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Residents
Graffiti Removal
It is the property owner's responsibility to remove graffiti.
Report graffiti
If your property was tagged with graffiti, you should file a police report:
- Call 503-823-3333
- File a police report online
Use My Gresham to report graffiti on someone else's property, including public property.
Graffiti removal kits
Free graffiti removal kits are available through Code Compliance at City Hall. Each kit contains small bottles of graffiti removal solution, gloves, goggles, a mask and a scrub pad. Call 503-618-2248 for more information.
Graffiti removal tips
Utility boxes and light poles
Supplies
- Graffiti removal solution
- Scrub pad
- Rag or paper towels
Metal surfaces leave a better appearance when scrubbed. Painting metal is discouraged. It tends to build up with frequent tagging and may leave an off-color patch.
Painted metal surfaces
Supplies
- Matching paint (light grey)
- Paint pan
- Roller
- Roller nap
Consider painting the entire tagged surface to ensure a color match. Avoid painting post office identification, key holes, hinges, and working parts of doors.
Black decorative light poles
Supplies
- Flat black or shiny back spray paint.
Scrubbing with solution may dull the paint.
Street signs
Do not paint or clean the front of:
- Stop signs
- Traffic direction signs
- Street barricades
Traffic signs are coated with a reflective surface so they are easy to read at night. Graffiti removing solution can destroy their reflective surfaces, making the signs unsafe.
The backs, but not the fronts, of these signs may be cleaned with graffiti removal solution.
If the front of a sign has been tagged, take a picture and email it, along with the address, to TransOperations@GreshamOregon.gov.
Or call 503-618-2626 to report the graffiti.
Cable boxes and garbage cans
Supplies
- Graffiti removal solution
- Scrub pad
- Rag or paper towels
Black pen graffiti may leave a stain on plastic surfaces; however, this will fade in time.
Chain link fencing inserts
Supplies
- Paint
- Paint pan
- Roller
- Roller nap
Inserts can be cleaned but painting the entire fence is more efficient and effective.
Painted wood fencing
Supplies
- Paint
- Paint Pan
- Roller
- Roller Nap
If fencing is a uniform color, touch up over new graffiti can be quick and easy with paint.
Natural wood fencing
Supplies
- Graffiti removal solution
- Scrub pad
- Rag or paper towels
If ineffective, try power washing or scraping with a wire brush. The color of the fence will be somewhat changed.
Telephone poles
Supplies
- Flat black spray paint
Graffiti tends to show through a coat of spray paint; a layer of primer may be necessary.
Rough walls, sidewalks, brick
Supplies
- Graffiti removal solution
- Brush
- Power washer and water source, or
- Matching paint
For best results, apply solution with brush, then let sit for five minutes before power washing. Paint will cover graffiti, but may leave surface discolored or patchy.
Smooth walls
Supplies
- Paint
- Paint pan
- Roller
- Roller nap
Concrete walls with a smooth surface can be easily painted. Future tagging can be quickly covered with a matching color.
Supplies
- Graffiti removal solution
- Putty knife or five-in-one tool
- Scrub pad
- Rag or paper towel
Stickers on the front of traffic signs must not be removed and should be reported to TransOperations@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2626.
Elsewhere, applying solution and allowing it to soak a few minutes before scraping off is effective.
Contact us
Contact us at 503-618-2248 or CodeEnforcement@GreshamOregon.gov.