Whether graffiti comes back after cleaning it depends on several factors:
- Type – Graffiti related to gangs and taggers is more likely to recur than spontaneous graffiti. Ideological and vindictive graffiti may also recur.
- Monitoring – Surfaces that aren’t well monitored are likely to be graffitied repeatedly.
- Presence – Graffitists target places where they and their friends hang out.
- Visibility – Highly visible areas are more likely to be graffitied repeatedly.
- Surface – Appealing surfaces for graffiti that are large, smooth, and light-colored are more likely to be targeted again.
- Response – Graffiti that’s allowed to persist for a long time is more likely to be repainted when removed. In addition, painting over graffiti rather than removing it is often seen as an invitation for graffitists, especially if you use a different color.
To try to prevent the return of graffiti, improve monitoring in the area. Discourage loitering where graffiti appears. Sometimes eliminating the large surface by adding textural elements or windows can help control the graffiti.