When your storefront, loading dock or garage door is targeted by vandalism, it sends an unfortunate message to your community that conditions are unsafe. To be sure, you do not want to allow the graffiti or whatever sign of vandalism to remain in evidence; the longer it stays the more damage it does to the public perception of your business. But what’s the best way to recover? Read on for tips on cleaning your commercial door, or repairing it when necessary.
Cleaning Exterior Steel or Aluminum Doors
You will need to either clean your door or have it cleaned by a professional door installer and maintenance company.
If you’re not sure of the best way to deal with graffiti, do not just charge in and start cleaning or you could do damage. When cleaning spray paint or permanent marker, it’s OK to clean an aluminum or steel door right away with graffiti removal solvent – but it’s always a good idea to check with a door specialist first. Other common products used for graffiti removal are:
- Stove cleaner
- Paint thinner
- Enamel remover
Cleaning Exterior Wood Doors
Do not use these harsh products on a wooden door. To clean graffiti on wood, use a medium soft brush and grease-fighting soap. Scrub in the direction of the woodgrain. After removing the paint, sandpaper the area to smooth it out. Then, spray the door with water and paint it or stain it.
A possible post-cleaning solution to graffiti on your business’ storefront or loading dock doors is anti-graffiti coatings. There are multiple kinds of these coatings, all of which make removing graffiti without harsh chemicals that can damage coatings like sealant and paint, much easier. You may also want to encourage your city to become active in helping business owners and individuals recover from graffiti by offering low-cost or free products to clean the doors.