I’d start by figuring out what the furniture is made of and how it’s finished, because that changes everything. A powder-coated steel bench, a concrete planter, a timber slat, and a plastic bin all need different treatment. If it’s public property or council-managed, check with whoever owns it first and follow local rules for cleaning runoff.
Put on nitrile gloves and eye protection, and work in a ventilated area away from drains, grass, or waterways. Brush off loose dirt, then try the gentlest approach first: warm soapy water with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. For fresh tags, this sometimes lifts enough to make the rest easier. A plastic scraper can help with thick paint, but don’t use metal scrapers or wire brushes on coated metal or plastic.
If soap doesn’t touch it, use a proper graffiti remover or a citrus-based solvent. Test a hidden spot first, especially on painted metal, plastic, and timber. Apply according to the label, let it dwell for the recommended time, agitate gently with a soft brush, and wipe away. Don’t let solvent sit longer than needed, and rinse thoroughly. For vertical surfaces, a gel remover is less drippy than a thin liquid.
A pressure washer can work on concrete and some durable metal, but keep the nozzle moving and don’t blast close to seams, powder coating, or plastic. It’s easy to strip paint or force water into places it shouldn’t go. On concrete, a stiff nylon brush plus a graffiti remover often beats high pressure. On timber, avoid soaking it; if the paint has penetrated, light sanding and refinishing may be the realistic fix. On plastic and glass, avoid acetone and strong abrasives unless the manufacturer says it’s safe.
Once the paint is gone, rinse and dry the surface, then deal with any shadow or ghosting using a mild cleaner or a surface-appropriate restoration method. Finally, if it’s a hotspot, apply an anti-graffiti coating or sacrificial film so next time the paint comes off more easily. And dispose of rags and runoff properly—outdoor furniture is public-facing, so looking after the surface matters as much as getting the tag off.