What is Reverse Graffiti?

Reverse graffiti, also known as clean tagging, dust tagging, grime writing, green graffiti or clean advertising, is a method of creating temporary or semi permanent images on walls or other surfaces by removing dirt from a surface. It is often done by removing dirt/dust with the fingertip(s) from windows or other dirty surfaces, such as writing 'wash me' on a dirty vehicle. Others, such as artist Moose, use a cloth or a high power washer to remove dirt on a larger scale.

Because reverse graffiti is temporary, may be biodegradable, and generally uses no hard materials such as ink, paper, or harsh chemicals, and because it generally does not use electricity to back or front light, reverse graffiti can be an environmentally friendly way of advertising.

Businesses such as Eco Street Adverts and Clean Adverts have been set up to provide a reverse graffiti service for UK businesses. This form of advertising has been adopted by local authorities in the past to deliver public service messages. Whether it be home watch, litter prevention or a drink safe campaign around the town. The method can help promote local events, special offers, retail promotions or even just to increase an organisation's market presence. The Town and country planning in the United Kingdom could be applied to commercial 'reverse graffiti', but that depends on the town.