Preparing Your Property for Fall: Minimizing the Risk of Graffiti

As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisper, it’s time to prepare your property for the beauty of fall. While you’re enjoying the season’s delights, it’s also crucial to take steps to protect your property from vandalism, particularly graffiti. Graffiti can not only be an eyesore but also costly to remove. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare your property for fall while minimizing the likelihood of graffiti.
 
1. Install Proper Lighting:
 
One of the most effective ways to deter graffiti is by ensuring your property is well-lit. Adequate lighting can make potential vandals feel exposed and less likely to target your property. Consider installing motion-activated lights in dark corners, alleyways, and around your building. Additionally, well-lit areas are safer for your residents and visitors during the longer nights of fall.
 
2. Anti-Graffiti Coating:
 
Investing in graffiti-resistant coatings for your property can be a wise choice. These coatings create a protective barrier, making it easier to remove graffiti and discouraging vandals from tagging your property in the first place. Consult with a professional to determine the best type of coating for your specific surfaces, such as brick, concrete, or metal. Anti-graffiti coating also works as a barrier of protection against Canada’s harsh Fall & Winter climate. 
 
3. Plant Defensive Landscaping:
 
Strategically placed thorny or prickly plants can act as a natural deterrent against graffiti. Consider planting bushes like roses or holly near walls and fences to create a barrier that makes it difficult for vandals to access your property’s surfaces. This not only adds beauty to your landscaping but also enhances security.
 
4. Install Surveillance Cameras:
 
Surveillance cameras can be a powerful tool for deterring graffiti and identifying vandals if an incident does occur. Make sure your cameras are visible, as their presence alone can discourage potential troublemakers. Display signs indicating that your property is under surveillance, which can further dissuade criminal activity.
 
5. Encourage Community Engagement:
 
Building a strong sense of community can help prevent graffiti. Encourage residents, neighbors, and businesses in the area to take pride in the appearance of the neighborhood. Organize community cleanup days, mural painting projects, or neighborhood watch programs. When people are invested in the well-being of their community, they are more likely to report suspicious activity and deter vandals.
 
6. Swift Removal:
 
If graffiti does appear on your property, it’s essential to remove it promptly. The longer graffiti remains visible, the more likely it is to attract additional tags. Invest in graffiti removal products or hire professionals who specialize in graffiti removal. Quick action sends a message that your property is well-maintained and not an easy target.
 
Fall is a beautiful season filled with vibrant colors and cozy vibes, but it’s also a time to take steps to protect your property from graffiti and vandalism. By implementing the strategies mentioned above, you can minimize the likelihood of graffiti and maintain the aesthetic appeal and safety of your property. Remember that a well-lit, well-maintained property with an engaged community is less likely to be targeted by vandals. So, take proactive measures to enjoy the beauty of fall without the worry of graffiti on your property.

Introducing Our New Goodbye Graffiti™️ Office in Peterborough

We’re excited to share some great news with you – Goodbye Graffiti™️ has expanded its reach to Peterborough! As of May 2023, we’ve established a new office in Peterborough to better cater to our valued clients in Eastern Ontario.

At Goodbye Graffiti™️ Peterborough, our mission remains unchanged: providing top-notch graffiti removal services with a commitment to quality that you can trust. Our outstanding service covers everything from pressure washing, glass repair, graffiti removal, and our renowned Ever-Clean maintenance services. Our services extend to various regions, including Durham Region, Cobourg, Belleville, Peterborough, Lindsay, and Kingston, Ontario.

Are you interested in transforming your property or need a free estimate? Reach out to us at 1-877-684-4747 or drop us an email at customercarecentre@goodbyegraffiti.com. Our dedicated team is here to assist you with your graffiti removal, pressure washing, glass repair, and maintenance needs.

We look forward to serving the Peterborough community and beyond with our renowned expertise in maintaining clean and pristine environments.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from us as we continue to make Eastern Ontario a cleaner, more beautiful place to live and work.

Vancouver Pride 2023

Vancouver Pride 2023 brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate love, equality, and diversity in a spectacular display of colors, energy, and unity. The annual event, known for its vibrant parades, empowering speeches, and electrifying performances, once again proved that love knows no boundaries. 
 
Goodbye Graffiti kicked off the weekend at Public Disco Pride Special where they enjoyed The Cobalt’s newly painted patio. The Vancouver team enjoyed great music and a spectacular Drag & Burlesque show to finish the night. Participants wore elaborate costumes, waved flags, and danced to the music that resonated with the spirit of unity and pride.
 
On Sunday the streets of Vancouver came alive with a sea of colours. Floats were covered with rainbows, glitter, and the messages of love weaved through the city’s downtown core, attracting a crowd that exuded joy and acceptance. Vancouver Pride 2023 made it clear that inclusivity was at the heart of the celebration!
 
Our team had an absolute blast celebrating the power of unity and love. This year’s events, vibrant parades, powerful speeches, diverse artistic expressions, and inclusive spaces all worked cohesively to create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. We will continue to work towards nurturing an environment that promotes equality, inclusivity and LOVE.

Goodbye Graffiti Convention 2023

Toronto played host to this year’s highly anticipated Goodbye Graffiti Annual Convention. This remarkable event brought together our teams from across the country to celebrate their wins, engage in team building exercises, and strategically plan for the future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Katie and Alex from the Toronto West office for hosting the kick-off for this unforgettable gathering that honoured the successes of Goodbye Graffiti.
 
To foster stronger connections and unity among the locations across Canada, the convention incorporated several team building events. These events not only encouraged communication and collaboration but also created an atmosphere of camaraderie among everyone in attendance.
 
While celebrating past achievements was an important aspect of the convention, the event also served as a platform for forward-thinking discussions and strategic planning. We explored innovative techniques and industry best practices to further enhance our effectiveness in combating graffiti.
 
The Goodbye Graffiti Annual Convention has become the highlight every year, providing a space for networking, celebration and strategic planning. The convention empowers our franchises to enhance their impact and contribute to the beautification of communities across Canada.
 
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year! 

5 Reasons To Become A Graffiti Removal Technician

Graffiti is a form of vandalism that can be found in many urban areas. It can be a nuisance to property owners and can also have a negative impact on the community’s overall appearance. That’s where Goodbye Graffiti comes in. We specialize in graffiti removal and prevention. Here are 5 benefits of being a graffiti removal technician with our growing team.

1. Job Security

We are a company that is always in demand. Graffiti is a persistent problem, and there is always work to be done. As a result, graffiti removal technicians with Goodbye Graffiti can enjoy job security. They can be confident that they will always have work to do, and they will be able to make a steady income.

2. Competitive Salary

Goodbye Graffiti pays its technicians a competitive salary. This means that graffiti removal technicians can earn a good living while doing work that is both important and satisfying. They can take pride in knowing that they are making a difference in their community while also providing for themselves and their families.

3. Training and Development Opportunities

Goodbye Graffiti provides its technicians with ongoing training and development opportunities. This means that technicians can continue to develop their skills and knowledge, and they can become more proficient at their jobs over time. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a sense of pride in one’s work.

4. Job Variety

As a graffiti removal technician with Goodbye Graffiti, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. You’ll be removing graffiti from a wide range of surfaces, including brick, concrete, wood, and metal. You may also work on graffiti prevention projects, such as applying anti-graffiti coatings to surfaces to make them easier to clean. This variety can keep the job interesting and engaging.

5. Sense of Accomplishment

Removing graffiti can be a challenging and rewarding task. As a graffiti removal technician with Goodbye Graffiti, you’ll be able to see the results of your work firsthand. You’ll be able to take pride in knowing that you’ve helped to beautify your community and make it a better place to live.

Being a graffiti removal technician with Goodbye Graffiti can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. The job offers job security, competitive salary, training and development opportunities, job variety, and a sense of accomplishment. If you’re interested in joining the Goodbye Graffiti team, contact your local office to learn more about their job openings and requirements

4 Reasons To Hire Goodbye Graffiti

Graffiti has become a pervasive problem in many urban areas, and it can be a significant eyesore that can detract from the beauty of a city or building. Graffiti not only damages the appearance of a property but can also affect the value and safety of the neighbourhood. 

 
Therefore, it is essential to remove it quickly and efficiently. While some may consider attempting to remove graffiti themselves, it’s crucial to understand that doing so can cause more harm than good. Instead, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional graffiti removal company like Goodbye Graffiti. Here are some reasons why:
 
Expertise and Experience
Goodbye Graffiti has extensive experience and expertise in the field. We use advanced techniques and equipment to remove the graffiti without causing any damage to the surface. Attempting to remove graffiti yourself can lead to damage to the underlying surface, causing further expenses for repairs.
 
Safety
Removing graffiti can be a dangerous task, especially if you’re not trained or equipped to handle it. Goodbye Graffiti has the necessary safety equipment, training, and experience to handle hazardous materials safely. Trying to remove graffiti yourself can expose you to hazardous chemicals and increase the risk of injury.
 
Environmental Impact
Graffiti removal requires the use of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Goodbye Graffiti uses environmentally friendly methods and products that don’t cause any harm to the environment. Attempting to remove graffiti yourself can lead to the release of toxic chemicals that can cause environmental pollution.
 
Time and Cost-Effective
Hiring Goodbye Graffiti can be a cost-effective solution in the long run. As professionals we can remove graffiti quickly and efficiently, which means you don’t have to spend time and resources attempting to remove it yourself. In addition, attempting to remove graffiti yourself can lead to additional expenses for repairs or replacements if the underlying surface gets damaged.
 
In conclusion, hiring a professional graffiti removal company like Goodbye Graffiti is essential for effective and safe removal of graffiti. Attempting to remove graffiti yourself can lead to further damage, environmental pollution and safety hazards. Goodbye Graffiti has the necessary expertise, experience, safety equipment, and environmentally friendly methods to remove graffiti quickly and efficiently, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
 
 
 
 

The Social Media Effect

Graffiti has been around for centuries, serving as a form of expression for artists and activists alike. However, the rise of social media has brought about a new era in graffiti culture, leading to some negative consequences. In this blog post, we will explore how social media has caused an increase in graffiti, negatively impacted commercial and residential properties, and influenced young people to engage in this art form.
 
Social media has undoubtedly contributed to the rise in graffiti. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter provide a global audience for graffiti artists, making it easier for them to share their work and gain recognition. With the advent of digital photography, artists can capture and share their graffiti creations in seconds, reaching a wider audience than ever before. This has led to an increase in the number of graffiti artists and a surge in the popularity of graffiti culture.
 
However, this increase in graffiti has also had a negative impact on commercial and residential properties. There are hefty fines associated with the graffiti if the tags are not removed in a timely fashion. This not only causes financial strain but can also negatively impact the appearance and reputation of their property. Moreover, the frequency and extent of graffiti can also deter potential customers, leading to a decrease in sales for businesses.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the impact of social media on graffiti culture. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, many young people turned to graffiti as a form of creative outlet and a way to express their frustration with the pandemic. Social media provided a platform for these individuals to showcase their work and connect with other artists, leading to a surge in graffiti activity during the pandemic.
 
While graffiti can be a powerful form of expression, social media has also negatively influenced young people to engage in this art form. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram glorify graffiti, promoting it as a cool and rebellious activity. This can be particularly enticing for young people who are looking for ways to stand out or make a statement. However, this can lead to an increase in illegal graffiti and vandalism, resulting in negative consequences for both individuals and the community as a whole.
 
 

The 10 Tips For Maintaining A Graffiti Free Building

  1. Mural Installation: Murals are a great way to beautify your property or asset while deterring taggers. Additionally, if you have our Graffiti Removal Technicians apply our GP2000 anti-graffiti coating, you can be sure that the art will be protected from the elements as well as any potential tags. Our ant-graffiti coating eases the removal process while protecting the art underneath leaving the mural and substrate untouched.
  2. Hire A Qualified Contractor: Save yourself the time and money by hiring a qualified contractor. Failed attempts at graffiti removal can often times set the tag further into the substrate resulting in a more difficult removal for Graffiti Removal Technicians which in turn will be a more costly process to completely remove the graffiti.
  3. Go Green: At Goodbye Graffiti we have integrated a green model into our every day practices. We choose to reduce our carbon footprint by using low-impact vehicles, green graffiti removal products, paperless operations and safely remove of waste water. By using our green graffiti removal products, we can ensure we preserve the substrate during our removals. 
  4. Use Preventative Measures: Whether it be coating your building or mural with our GP2000, wrapping your assets with GraffWrap, or enrolling in a maintenance program, you are deterring taggers from using your property as their canvas. 
  5. Timely Removal: Graffiti tends to attract more graffiti. Taggers want their tags to be seen and remain on sites that will not remove them. The faster you act to remove graffiti, the more likely taggers will relocate to a space where their tags are unlikely to be removed. 
  6. Report Graffiti: Contact your community leaders to access local resources. By dialling 3-1-1, you are holding government officials responsible for keeping your parks, streets and other community assets clean of graffiti for all to enjoy. 
  7. Use The Ever-Clean Program: Enrol your property or asset in our Ever-Clean maintenance program. Mitigate the occurrences of graffiti by having our Graffiti Removal Technicians patrol your site and remove graffiti on-site for one monthly cost. Save on high impact, high cost removals by taking a proactive approach!
  8. Remove Graffiti Instead Of Painting Where Possible: Our green graffiti removal product line can safely and effectively remove graffiti. Painting over a tag may seem like a temporary solution, however, it ultimately leaves a visually unappealing patch in the short-term and a more costly and time consuming removal in the long-term. 
  9. Eliminate Other Illicit Behaviour From Your Site: A well-maintained site, free of bio-hazards is less likely to attract graffiti. Goodbye Graffiti provides programs that patrol your site for pickup and disposal of needles. 
  10. Support Commissioned Graffiti Art And Mural Projects: Goodbye Graffiti franchises are key sponsors for a number of different street art and mural festivals across the country. Our staff, owners and suppliers dedicate time and resources to support local artists within our communities. Street art projects provide a safe space for artists to express themselves through an authorized channel for displaying their talents.
 

Can Graffiti Affect Your Your Property Value?

Graffiti and vandalism can cost more to property owners than the price of removal. Potential buyers and customers may be deterred from entering the property as it may indicate an overall lack of care or maintenance. This may result in a loss of revenue for businesses and less interest from potential buyers. The National Association of Realtors reports that properties with graffiti are estimated to lose 15% of their value and nearly 25% when the graffiti is profane or hateful in nature. Goodbye Graffiti offers free removals of Hate or Racist graffiti. 
 
Incidences of graffiti and vandalism can also affect the aesthetic appeal of a neighbourhood. The presence of graffiti can influence the feeling of safety and security for residents and visitors to the surrounding areas. Graffiti tends to attract more graffiti and has been linked to an increase in crime. Neighbourhoods with higher incidences of crime may result in higher levels of vacancies and an overall threat to residential stability. It is important to have a graffiti maintenance program in place to deter the occurrence of future tags while providing a sense of care and stability for the neighbourhood. 
 
Learn more about the benefits of having a graffiti-free property by contacting your local Goodbye Graffiti and obtain your FREE ESTIMATE!

2022 Year End Wrap Up

As we cap off 2022 and Goodbye Graffiti’s 25th year in business, we have so much to look back on and be proud of! After an almost 3 year break, we have returned to in-person events like Buildex Vancouver, BOMA NB PEI and The Buildings Show. Our teams enjoyed connecting and learning from other industry leaders to improve our processes in order to deliver even better services to our clients.

We are proud to be a part of the communities we service and in 2022 we continued to give back through sponsorship and volunteer work. We are glad to be 2022 sponsors for this year’s Annual Real Estate Reception in Toronto and Vancouver Mural Fest.

For this year’s Vancouver Mural Fest, we enjoyed collaborating with community groups and event curators to provide an environment where local artists could showcase their talents through story telling and artwork for neighbourhood residents and community members to enjoy. We continued to work closely with local Toronto artists through the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto program by preparing walls for murals and coating finished projects.

Goodbye Graffiti was thrilled to have our newest Graffiti Removal Technicians from across Canada return to in-person training in Vancouver this year. Led by our Corporate Trainer, Lisa Stoll, our technicians were trained on Goodbye Graffiti policies like; clean instead of paint, The Ever-Clean Program, Effective Products, Water Care, Rag & Container Disposal, Chemical Disposal and our Recycling Program. It was a successful week of bonding and team building for new and existing team members. We look forward to seeing our team grow and wish them all success moving into 2023!