Laser graffiti removal on an AATY railway carriage
In Toucy, Raynovation Laser demonstrated its cleaning technology to AATY on its recently repainted and graffiti-covered RGP 2 trainset. The demonstration removed graffiti and revealed how different colours responded, before considering a project on quotation.
An intervention by Pierre-Olivier Siener · Raynovation Laser
Story published
A recently repainted trainset, then graffiti
The RGP 2 trainset belonging to the Association des Autorails Touristiques de l’Yonne, which operates the Puisaye-Forterre tourist railway, had recently undergone paintwork. Graffiti then covered part of its bodywork.
The aim was to find a way to remove the markings while preserving as much of the restored livery as possible. The laser cleaning demonstration allowed the association to assess the technology directly on its train.
A demonstration before a possible project on quotation
Pierre-Olivier Siener travelled from Oise with his equipment to present and test the technology on the trainset. There was no service charge for the demonstration: the association covered only transport costs.
The trials revealed how different paints responded and removed graffiti. Settings and passes were adapted to the treated areas while monitoring the paint layer underneath.
If the result suited AATY, a project could then be considered on quotation. The demonstration provided a practical assessment before deciding what should happen next.
Observe the layers
Identify graffiti colours, the finish to preserve and the areas to work on.
Adjust parameters
Make localised passes and adapt treatment to the observed response.
Remove the markings
Continue cleaning responsive areas while checking the result.
A close-up view of the demonstration
Two site clips show laser action and the adjustment process. They document areas of the intervention, including the trainset and its different paint layers.
The laser in action
23 s · Site footageClose-up treatment of a bodywork area carrying several graffiti colours. Laser passes produce visible differences in the treated surfaces.
Trials and adjustments on the graffiti
26 s · Site footagePierre-Olivier works beside the trainset. Localised passes on the markings allow their response to be observed and the cleaning to be adapted.
Graffiti removed, with different responses across colours
The association’s account confirms the positive result: the laser removed some graffiti. AATY specifically mentions black and white as colours that came off easily on this trainset.
Removal confirmed
The association confirms effective cleaning on some markings. The intervention delivered a tangible result on the trainset.
More resistant colours
AATY reports that blue, yellow and purple were more resistant to treatment. A response observed on one colour cannot automatically be extended to others.
Recent paintwork to account for
According to the association, the fresh paintwork had received neither varnish nor anti-graffiti protection. Its account describes pigment mixing, which complicated selective removal.
« Technique très intéressante et d’avenir pour éviter le sablage des pièces. »
This account concerns treated areas and the association’s observations. The footage documents the cleaning carried out without showing a complete restoration of the trainset.
The demonstration covered by Centre France / L’Yonne
The report interviews Pierre-Olivier and presents trials on the trainset, laser settings and the challenge of removing graffiti without taking off the paint that needs preserving.
Centre France / L’Yonne report · journalist: Vincent Thomas · Instagram publication @lyonne_fr.
AATY: volunteers supporting railway heritage
The Association des Autorails Touristiques de l’Yonne operates the Puisaye-Forterre tourist railway, also known as the Transpoyaudin. Its headquarters and depot are at Toucy station. This intervention brought Raynovation Laser together with volunteers committed to preserving and keeping this heritage alive.
Graffiti to remove from a painted surface?
The layers present and the finish to preserve guide the treatment. Tell Raynovation Laser about your project to assess possible intervention options.