The art of graffiti writing is alive and well. It is a practice that spans throughout societies, cultures, communities, and peoples of all kinds and generations. The motivations people have for tagging vary. For some, it can be an effective way to communicate a message of a political or social nature. For others, it is simply a means of expression -- a way to announce their presence to the world. Whatever the case may be, graffiti writing remains a common phenomenon all over the world. Rebellious youths continue to illegally tag walls and public spaces in their communities while professional graffiti artists create grand works of art for the enjoyment and consideration of the public.
There are all kinds of graffiti supplies out there on the market that taggers at all levels use to create their art. In addition, there are many taggers out there taking a DIY approach and creating their own tools of the trade as graffiti culture evolves. The main graffiti supplies taggers are using these days will be outlined below along with pricing and usage tips.
Spray Paint: What to consider before shopping for spray paint
The heart and soul of every tagger's collection of supplies is their spray paint; it only takes one cheap can of paint to go out and start tagging. Of course, there are tons of options out there and it is best to think about a few key factors before deciding on what kind of paint to buy. First, what is the level of the tagger? For people just starting out, it is probably best to stick with inexpensive spray paint for the beginning, learning stages of graffiti. Second, for what kind of project is the spray paint being used? Tagging on brick walls and cement streets is one thing, but if the goal is to paint a specific personal object such as canvas or an automobile, higher quality paint will work best. Primer and sand paper are other investments to consider in that case, as using them along the way will make for a better finished product.
There are also different can tips or caps to be used on cans available to achieve different effects such as an extra wide or skinny spray. Caps are typically cheap; three for a dollar or a 25-pack for around $7.00.
Compare and Contrast: The different spray paint options on the market
Quality and price of spray paint for graffiti varies. Fortunately, it is pretty easy for anyone to get started, as there is inexpensive spray paint out there that will get the job done. From beginners to professionals, spray paint of varying price and quality can be found in most cities.
On the low end, a can of spray paint can go for as little as $0.99. Stores such as Walmart and KMart carry these cheapest options, which can range from $0.99 to $1.50, depending on geographic location. Such low budget options are a great way to get started without paying much money.
As for mid-range options, the tried and true brand of spray paint called Krylon is perfectly acceptable and is actually used regularly by many taggers. It is still quite inexpensive, ranging from $2.45 to $3.15 per can, and can be found in the hardware sections of big department stores such as Walmart and Target. Krylon is sold in many different colors and styles (translucent, flat, glossy, metallic). The paint goes on thick with great coverage, and is a solid option for taggers.
On the high end, high quality spray paint such as Valspar or Rustoleum can be found in caged areas at hardware stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot, respectively. However, it is recommended to only invest in these for personal home projects.