SPRAY PAINT AND CAPS SPRAY PAINT After markers the second most common implement for writing is spray paint. It is used to render tags, pieces and throw-ups. Early on in the history of aerosol art writers determined that there were significant differences in the quality of paint among different brands. Three brands remained favorites among writers during the New York City transit era. Rustoleum, Krylon and Red Devil were all preferred for different reasons. Rustoleum was chosen for thickness of pigment and its ability to cover large areas. In addition to thickness Red Devil provided very precise paint control with minimal drips. Other lesser known brands favored for thickness were Bright Beauty and Sapolin. Though Krylon was not as thick as Rustoleum or Red Devil, it was prized for its broad color range. Other brands favored for color range were Wet Look and Wet Paint. Today many European spray paint companies manufacture paint designed specifically for aerosol art. CAPS The standard caps that manufacturers distribute on spray paint provide limited paint control. Writers prefer to replace the caps according to their needs. Large areas require what are known as Fat Caps. Fat Caps spray a wider mark than standard caps. This wider spray enables writers to paint more quickly and provide more even coverage. Fat Caps were taken from a variety of household aerosol products such as Niagara spray starch and Panel Magic furniture polish. Thin Caps or Skinny Caps were used to render outlines and areas requiring great detail such as illustrations. In these instances standard caps were often used. During the transit era it was common for writers to dedicate time specifically to stealing the caps that they required. Today many graffiti magazines and mail order catalogs sell a variety of caps in bulk. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Copyright © 2000, 2003 @149st. All rights reserved. Back to main Tools page | Home |  Artists |  Crews |  History |  Links |  E mail | Glossary |