Graffiti Removal Project | London Borough of Hackney

Table of Contents

Project Overview

A Staycity Aparthotels property in Dalston was subjected to obscene and abusive acid etched graffiti across the building frontage windows. The damage was highly visible from the street and immediately inappropriate for a hospitality setting welcoming guests throughout the day and night.

Due to the nature of the graffiti and the reputational risk to the hotel, the client requested an emergency call out to address the issue as quickly as possible while keeping the site fully accessible to guests and the public.

Location

  • Area: Dalston, London
  • Borough: London Borough of Hackney
  • Property Type: Commercial
  • Client: Staycity Aparthotels
  • Date Completed: November 2025

The Challenge

The graffiti was created using acid, meaning the glass had been physically etched rather than marked on the surface. This ruled out conventional graffiti removal products and required specialist restoration techniques.

The building remained in constant use, with guests arriving and departing throughout the day. The work needed to be completed urgently without creating safety risks, visual disturbance, or operational disruption.

Initial Assessment

Upon arrival, our technicians assessed the severity of the etching across each affected window panel. The depth and spread of the damage varied, requiring a panel by panel approach rather than a single uniform treatment.

Access routes and guest movement were reviewed immediately to ensure the emergency works could proceed safely in a live hospitality environment.

Our Approach

We implemented a specialist acid etched graffiti removal and glass restoration process designed for rapid response situations. The method focuses on controlled material reduction and optical refinement, allowing etched damage to be removed without weakening the glass.

Work areas were carefully managed to maintain public access, with technicians operating in short, controlled phases to minimise visual impact.

The Removal Process

Step 1: Immediate preparation of the frontage and protection of surrounding areas

Step 2: Precision polishing to reduce etched graffiti safely

Step 3: Progressive refinement to restore clarity and uniform appearance

Step 4: Final inspection to ensure all offensive markings were fully removed

Results

The obscene acid etched graffiti was successfully removed from the building frontage windows, restoring a clean and welcoming appearance appropriate for a hotel environment.

The restoration avoided the need for glass replacement and was completed within the emergency response window, allowing the property to continue operating without interruption.

Before and After

Before: Abusive acid etched graffiti clearly visible across frontage windows
After: Etching removed and glass returned to a clear, uniform finish

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Client Outcome

Staycity Aparthotels was able to protect guest experience and brand reputation through a rapid and discreet response. The swift removal reduced exposure to offensive content and prevented escalation or further attention.

Why This Project Matters

This project demonstrates the importance of having access to true acid etched graffiti specialists, particularly for hospitality venues where appearance, safety, and speed of response are critical.

Speak to a Specialist

If your property has been affected by acid etched graffiti and requires urgent attention, our team can respond quickly and restore the surface safely.

Request a Graffiti Removal Quote