Graffiti Removal Project | London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Table of Contents
Project Overview
A high end fashion designer and retailer in Shoreditch contacted us following a significant graffiti attack that affected the entire front of their commercial premises. The vandalism was extensive, covering multiple surface types and spanning both ground level and elevated areas of the building.
As a premium retail brand operating in one of London’s most design led districts, the appearance of the storefront is critical. The client required a complete restoration rather than a quick cosmetic clean, with the aim of returning the frontage to a uniform, high quality finish that reflected the brand’s positioning.
Location
- Area: Shoreditch, London
- Borough: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
- Property Type: Commercial
- Client: High End Fashion Designer & Retailer
- Date Completed: April 2025
The Challenge
The graffiti attack affected a wide range of materials, including metal security shutters, painted wall sections, decorative tiles, and exposed brickwork. Each of these surfaces reacts differently to graffiti removal products and mechanical action, making a single method unsuitable.
Several areas of graffiti were positioned above head height, requiring working at height in a location with heavy pedestrian footfall throughout the day. Public safety, visual discretion, and access management were therefore as important as the technical removal itself.
In addition, the client wanted to avoid patchy or uneven results. Partial cleaning or inconsistent finishes would have been immediately noticeable and unacceptable for a luxury retail environment.
Initial Assessment
Our team carried out a detailed on site assessment to map the building frontage and identify every surface type involved. Each material was assessed individually to determine the safest and most effective removal technique, with particular care taken around the tiled and brick surfaces where staining or surface erosion can occur if handled incorrectly.
Access requirements were also reviewed in detail. This included identifying safe positions for equipment, planning pedestrian flow around the site, and determining how elevated sections could be treated without closing the pavement or neighbouring entrances.
Our Approach
Rather than treating this as a standard graffiti removal job, we approached the project as a full frontage restoration. A surface specific plan was developed to ensure all materials were cleaned to a consistent visual standard, avoiding the tell tale signs of selective or rushed removal.
Different removal systems were used for shutters, masonry, tiles, and painted surfaces, allowing each area to be treated appropriately. Working at height was carried out using controlled access equipment, with clear safety zones and constant monitoring of public movement.
The Removal Process
Step 1: Site setup, safety barriers, signage, and preparation of access equipment
Step 2: Graffiti removal from shutters and lower level wall areas using surface appropriate methods
Step 3: Careful treatment of tiled surfaces and brickwork to lift pigments while preserving texture and colour
Step 4: Removal of graffiti at height and blending of cleaned areas to achieve a uniform finish across the frontage
Step 5: Final inspection and detailing to ensure no shadowing, residue, or missed areas remained
Results
All graffiti was fully removed from the building, with the entire frontage restored to a clean, cohesive appearance. Despite the variety of materials involved, the finished result was visually consistent, with no visible damage, staining, or uneven patches.
The work was completed efficiently while maintaining full public access, and without disruption to neighbouring businesses or pedestrian routes.
Before and After
Before: Extensive graffiti across shutters, walls, tiles, and brickwork at varying heights
After: Complete frontage restoration with all surfaces returned to a high quality, uniform finish
Client Outcome
The retailer was able to present a restored storefront that aligned with the brand’s premium image and design values. By opting for a full restoration rather than piecemeal cleaning, the client avoided ongoing visual issues and the need for repainting or surface replacement.
The result was a clean, professional exterior that reinstated confidence for customers and reduced the likelihood of further targeting.
Why This Project Matters
This case study demonstrates how effective graffiti removal in high profile retail areas requires more than simply removing paint. A considered, surface specific approach is essential when multiple materials, public footfall, and working at height are involved.
Related Services
- Commercial Graffiti Removal
- Retail Frontage Restoration
- Working at Height Graffiti Removal
- Brick, Tile, and Shutter Cleaning
Speak to a Specialist
If your commercial property has suffered graffiti damage across multiple surfaces or requires a full frontage restoration, our team can assess the site and deliver a safe, professional solution.
