Q Do you have tips for removing graffiti? Is there something that can be applied that will make a wall graffiti-proof?

A There are paints and coatings that will make it easier to remove graffiti. One example is the anti-graffiti coating from Ecological Coatings (www.ecologicalcoatings.com). Check yellow-page directories or look online for others. In addition, Minneapolis has suggestions for discouraging graffiti vandals (www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/graffiti).

To remove graffiti, Minneapolis offers the following tips for:

Painted surfaces: Apply a stain-killing primer or pigmented shellac. This will keep the graffiti from bleeding through fresh paint. Repaint the surface with a color that closely matches the original surface.

Unpainted surfaces: Use extra-strength paint remover or graffiti remover. Apply with a wire brush, allow to set and then rinse with water.

Stucco: Use paint remover, and then wash it off with a high-pressure water hose. Or use stucco paint to cover the graffiti thoroughly.

Metal, aluminum siding, fiberglass: Use carburetor cleaner. Or use paint remover sparingly and then rinse carefully.

Vinyl siding: Solvents might work too aggressively and remove the vinyl coating. Use paint remover sparingly. Use a clean rag and keep applying the clean dry rag with every light wipe. If the solvent is allowed to stay for even a short period, it will penetrate and you might have to repaint. Use primer to match and then matching paint to adhere to the vinyl for restoration.

Glass, plexiglass: Use carburetor cleaner.

Minneapolis residents can get a free quart of graffiti-removal solvent at any of the city's fire stations.

Commercial graffiti-removal products are available at hardware and paint stores. Read the instructions carefully, as some of the products can be toxic. Newer products are biodegradable and less toxic.

You also can hire a professional to remove graffiti. Look in a yellow-page directory under "Graffiti Removal & Protection."

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears everyday except Friday.