Graffiti on stone or brick walls is a problem most towns and cities know too well. A spray-painted tag on a shopfront or marker scrawls on a railway bridge can appear overnight, and the impact is immediate. Getting rid of it isn’t easy either. On porous surfaces like stone, render, or brick, paint soaks in, making removal difficult and often costly. And even if you manage to clear it, there’s no guarantee the wall won’t be targeted again. Add in everyday pollution, smog, and damp, and keeping façades clean becomes a constant challenge.
At FILA, we believe the answer isn’t just in cleaning graffiti away but in creating a cycle of cleaning and protection. That way, surfaces can be restored properly and kept looking good for the long term.
The Cost of Graffiti
Graffiti isn’t just something you notice, it’s something you pay for. Councils spend millions each year cleaning it up, and private businesses feel the hit too. A tagged shopfront can turn customers away, while a run-down façade can drag down the look of a whole street. For building owners, the impact isn’t only about money; it’s also the hassle of organising repeat clean-ups and the risk of the wall being damaged over time.
Different Walls, Different Challenges
No two walls are alike. Removing smog or graffiti from a sandstone façade in a historic town is a very different job from cleaning a concrete underpass or a modern rendered shopfront. A method that works on one surface could leave permanent marks on another. That’s the challenge for contractors: finding a way to clean that restores the wall without changing its character, whether that means protecting delicate stonework or keeping a newer exterior looking neat and consistent.
Removing Graffiti
That’s where NOPAINT STAR comes in. This water-based gel clings to exterior walls and makes light work of graffiti and smog on all kinds of façades, from stone and concrete to plaster, terracotta, and tiles. Brush it on, leave it for five minutes, then scrub and rinse. Most graffiti comes away easily, but if the wall’s more stubborn, like old brick, a second application usually does the trick.
Because it’s biodegradable and solvent-free, it avoids the harshness of old-school removers. That makes it safer for the people using it and gentler on the environment, something councils and property managers really value. It’s flexible too, tackling not just graffiti but also traffic grime and even sealers that were applied incorrectly.
Protecting External Walls
Cleaning graffiti is one thing, but keeping it from sticking again is the real win. That’s where MP90 ECO XTREME comes in. It soaks into the stone like an invisible shield, pushing back water, oil, and paint while leaving the surface looking just as it should.
Because it’s water-based, solvent-free, and low in VOCs, it’s safe to use on everything from heritage façades to busy public buildings. The best part? If graffiti shows up again, it won’t cling. Clean-up is faster, easier, and far less costly, taking the stress out of repeat attacks.
Why Use The Two Products Together?
The best results come when cleaning and protection work hand in hand. NOPAINT STAR clears graffiti even from tough, porous surfaces, while MP90 ECO XTREME leaves behind an invisible shield that stops new paint or grime from soaking in. For contractors, it’s a simple two-step system they can trust. For building owners, it means fewer surprises, lower upkeep costs, and façades that stay looking sharp.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Leaving graffiti alone often makes things worse. The longer paint sits on porous stone, the deeper it sinks in, driving up the effort and cost of removal. A neglected façade can also attract more tagging, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Acting early and adding protection for the future is the simplest way to save money, reduce disruption, and keep frustration to a minimum.
Building a Maintenance Culture
The most effective approach for staying on top of graffiti is to stop treating it like a one-off problem and make it part of a regular maintenance plan. Building a routine of cleaning and protection saves time, money, and stress over the long run. For property managers, that could mean adding graffiti checks to the usual maintenance rounds or using protective sealers as standard on new projects. It’s about shifting from always reacting after the fact to being prepared, so walls are ready for whatever the city throws at them.
Practical Tips For Best Results
- Test before you start: Always try the products on a small, hidden area first. It’s the simplest way to check the finish and make sure the surface reacts as expected.
- Clean before application: Always work on a clean, dry surface in manageable sections. Whether you’re removing graffiti or sealing against it, a prepared substrate and controlled application are what guarantee an even, lasting result.
- Use the right tools: After using NOPAINT STAR, a water-jet wash will clear walls more easily. When it comes to MP90 ECO XTREME, a simple brush or fleece pad is all you need for a smooth, even coat of this stone sealer.
- Pick the right moment: Apply both products on a dry day and within the right temperature range to get the best results.
- Stay consistent: Regular upkeep makes all the difference. Even light, scheduled cleans will stop dirt and graffiti from building up, keeping the protection working at its best.
A Smarter Way To Care for Stone
Graffiti and pollution will always be part of city life, but they don’t have to mean lasting damage or endless cleaning bills. With the right approach, walls can be restored quickly and protected so they stay looking good for longer.
NOPAINT STAR and MP90 ECO XTREME make that easier: clean, protect, and maintain. It’s a simple system that saves time, reduces disruption, and keeps façades looking their best.
At FILA UK, we work alongside contractors, architects, and property managers every day to help them get the right results, whether it’s a single wall or a whole city block. Our team is here to guide you on the best way to clean and protect stone for the long term, saving time, money, and stress.
