The difference between a contractor who removes graffiti professionally and a contractor who destroys the substrate they were paid to clean is, in almost every case, training. Mismatched chemistry on heritage stone, high-pressure water on rendered façade, abrasive techniques on signage glass, harsh solvents on plastic and acrylic, these are the mistakes that turn a £200 remediation job into a £4,000 replacement invoice, and they are the mistakes our training programme is specifically engineered to prevent. The London commercial market has limited tolerance for amateur contractors. Councils, transport authorities, property managers, retail estate operators and heritage clients all increasingly expect documented training, COSHH compliance and demonstrable surface specialism before awarding contracts. Untrained operators are being filtered out of the procurement frameworks they used to compete in.

DUA London delivers practical, hands-on graffiti removal training in the capital, taught by senior technicians who remove graffiti professionally across central London every working day. Our courses are designed for facility managers, contract cleaners, council operatives, transport authority teams, volunteers running community programmes, and anyone planning to enter the graffiti removal industry. Whether you need entry-level training to start in the trade or refresher training to update existing skills, the course pricing is straightforward and the content is the most comprehensive in the London market.

Course Pricing at a Glance

Course	Price	Who it's for	Duration
Introduction Course	£295 + VAT per candidate	Candidates with no previous training	Full day
Refresher Course	£295 + VAT per candidate	Candidates with previous graffiti removal training	Full day

Group bookings, on-site delivery at your depot, and tailored corporate programmes are available on request. For a no-obligation quote tailored to your team size and training requirements, use the enquiry form below or call our team directly on 020 8050 5997.

Who the Course Is For

The training is built for a specific set of working professionals. If you fall into one of these categories, the course is designed around your operational reality.

• Council operatives and street cleansing teams. Borough graffiti response units, public realm operatives and council estates staff responsible for removing graffiti from council-owned assets across London. Training covers COSHH compliance, RAMS documentation, and the surface-specific techniques councils need to demonstrate at audit.
• Commercial cleaning contractors. FM contractors, specialist cleaning businesses and contract operatives delivering graffiti removal as part of wider cleaning programmes. Training upgrades your team's competency for premium commercial contracts where untrained operators are now routinely declined.
• Transport authority and operator teams. Bus, rail, Underground and infrastructure maintenance staff dealing with graffiti on transport-network assets. Training covers the specific requirements of TfL, Network Rail and similar authority specifications.
• Facility managers and in-house maintenance staff. Building managers, maintenance leads and in-house teams at commercial premises who want to handle minor graffiti incidents internally rather than calling out specialists for every event.
• New entrants starting a graffiti removal business. Self-employed contractors and small business owners planning to enter the graffiti removal industry. Training provides the technical foundation, certification and credibility needed to compete for commercial contracts from day one.
• Community group volunteers and neighbourhood initiatives. BIDs, town centre teams, community clean-up programmes and volunteer organisations running anti-graffiti initiatives. Training enables volunteers to work safely and effectively without damaging the substrates they are cleaning.

The training is not a generic online video product. It is an in-person, hands-on, full-day programme taught by working specialists at a London training venue or, where preferred, at your own depot.

What Makes Our Training Different

Two competitors offer graffiti removal training to the UK market. One is a Hampshire-based training school an hour and a half outside London, with a generic course taught largely as theory. The other is a fully online CPD product with no practical element at all. Both have a place. Neither replaces the value of training delivered in London, in person, by technicians who are removing real graffiti from real London commercial premises every working day.

London-specific expertise. Our trainers are senior technicians from our operational team. They train candidates on the same surface types, same vandalism patterns, same chemical and mechanical specifications, and same compliance frameworks that they encounter on working London jobs every week. The course content reflects current London market realities, not generalised UK trade knowledge.

Acid-etch and substrate-damage specialism. Acid etching is now the dominant glass-targeted vandalism threat across central London commercial corridors. Most generic graffiti training courses barely mention it. Ours includes a dedicated module covering acid-etch chemistry, diagnostic identification, restoration pathways (polishing vs replacement vs sacrificial film), and forward protection specification. Candidates leave able to handle the threat type that competitors leave them unprepared for.

Heritage and listed building competency. London has the highest concentration of heritage and listed building stock in the country, and the standard mistakes, high-pressure washing of soft sandstone, harsh chemistry on lime mortar, abrasive technique on listed brick, destroy substrate value rapidly. Our heritage module covers DOFF and TORC low-pressure steam systems, biodegradable chemical neutralisation, and the substrate-specific techniques heritage clients expect.

Hands-on practical training. Half the course is practical work on test panels representative of real London commercial surfaces, soda-lime glass, soft and hard sandstone, painted render, brick, concrete, metal cladding, plastic and acrylic signage substrates. Candidates use the same equipment and chemistry they will use on the job, supervised by senior technicians.

Internally certificated. All candidates passing the course receive a DUA London training certificate documenting course content, date of attendance, and competency confirmation. The certificate is recognised by London council procurement teams, transport authority frameworks and commercial property managers as evidence of practical training.

Introduction Course, Full Module Breakdown

The introduction course runs as a full-day programme combining theory and supervised practical work. The module sequence below is the standard programme; bespoke variations are available for council, transport authority or corporate clients with specific operational requirements.

Module 1, Understanding Graffiti and Vandalism

A working overview of the categories of graffiti and vandalism encountered on London commercial premises. Spray paint, marker pen, sticker tags, slap-tags, acid-etch attacks, mechanical scratching, deep-scratch attacks with scribing tools and ceramic shards. Candidates learn the visual and tactile fingerprint of each damage type and the appropriate response pathway for each.

Module 2, Surface Identification and Substrate Assessment

The single most important skill a graffiti remover can develop. Candidates learn to identify the substrate they are working on, glass type, stone type, render composition, brick category, paint specification, metal cladding type, plastic and acrylic, and to read the substrate's tolerance for chemistry, pressure and abrasion. Almost every graffiti-removal disaster on a London commercial property begins with a misdiagnosed substrate.

Module 3, Chemistry of Graffiti Removal

The working chemistry of pigment extraction. Solvent-based removers, alkaline removers, biodegradable chemistry, the specific chemistry of each common graffiti pigment, dwell times, chemical neutralisation techniques, and the chemistry of why certain methods work on certain substrates and fail catastrophically on others. Candidates learn to choose chemistry that will work without damaging substrate.

Module 4, Equipment, Tools and Technique

Low-pressure steam systems including DOFF and TORC, high-pressure water within safe operating parameters, manual application equipment, brushes, scrapers, microfibre and absorbent material, PPE, application solutions, and the technique fundamentals for each. Candidates work with the equipment and develop the muscle memory that distinguishes a fast professional remover from a slow inefficient one.

Module 5, Acid Etching and Substrate Damage

The threat category that distinguishes London's commercial vandalism profile from the wider UK picture. Candidates learn to identify acid-etched glass damage, understand the chemistry behind it, assess viability of glass polishing remediation, and recognise when replacement is the only option. The module also covers sacrificial anti-graffiti film as a forward-protection specification, increasingly the standard specification on premium London retail, corporate and transport assets.

Module 6, Heritage and Listed Building Methods

Heritage substrates require specialist methodology. Candidates learn the low-pressure steam approach to soft sandstone, the appropriate chemistry for limestone and lime mortar, the methodology for listed brick and dressed stone, and the substrate-specific limits that protect heritage value. The module is essential for any operative working in central London where heritage stock concentration is highest.

Module 7, Health, Safety and Compliance

COSHH compliance, RAMS documentation, PPE specification, environmental and disposal protocols, working at height, public liability and the regulatory framework that governs commercial graffiti removal in London. Candidates leave able to produce compliant documentation and follow safe systems of work that satisfy council, transport authority and corporate audit requirements.

Module 8, Practical Removal Work

Supervised practical removal on test panels representing the substrate range encountered on London commercial work. Candidates apply chemistry, work with equipment, manage dwell times, neutralise and rinse, and complete remediation under direct trainer supervision. The practical session is approximately half the course duration and is where the theory becomes operational competency.

Module 9, Anti-Graffiti Coatings and Forward Protection

Sacrificial anti-graffiti film, anti-graffiti coatings on stone, and the wider forward-protection specification framework now standard across London commercial procurement. Candidates learn how protective specifications fit alongside reactive removal, and how to advise clients on the appropriate balance between remediation and prevention.

Module 10, Business and Pricing for Graffiti Removal Operators

For candidates entering the trade or running a graffiti removal business, the closing module covers job pricing methodology, contract specification, working with council and corporate clients, insurance requirements, and the practical business framework for sustainable operation. New entrants leave with both the technical training and the commercial framework needed to start winning contracts.

Course Close and Certification

End-of-day review, competency confirmation, certificate award and post-course support arrangements. Candidates have access to our team for follow-up technical questions in the months after the course.

Refresher Course, What It Covers

The refresher course is for candidates who have previously attended graffiti removal training (with us or with another provider) and want to update their skills against current London market realities. The market has shifted meaningfully over the last few years, acid etching has become a dominant threat, anti-graffiti film has become the default specification on premium properties, council and transport authority procurement frameworks have tightened, and the chemistry available to the trade has evolved.

The refresher condenses the introduction course content into a single full day focused on what has changed and what is now best practice. Particular emphasis is placed on:

• Acid-etch and deep-scratch vandalism: identification, response, and forward protection
• Updated COSHH and RAMS framework for London council and transport authority work
• Current chemistry: new biodegradable products, performance updates on established products, products to avoid
• Heritage methodology updates including current best practice with DOFF and TORC systems
• Sacrificial anti-graffiti film specification, installation and replacement
• Updated practical work on test panels reflecting current substrate range

Candidates receive an updated training certificate documenting refresher attendance and current competency.

Where the Training Is Delivered

Training is offered in three formats to suit different client requirements.

At our London training venue. The standard format. Full-day course delivered in central London, easily accessible by public transport, with all equipment, materials and test panels provided. Maximum eight candidates per session to maintain practical attention. Course dates run on a rolling schedule and are confirmed at booking.

At your depot or premises. For council teams, transport authorities, contract cleaning firms and commercial operators with their own depots, we deliver training on site. The format is the same, full-day, theory plus practical, with test panels and equipment brought to your location. Particularly suitable for teams of 4–10 candidates where travel logistics make on-site delivery more efficient.

Tailored corporate programmes. For larger council estate teams, transport authority procurement frameworks and corporate FM contractors with specific operational requirements, we develop bespoke training programmes covering specific surfaces, specific compliance frameworks, or specific operational scenarios. Pricing is by negotiation and reflects programme scope.

For booking, scheduling or to discuss on-site delivery for your team, please complete the enquiry form or call our team directly on 020 8050 5997.

What You Take Away From the Course

Every candidate completing the course leaves with the following:

• Practical competency in graffiti removal across the substrate range encountered on London commercial work, glass, stone, brick, render, painted surfaces, metal, plastic and acrylic.
• Diagnostic capability to identify acid etching, deep-scratch damage, substrate type, paint chemistry and the appropriate response for each.
• COSHH and RAMS literacy aligned with council, transport authority and corporate audit requirements.
• Internally certificated training certificate documenting course content, attendance and competency.
• Working knowledge of current chemistry including biodegradable products, low-pressure steam systems and forward-protection specifications.
• Heritage substrate competency for soft stone, lime mortar, listed brick and conservation-area working.
• Anti-graffiti film and coating awareness for advising clients on forward protection alongside reactive removal.
• Business framework (for relevant candidates) covering pricing, contracts, insurance and operational considerations for graffiti removal as a commercial service.
• Post-course technical support through ongoing access to our team for follow-up questions in the months after attendance.

How to Book

To book a place on the next available introduction or refresher course, to enquire about on-site delivery for your team, or to discuss a tailored corporate programme, complete the enquiry form below.

We respond to all enquiries the same day during business hours, confirm course availability or schedule on-site delivery, and process bookings against the course or programme that fits your requirement. The introduction and refresher courses are both £295 + VAT per candidate; group and corporate pricing is quoted separately.

Enquire About a Course

Use the form below to enquire about course bookings, on-site team training, or tailored corporate programmes. Alternatively, call us directly on 020 8050 5997, our team will confirm next available course dates and answer any questions about content, delivery and certification.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the graffiti removal training course cost?

The introduction course is £295 + VAT per candidate. The refresher course is also £295 + VAT per candidate. Group pricing for teams of 4 or more candidates, on-site delivery at your depot, and tailored corporate programmes are quoted separately based on scope and team size.

How long does the course take?

The introduction and refresher courses are both full-day programmes, typically running from 9.00am to approximately 4.30pm with breaks. The format combines theory sessions, demonstrations and supervised practical work on test panels representative of London commercial surfaces.

Where is the training delivered?

The standard course runs at our London training venue, easily accessible by public transport. We also deliver training at your depot or premises for teams of 4 or more, with all equipment and materials brought to your location. Tailored corporate programmes are delivered at venues confirmed at booking.

Do you train teams from outside London?

Yes. We deliver training to council teams, transport authorities and contract cleaning firms across the UK, with on-site delivery at your depot the standard format for non-London clients. Course content is fully adaptable to regional substrate and compliance requirements.

What is included in the course price?

All training delivery, course materials, equipment for practical sessions, test panel substrates, refreshments, training certificate on successful completion, and post-course technical support. PPE is provided for the practical session. There are no hidden costs.

Do candidates receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. All candidates passing the course receive a DUA London internally certificated training certificate documenting course content, date of attendance, and competency confirmation. The certificate is recognised across London council and corporate procurement frameworks as evidence of practical training.

Is the certificate accredited by an external body?

The certificate is internally certificated by DUA London. We do not represent the certificate as carrying external accreditation. For council and corporate clients requiring specific external accreditation, we can discuss accredited routes through partner providers as part of a bespoke programme.

How many candidates per course?

Maximum eight candidates per public course at our London training venue, to maintain practical attention during the supervised hands-on sessions. On-site delivery at client depots accommodates larger groups by agreement.

What experience do I need to attend the introduction course?

None. The introduction course is specifically for candidates with no previous training in graffiti removal. We start from first principles and build to working competency over the course of the day.

What's the difference between the introduction course and the refresher course?

The introduction course covers full graffiti removal training from first principles for candidates with no previous experience. The refresher course is for candidates who have previously attended training (with us or another provider) and want to update skills against current London market realities, particularly acid etching, sacrificial film, and updated chemistry.

Does the course cover acid-etched graffiti specifically?

Yes. Acid etching is a dedicated module on both the introduction and refresher courses. Candidates learn identification, chemistry, restoration pathways and forward protection through sacrificial film, the dominant threat category in current London commercial work, and one most other training providers barely cover.

Does the course cover heritage and listed buildings?

Yes. The heritage methodology module covers low-pressure steam (DOFF and TORC), biodegradable chemistry, listed brick and stone techniques, and the substrate-specific limits that protect heritage value. Essential for any operative working across central London's listed building stock.

Will I be able to start a graffiti removal business after the course?

The introduction course provides the technical foundation, certification and commercial framework needed to start in the trade. Candidates planning to start a business should also expect to develop business operations (insurance, vehicle, equipment, contracts) alongside the training. We provide post-course technical support to help with the transition.

Is the training course suitable for community volunteer groups?

Yes. We work with BIDs, town centre teams and community clean-up initiatives to deliver training that enables volunteers to work safely and effectively without damaging substrate. Group and community pricing is available for volunteer groups.

Do you provide PPE for the practical session?

Yes. PPE (gloves, goggles, appropriate workwear protection) is provided for candidates during the practical session. Candidates are asked to wear appropriate clothing suitable for hands-on work; specific guidance is provided in the pre-course confirmation.

How do I book a place on the next course?

Complete the enquiry form on this page, or call our team directly on 020 8050 5997. We respond the same day during business hours, confirm course availability or schedule on-site delivery, and process the booking against your chosen course.

What's your cancellation policy?

Cancellations more than 14 days before the course date receive a full refund. Cancellations 7–14 days before receive a 50% refund or the option to reschedule. Cancellations within 7 days of the course are non-refundable but can be transferred to another candidate or rescheduled by agreement.