleaning solution and giving it time to work, we use pressure washing at the appropriate PSI to remove the graffiti. Concrete and brick can handle higher pressure (2,000–3,000 PSI), while painted surfaces and wood get a softer approach (under 1,000 PSI). The goal is always a clean surface with no trace of the original graffiti.
Step 4: Touch-Up & Verification
After removal, we inspect the surface for any remaining shadows or residue and do a final pass if needed. We photograph the completed work and send before-and-after images to your Slack channel so you’ve got a record.
Anti-Graffiti Coatings: Sacrificial vs. Permanent
Removing graffiti is only half the battle. If your property is in a high-target area, you’ll want a protective coating that makes future cleanup faster, easier, and cheaper. We offer two types:
Sacrificial Coatings
A sacrificial coating is a clear, invisible layer applied over the surface. When graffiti is sprayed on top, we remove both the graffiti and the coating together using low-pressure hot water — no harsh chemicals needed. Then we reapply the coating. It’s called “sacrificial” because the coating sacrifices itself to protect the surface underneath.
Best for: Brick, concrete, stone, and porous surfaces that get hit repeatedly. Popular in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and the University District.
Permanent Coatings
A permanent coating bonds to the surface and creates a non-porous barrier. Graffiti can’t penetrate, so it wipes off with a simple solvent or pressure wash. The coating stays in place — no reapplication needed after each cleaning.
Best for: Smooth, non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, and painted walls. Good for high-value storefronts that need to look pristine.
We’ll recommend the right coating based on your surface type, location, and how often you’re getting hit. In many cases, a coating pays for itself after just two or three graffiti incidents because the cleanup becomes so much faster.
Response Times: Speed Is Everything
Here’s something I’ve learned from years of graffiti work across Seattle: the longer graffiti stays up, the more graffiti you get. Vandals see an unaddressed tag and treat it as an invitation. Fast removal is the single most effective deterrent.
For clients on our recurring graffiti patrol programs, we’re typically on-site within 24–48 hours of a report. For BIA partners and high-priority accounts, we often have it handled same-day.
And when something big hits — a major vandalism incident, a tagged building facade, or a neighborhood-wide problem — we can scale up fast. We partner with ASAP Graffiti, led by Pedro, to bring in additional crews and equipment when the situation calls for it. Between our team and theirs, we can cover a lot of ground in a hurry.
Recurring Graffiti Patrol Programs
If your property or neighborhood gets hit regularly, a recurring patrol program is the most cost-effective way to keep things clean. Here’s how it works:
- We patrol your property or district on a set schedule — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on your needs
- Our team photographs and removes any new graffiti during each visit
- You get a Slack update with photos after every patrol
- We track patterns and hot spots over time, so we can focus resources where they’re needed most
Recurring graffiti patrol programs start at $500+ per month, depending on the size of the area and frequency of patrols. For BIAs and neighborhood associations managing multiple blocks, we can build a custom program that covers the entire district.
We’ve been running programs like this for the Broadway BIA since 2018, and the consistent presence makes a real difference. When vandals know the graffiti gets removed within a day or two, they stop bothering.
Transparent Graffiti Removal Pricing
I believe in straightforward pricing. Here’s what you can expect:
One-Time Graffiti Removal: $325 – $450 per incident
This covers a single graffiti removal job — assessment, chemical treatment, pressure washing, and cleanup. Pricing depends on the size of the graffiti, the surface type, and accessibility. Most standard tags on concrete or brick fall in this range.
Recurring Graffiti Patrol Program: Starting at $500+ per month
For properties and neighborhoods that deal with graffiti regularly, a monthly program provides consistent patrols, rapid response, and documented reporting.
Anti-Graffiti Coatings: Priced per square foot based on surface type and coating selection. We’ll include this in your proposal if it makes sense for your property.
Capitol Hill: Keeping Broadway Clean Since 2018
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods — and one of the most heavily tagged. When we started working with the Broadway BIA in 2018, graffiti was a constant headache for business owners along the corridor. Tags would go up overnight and sometimes stay for weeks because there wasn’t a consistent removal service in place.
We set up a recurring patrol program that covers the Broadway BIA district with regular sweeps. Our team photographs new graffiti, removes it within 24–48 hours, and documents everything in a shared Slack channel so the BIA leadership can track trends and report to stakeholders.
The result? Business owners along Broadway see less graffiti, and when it does appear, it’s gone fast. The consistent removal sends a clear signal to taggers that this corridor is being watched and maintained. That’s the power of prevention over reaction.
You can also report graffiti in Seattle through the City of Seattle Graffiti Removal Program.
Why Graffiti Removal Matters
Maintains a Professional Appearance
Clean, graffiti-free properties create a more inviting and professional image for your customers and tenants.
Protects Property Value
Prompt removal prevents the devaluation of commercial and residential properties.
Deters Additional Vandalism
Quick removal sends a message that graffiti won’t be tolerated, discouraging repeat offenses.
Enhances Community Perception
A well-maintained property contributes to a safer, more welcoming neighborhood for everyone.
Prevents Permanent Damage
Some graffiti materials seep into surfaces over time, causing long-term damage if not removed promptly.
Supports Local Compliance
Many cities require property owners to remove graffiti within a specific timeframe to avoid fines.
We Serve
Municipal and City Buildings
Administrative Offices, Public Safety & Emergency Services, Educational Facilities, Utility & Infrastructure, Healthcare Facilities
Seattle and King County Businesses
Technology & Innovation, Healthcare & Biotech, Tourism & Hospitality, Maritime & Shipping, Food & Beverage, Sustainable & Green Businesses
Property Management
Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Vacation & Short-Term Rentals, Real Estate Investment & Developments, Facility Maintenance & Support
See the Difference
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What Our Clients Say
“Highly Recommend Them!” Most mornings, when we show up to open our business, trash, graffiti, and even feces are strewn about the property. Some bicycles have been locked to our fences, and mattresses have been left in an alley. We were lucky to find SSC to handle this issue. They stop by three times a week to clean our property. I would highly recommend them if you are having similar problems.
— Planet Marz, Seattle
Seattle Surface Cleaners has been a reliable partner for us in Capitol Hill. Their proactive team always addresses our needs before we even realize there’s a problem. Situated on Broadway East, we’ve noticed an increase in graffiti, and SSC is swift in tackling the task. Keep up the excellent work, and thank you for your service!
— Teriyaki & Wok, Capitol Hill
