tagging tools

Designed by Emil KulievJune 2015Italy, MilanFonts used in the book: Akzidenz-Grotesk, Franklin Gothic

CONTENTSIntroduction

Beginning

Markers

Ink

Squeesers

Paint markers

Spray

Krink in the game (intrview with KR)

Caps

About spray paint pressure

Glossary

Bibliography

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10 - 11

12 - 13

14 - 15

20 - 23

25

28 - 37

38 - 41

42 - 49

50 - 51

52 - 54

55

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Since the genesis of hip-hop, graffiti art has been the one of the crucial elements of the culture. Although it may not always be as commercialized and fame-generating as hip-hop music and dance, graff writers are undoubtedly as important as MCs, DJs, and breakers. It may be the secrecy that it’s shrouded in and the traditional anonymity of graffiti artists that make this art seem so enigmatic and inaccessible, but real fans of hip-hop (like you), need to know the basics.

It’s important to celebrate and appreciate all aspects of the hip-hop culture, so let’s take a minute to highlight the art of graffiti and the tools of the trade. Nothing compares to the thrill of clambering down under a bridge with a rattling backpack full of fresh paint, but running through the basics might just scratch the surface for those of you who have never picked up a can.

I’d like to emphasize the fact that graffiti is dangerous. Be careful out there, many great street artists have been hurt or arrested trying to paint — you’re not an exception. Graffiti is also difficult, don’t expect to go out there right away and be the best; it takes work. Also, we are not advocating illegal vandalism; know the difference between art and vandalism and be respectful with your graffiti. And finally, graffiti is definitely an art — don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

INTRODUCTION

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Graffity you can see it everywher from city streers to high school desks.Graffiti can range from scribbled tags to carefully though out art that expresses the contemproary world we live in today.

The word graffiti comes from Italan language.Graffiti is actually the plural of the word graffito. They both deliver the word graffito; which means a scratch. The original graffiti was scrathced into the surface, not just paintd. Artistic expression on the surface around us seems to be a very old human impuse.There are instances of art dating back as far as human history goes.The earliest art dates back to the Paleolithic era.However world was changing

ad improving, technology has changed but human nature has not. Even in the modern era,

with the advent of trains, cars, computers and more, peole still scrubble their graffiti.

Tagging was first popularized by a New Yourk City messenger who dubbed himself TAKI 183.Taki was short for his Greek name, Demetraki, and 183 ws the street he lived on. Throughout the 1960s and

BEGINNING

1970s, during the course of his delvery work, Taki 183 would scatch his tag on surfaces around the city. His name gained recognition and imitation sprang around the world.

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MARKERS

When paint is too messy, too large or too conspicuous for your environment, markers come in handy. Markers fit easily in your pocket, don’t make too much noise and allow artists to scribble out a quick tag in a matter of seconds with minimal mess. These are useful any time; many graffiti artists will carry one at all times, especially if they are in the process of bombing a city. If

a tagger notices they are alone on a park bench or in a skyway, they will

quickly scrawl their tag for the next person looking closely to see.

Anyone who has ever been in the bathroom of a music venue is familiar with the hundreds of tags tattooed on its walls, and there are few subway car windows free of a tag or two scratched into their surface. Markers are also useful for signing a larger piece with your tag, or adding fine detail. Varying in more ways than you would think possible, they can range from Sharpies to paint markers to refillable ink mops. Easily the most-portable graffiti medium, markers are incredibly versatile and convenient for quick and easy tagging.

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INKInk is very important in tagging.Good ink is a true nightmare to erase and is destined to the most determenated writers. The new exclusive formulas resist to the most agressive product, leaving most of the time a mark. The ink do extremely opaque and has a smooth and regular flow.The surface to mark is penatrateddeaply and dries instantly.The functional part is that the ink bottle is compartable and very practic to refill the markers properly.

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He combines work on different design projects with many exibitions and perfomances, as well as workshops and street-art festivals. He creates some big scale calligraphic compositions within an urban environment and interior, and he’s always trying to experiment with forms and volumes of the typography.

Pokras Lampas - modern calligraphy artist with many years of experience in street-art.

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Remember that good Ink is a nightmare to erase. The exclusive new formula

withstands the most aggressive solvents, leaving mostly a ghost trace after erasing. The ink, extremely opaque, has a smooth and steady flow. The surface to be marked is penetrated deeply and dries instantly. The flexible and transparent plastic tank of Squeezer allows ink calls by simply pressing the tube. It is rechargeable and contains 100ml of ink, or 5 times more than in a conventional marker. 25mm diameter of the tips of this marker are Stronghair mohair. They have the distinction of being denser than cotton tips, and ultra-resistant.

Since the mid 90s, Italy has always been Europe’s hotspot to get ink for unbuffable tags. Having access to first quality dyes and inks they began making wild mixes for own use. But when other writers stumbled across tags and their ghostly black stains, they started asking them for it incessantly. This is how Grog was born. Since the beginning, Grog has always provided writers with the right tools to get their name ahead of the game.

The first thing that comes to their mind when thinking about grog is the familiar shape of its bottle. Just like a good piece, you can easily recognize it at first glance by its style. Far from being a big multinational, grog is made by real people

GROG SQUEEZERSwho have one obsession: quality. Everything they do is rigorously handcrafted. Because the name deserves the best.

Take an old school classic and get rid of its defects. This is what they have done

with the Squeezer, creating something never seen before. It comes in three formats, featuring an easy drip control and, finally, durable tips. The advent of the Squeezer has marked a new era. It has violently changed

cities’ urban landscapes like no other marker before, taking its inimitable drips worldwide. As well grog introduces its new color label system. From now on all labels is carry acronym and colored bands pointing to the type of ink used. You’ll find it easier to know what you’re using and the right refill you need.

22 23Marker K-66 - the original development of the American company

Krink, has made a revolution in the world of markers.Pen K-66 with a metal ball, is almost the same as in conventional

ballpoint pens, but only if the pen writes on paper, K-66 leaves the line thickness of 2 mm on almost all kinds of smooth and rough surfaces, including glass, brick , wood and others.

While pushing on the body can regulate the flow of the ink receiving or thin straight lines or broad lines with juicy streaks.

OTR.655 Slimer is the first latex paint marker on the market. It comes in five regular and five metallic 100% covering colors of

unique textured permanent and waterproof latex paint. Slimer can be use for stereoscopic marks and signs. The pigments

does not sag, no shaking, just apply straight from the bottle and create a high glossy and unique 3D effect.

Signs and marks will even be seen after over coating! Adheres to paper, card, wood, fabric, canvas, polystyrene, glass, stone and various plastics.

The Grog Squeezer Marker, filled with Grog Ink makes for creative tags. The Grog Squeezer Marker is made up of a soft plastic container that gives the opportunity to squeeze out more or less ink.

The marker gives you the option to make for some drippy or clean tags. Not only does the ink allow for some drippy tags, it also drys relatively quick and it’s hard to buff. The marker also has a strong tip that makes it easy to write on most surfaces.

If you’re looking for a marker that gives you control over what type of tags you’d like to create, the Grog Squeezer Marker is a perfect marker for you.

Pen K-12 - original development Krink, which made it possible to use a marker on all surfaces in the harshest conditions. Tip steel, structurally similar to a pen, a very robust and reliable, it allows you to receive both smooth sleek lines and lines with juicy streaks - to regulate just click on the soft plastic body. Ideal for tagging, convenient, compact and equipped with a pin to store in your pocket.

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This is a specialized industrial (industrial) marker that was created for writing on all smooth and rough surfaces - metals (including dirty and rusty), glass, concrete, brick, wood, ceramics, paper and others. These abilities have been achieved from conventional ink refusal in favor of pigmented pastes, which did not stain hands, but “firmly” stick to any surface.

The lead of the mastic has a diameter of 10 mm, but holding it at different angles can be achieved lines of varying widths.

Solid paint markerPaint markers are marker pens that write in paint.

It sounds obvious, but people often assume it’s some sort of ink that looks like paint, rather than real paint. Most paint markers write in actual oil-based paint, though some are water-based paint or acrylic paint.

Paint marker

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The spray cans in common use today are manufactured out of two different materials: tin-plate and aluminium. The production processes vary widely. Very few classic spray paint cans are still made of aluminium. I’ve only encountered traditional aluminium cans from former East Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia. However paint spray cans are tip-plate.

Tin-plate aerosol cans Ordinary spray cans are made out of long strips of tin-coated steel.

The cans are composed of three separate parts. First tin-plate sheets are cut out and then coated. The exterior coating consists of several layers. The tin is first primed with a white lacquer, over which the label is printed in colour, followed by a protective coating. Depending on the can’s intended con- tents, an interior coating may be added to protect against cor- rosion. After the coating process, the sheet is cut into can-sized pieces, which are formed into a cylinder, and the edges are welded closed. The welded seam is protected from rust with extra lacquer or a layer of powder. The base and top pieces are pressed out of tin sheets. After the batches are fitted together, the three pieces are attached securely by seaming the edges of the top and base.

Cap

Donut

Paint

Concave

Ball

Valve

Air

SPRAY CANS

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Main Brands

Montana cans MolotowMTN montana colors

The brand Montana cans has been influencing artists since it’s humble beginnings in Heidelberg, Germany. Not only because the team behind the brand has it’s roots in Graffiti and Art cultures, but also as they were, and still are, active users. When passion met German precision, a new level in quality art making tools was born.

Montana’s laboratory nerds work hand-in-hand with Artists and Designers from around the globe. The Montana family has organically grown through years of pushing the limits on Spraycan technology together with a huge artist collective. The brand’s marriage of the street and science became the backbone of research and development. The artists ever changing needs together with montana’s lab nerds technical knowledge, enabled them to reach the highest quality levels and bring new innovations.

Montana products are unparalleled in quality, assortment and variety. The brands focus is to bring you is the highest quality. The love for Graffiti, Art and creativity in all forms is also extended by the continuous support of artists and creative events worldwide.

Founded 1994 by a group of paints industry innovators from Barcelona Spain, began the path to create a company by doing what their successors at Montana Colors S.L. still do, listen to their customers. The feedback they received was that brand after brand of aerosol paints lacked consistency, color range, and difficultly in its control. Their answer was to create a product specific with these key issues in mind.

The spirit of innovation, determination and commitment to quality manifested itself in the creation of the original product Hardcore™. This decorative coating for art, home, and industrial use is still one of our staple products that continues to be improved with each year.

Montana Colors has consistently set the benchmark for all “artist” paints and boutique brands to try to match. Today Montana Colors serves a global market in over 70 countries from their 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility and headquarters in Barcelona Spain where each can is still filled and sealed by hand, setting a level of quality that is still unmatched to this day.

With the idea to design a perfect tool for artists and professionals the Molotow story began in 1996. Molotow became the synonym for brilliant ideas. Molotow premium revolutionized the spray technology across the world and it is still considered as the reference worldwide leading spray-paint. The patented Molotow Technology features the unique quality characteristics no dust, anti drip, all-season and covers all.

It’s undeniably the most important part of the ensemble; whether it’s 77-cent cans of black and white paint from the local hardware store or premium, ten-dollar cans of neon acrylic Montana Gold. The paint is how you spot a graff-writer on the subway, by the loud rattling from his backpack or by the paint clinging to his pointer and middle fingers. At the risk of stating the obvious, paint is what covers the wall, what disguises the heavy gray concrete that entombs the inner-city as a canvas for vigilante art, and transforms manmade concrete leviathans into intricate murals.

The paint is what people see, what blends and overlaps to form an image that will be seen by everyone walking by.

The paint in a graff writer’s bag can vary as greatly as the artist; it might just be one can of black paint for quick tagging, or it might be a dozen different colors for large-scale murals. In any case, the paint is the keystone of the art. Aerosol paint is the perfect medium for the art of graffiti, it’s easily transported and is the quickest and most-efficient way to cover a large area in striking color.

... however there are more.

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MONTANA ULTRA WIDEThe newest member of the Montana Cans family is the 750ml ultra wide can. An ideal tool for contemporary urban calligraphy and ultra wide line work, the Ultra wide can comes in chrome, black, red & blue with a spray width variation from 15cm if applied rapidly at close range, to approx. 60cm if applied slower at a greater distance.Complimented by a specially developed yellow Ultra Wide calligraphy spray cap which is set in a horizontal spray position, users are able to maxi-mize vertical stroke application and achieve a high-er vertical spray reach of upto 2m higher then final stroke height. Maximum output can be achieved with Montana ultra wide Due to high pressure beware of wide output and counterstroke! Surface area can be covered in exceptionally fast time.

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KRINK K 750The bomb spray invented by the New Yorker writer and the artis Craig “KR” Costello. The brand krink specialised it self in the fabrication of ink and markers hand made in the USA as known as e writers in the artistic fields for their refined design and their fabrication standarts of high quality. It was a really good surprise when we learned that Krink was collabrating with MTN the leader in technological innvation in the graffiti products. A dept of giant tags made with spray or extenter at has been a while that KR was dreaming about a spray bomb that will be capable of duin the same. This h=now something done with the krink mtn k 750 . It contains 50 ml of paint meaning the biggest availible formatand it is capable to trase lines fro 4 meters. To realise this new technology all the comtent of normal spray has been reviewed and correced to points speaialy value a unique cap with the long nozzle a more powerfull gas and the matt paint realy covering with the premium quality and the paint can be black or white. In the world of spraypaint a lot of tools help to create deals more and more thin. The spray bomb is a progress smething completely new.

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Ten years ago, if I were to tell you that you would turn KRINK into a contemporary art visual experience that would create amazing collaborations with Mini, Levi’s, and get covered by the NY Times, CNN, Juxtapoz, and other magazines across the globe, would you call me crazy or would it make sense?

Ha! I would have thought you were crazy. While I always knew that Krink in the graffiti world had made an impact, I would not have believed it would be so well received outside of the graffiti world.

It’s amazing to me how much it has grown into the world of graffiti globally. I am honored and flattered that Krink is so well received by so many and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be working on creative projects. There was never a business plan, never an idea to make money, it was very pure and natural. It did not start with money invested in a project or a marketing strategy. It was all about economy and graffiti and DIY.

Ten years ago, what were you doing?

It was a transition for me from SF to NYC. Things were so different from the New York I grew up in. I was also traveling I went to South East Asia and also drove across the US a couple of times. I was learning a lot about the new NYC, I just hooked up with ALIFE and Mass Appeal, I was writing graffiti, hitting rooftops with hangovers, lots of bucket paint, experimenting, finding my bearings, learning about layout and computer stuff. It was so different. The whole Lower East Side was changing, and I was just linking up with creative types and trying to build and find my place.

With that in mind, why do you think Krink is working? Is it the quality of the product, is it the community that uses it, the community you found when you got back to NYC, is it the way you have branded the product and yourself, or is it the energy that a group of you, I would say the 12oz Prophet group, has made as major curators of a certain contemporary aesthetic?

It’s a combination for sure. High quality, originality, credibility, style, creative community, everything you mentioned. What I have found is that people like the idea of Krink and where it comes from, it’s a homegrown product. That combined with the personal style of Krink: drips, clean design, simplicity. I have had a very positive response to the products and the projects that I have done. Things have just clicked, but don’t get it twisted, there have been many failures to overcome. I have had to learn so many things the hard way.

Blogs have helped tremendously by giving a voice and the ability to control content and information. In the past, whenever I sent a magazine or book a disc of images, the designer always did something strange, with the Internet and blogs, I can control the image, captions, and show exactly what I want, which is huge.

The other day, and this is no joke, my mom saw the desktop of my computer, which was an image of a wall you did in Moscow, which had some explosions of yellow and blue and green dripping down and she told me, “Wow, that is beautiful,”

how did he do that? So, okay then, how do you do that? How, when you have a huge wall like you have in exhibition spaces, do you get it all to look so, beautiful.

I am very flattered that your mom thought it was cool and that it is your desktop image. I feel most art is a combination of craft and experience. It takes time to develop the subtleties that come to define ones personal style. This is very important in the making of anything creative. It’s life experience, it’s not always a singular thing.

How much or your time is spent developing new ideas for your inks and markers, and how much is the more commercial and fine art endeavors like Levi’s, Mini, or solo shows that you have throughout the world?

The timing is always changing. I have a lot of things in development;

products and projects. Product development ranges widely in scheduling, some things take a year and others are very simple and quick. Commercial projects can come up very fast and have incredibly tight deadlines, while others are over a year out due to production schedules.

Making art objects has been the most difficult. It is time consuming and sales can fluctuate widely. For a successful artist to make a decent living, they must have a demand that is greater than their output. If you have objects/paintings/art stacking up in your studio, you probably have bills that are stacking up too.

The opening line to KR’s bio on his Krink website says it all: “To tell the story of Krink, the world’s quickest growing art supply line, you need to hear the story of KR: a terrible art student, a semi-successful vandal, and an entrepreneur who learned everything the hard way.”

Especially over the past 7 years, KR’s Krink brand of inks and markers has not only become a staple product for “vandals and artists,” but its becoming a staple in the advertising and commercial world for combining simple, clean aesthetic with other like-minded brands: Mini Cooper, Levi’s, and Nike have all been graced by the Krink dripped over the past 12 months. And somewhere along the road, KR used Krink and became a fine artist with a reputation for high-end, clean, and unique modern design and aesthetic.

We spoke to KR about all these things, and the amazing ride that has been the last 10 years at the helm of Krink. —The Citrus Report / RB

Your bio says that KRINK is beloved by vandals and artists alike? Which category would you say that you fall into?

Both, but I am not so much in the streets illegally these days. These days I am more interested in a broader audience. I would like to work on public projects that are legal. The public space is a favorite, but permission is necessary, to achieve broader goals.

If today, you were to develop a brand new product, and you wanted one vandal or artist, or one of each, to test it out, who would you have test it?

This might be strange, but I would rather not say. I do have people testing products for me and I value a variety of opinions, but the individuals shall remain nameless.

I know everyone shall remain nameless, but is there anyone who can handle a KRINK product better than you?

KRINK IN THE GAME

“It’s amazing to me how much it has grown into the world of graffiti globally.”

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The whole KRINK / KR vibe, from an outsider looking in, is beginning to look more and more like high conceptual art. The colors, the way you apply the paint, the way the paint stands out on a wall, creates a very post-modern (I hate using that word, but let’s go for it) sense of what an exhibition space can look like. Are you creating atmosphere and mood, or is it fine art that you can touch and feel?

A lot of what I do is deeply informed by my interest in contemporary art and my time spent in the street as a graffiti writer. My work, including Krink, is a combination of these things. Krink the product itself is sharing with people the style and experience.

I studied photography and conceptual art. Conceptual art is very interesting to me and I feel a lot of the lessons can be applied to a wide variety of things, I find branding to be very interesting, it is all ideas and living up to them. Art in general is about ideas, feelings, experiences, and then craft.

Who are some of the artists and designers and interior designers that you admire?

So many and the list is always changing: Chris Burden, Wolfgang Tillmans, Cy Twombly, Tony Cragg, Richard Serra, James Turrel, Ellsworth Kelly, Jack Pierson, Alife crew, Rachel Whiteread, Dan Flavin, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, and Sol Lewitt. I mainly look at contemporary art, not so much design, a little fashion, and I like architecture, too. I feel a lot of contemporary artists are way ahead of the curve creatively.

Does the 8-litre extinguisher actually work? And is that how you do bigger walls?

Of course it works!!! The 8-litre applicator is fully functional. Yes, this a tool I use for painting.

Basically, the entire Krink line of products are based around tools I use. All products are designed to my specifications based on my experiences and style. What might seem common now was once only a homemade piece that was very specific to graffiti and even then, to the graffiti world these tools were often very new.

The 8-litre applicator is a continuation of this style and mentality, finding something and re-purposing as a creative tool. It is an object, a stand alone piece, an artifact with potential, a tool that is born from the culture of DIY, a symbol of making one’s own way.

Do you ever miss San Francisco, and what was it about this city that made it such a haven for major creatives like you and Twist in the 90s?

I have a lot of love for SF, and northern Cali. SF played a big part in my life and thinking. I love the nature and the general attitude. People in SF are laid back, chill, liberal minded, the landscape is amazing, and the food is great.

I’m from Queens, SF was so different. There was no plan, it just happened and I stayed. SF wasn’t some cool destination. I didn’t have any money. Back then the Mission was grimy and dangerous, so was the Lower Haight. I used to love going to Yosemite and seeing all the nature, I went to Death Valley and saw the desert which was amazing. I remember seeing all these birds for the first time, sea lions in the ocean, the sun setting into the sea, I’m into all that stuff. Growing up in Queens, all water ways were polluted, there wasn’t much nature at all, we had trees and parks, but nothing like the dramatic west coast landscape.

But NYC has more opportunity and the culture here is great. I am very happy to have lived in SF. Again everything was just living life, no plans, no ideas, just checking stuff out, being young, finding a cool environment and cool people. It was easy to

Krink is not about one thing. Krink is a tool for creativity. I don’t like to tell people what to do. There are many uses and it’s about experimenting and finding what works best for the individual. If I tried to define it as one singular thing, I think it would fail

Has anyone ever written to you about a memorable experience “out in the field” with your product that you can recount here?

I have had many emails from people around the world saying they love Krink and giving words of encouragement and thanks.

What are some things that KRINK is working on now? Colors? New technologies?

New product, new colors, new projects. I prefer not to talk about things that are in development. A lot of projects can get put on hold or fall apart. I prefer to show finished products and projects. I like to be about it, not talk about it.

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CAPSCaps (also know as: nozzles, tips, actuators,

etc.) are like a brushes to an artist. They come in many sizes shapes and colors and can produce a variety of desired line widths, spray effects and overall output volume. Although most spray paints include a spray nozzle or “cap” it is typical for painter to remove the “stock cap” and replace it with a more task appropriate one. Using the wrong cap can be like writing with a dull pencil, resulting in shaky and undesired strokes. It can also be like trying to paint a house with a q-tip. Using the right caps can give you the sharp, crisp and accurate lines you are looking for.

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The new Level 1 Cap is a ultra skinny cap, for a extra fine average spray width ranging from 0.4 -1.5cm (0.15“ to 0.6“). The spray width changes with the used distance to the object. For skinnier lines, spray from a closer distance. For fatter lines, spray from a further distance.

Level 2 Cap is fine skinny cap, for a fine average spray width from 0.6 - 2.5cm (0.25“ to 1“).

The spray width changes with the used distance to the object. For skinnier lines, spray from a closer distance. For fatter lines, spray from a distance.

The Level 3 Cap is a soft skinny cap, for medium average spray width from 1 - 4cm (0.4“ to 1.6“).


The Level 4 Cap is a soft fat cap, for a average spray width from 3 -10cm (1.2“ to 4“).

The spray width changes with the used distance to the object. For skinnier lines, spray from a closer distance. For fatter lines, spray from a further distance.

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The Needle Cap is a effect cap for a average spray width from ca. 0,4-1,2 cm (0,2” to 0,5”). Similar to the Standard Cap it results in fine but dirty lines.


Both Flat Jet caps offer a flat spray trajectory that is able to be adjusted to a verticle or horizontal output similar to the Calligraphy Cap you may beused to. Not to mention perfect for use in calligraphy related artwork.

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The Level 5 Cap is wide fat cap, for average spray width from 4 -15cm (1.6“ to 6“).

The spray width changes with the used distance to the object. For skinnier lines, spray from a closer distance. For fatter lines, spray from a further distance.

The Level 6 Cap is a ultra wide fat cap, for a ultra wide average spray width from 5 - 25cm (2.0“ to 10“). The spray width changes with the used distance to the object. For skinnier lines, spray from a closer distance. For fatter lines, spray from a further distance.

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ABOUT SPRAY PAINT PRESSURE

One of the biggest and most noticeable differences between spray paint lines is the pressure of the paint. What spray paint pressure translates into is output volume. If you think about output volume in terms of a water hose, it can be like the difference between a garden hose and a fire hose. Some spray paint lines are meant for detail work and have very low output. While other paint lines are meant for covering large areas quickly, thus they have high output. Knowing the difference between spray paint pressure can help you choose the right paint for your application.

This guide is meant to help you understand the difference between spray paint pressure and how it can work for you. Each pressure type is described here along with helpful information about it’s best uses. Whether you are just starting out with spray paint, or you have many years of experience, this guide should help you better understand the pressure within the paint lines we offer.

Low pressure spray paint is the best thing to happen to spray paint since it was first introduced. If you are into detailed work, portraits, piecing and murals, you will want some low pressure spray paint. This type of pressure is the most forgiving in terms of clean lines and drips. Being that the paint has lower output, at any given moment, there is less volume coming out of the can. This translates into the highest level of control over your spray paint. More things are possible with low pressure paint. Thinner and cleaner lines can be made. Furthermore, there is a big difference between the pressure of a low pressure spray can and that of your typical domestic hardware store can. If you have never tried low pressure paint, we would highly recommend trying some.

Low Pressure

Medium Low Pressure spray paint has slightly higher output than low pressure spray paint. With this type of pressure, you still have a good amount of control, but you can paint a little quicker. Thin, clean lines are still possible. The major advantage of this type of pressure is that you have more control and less pressure than that of a medium-high or high pressure spray paint can. Some details are still possible, but it might have a little more overspray than a low pressure option.

Medium - Low Pressure

Medium high pressure spray paint is what most domestic spray paint brands can be described as. If you are trying to do some detailed work, a good amount of technique or can control is necessary to achieve descent results with this type of paint pressure. Medium-high pressure is a good choice for anyone who wants to paint something quickly and with good coverage.For those interested in murals or piecing, this paint is a great option for background colors and fill colors. Especially because these types of paints tend to be more cost effective. You can use this type of paint in combination with a low pressure paint to save money and paint quicker. Use a low pressure paint to clean up any rough edges or to outline with.

Medium - High Pressure

High pressure spray paint has the highest

output volume compared to other spray paint lines. This type of paint is excellent for painting large areas very quickly. If you have a large mural, or you want to paint a large section with one color, high pressure spray paint could save you time and money. Although it is possible to achieve detail with this paint type, it does require some experience. If your painting style is quick and big, this paint is for you.

High pressure

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AAll City - The state of having one’s graffiti all

throughout a city. Takes time and dedication.

BBackjump - A quickly executed throw up or

panel piece. Backjumps are usually painted on a temporarily parked train or a running bus. Should be executed while drunk.

Battle - When two writers or two crews have some sort of disagreement. A Competition between two or more crews to see who has the best style or who can get up the most in a particular city.

Black Book - A graffiti artist’s sketchbook. Often used to sketch out and plan potential graffiti, and to collect tags from other writers. Doesn’t have to be black. Fancy name for a sketch pad. Real black books should have phone numbers of sexy people inside.

Bite - To steal another artist’s ideas or lettering schemes. Mr. Brainwash comes to mind. Getting something to eat while painting a legal wall.

Blockbuster - Big, square letters, often tilted back and forth and in two colors. Mainly invented to cover over other people and to paint whole trains easily, but they are effective on smaller walls for maximum coverage. Not to be confused with the dinosaur that is Blockbuster Video.

Bomb - To bomb or hit is to paint many surfaces in an area. Bombers often choose throw-ups or tags over complex pieces, as they can be executed more quickly. Homeland Security flags this term in your internet search queries.

Bubble Letters - A type of graffiti letters that are often used for throw ups because of their rounded shape, which allows for quick formation. The type of graffiti that the genral public hates. Can be executed while drunk or high or cheesing.

Buff - To remove painted graffiti with chemicals and other instruments, or to paint over it with a flat color. Buffing the paint is not to be confused with painting in the buff.

Burn - To beat a competitor with a style. All of these standard graffiti defitions sound like they are out of a 1980s hip-hop graffiti break dance book.

Burner - A large, more elaborate type of piece. Lots of detail. Also, a giant blunt.

CCannon - A spray paint can.Cap - The nozzle for the aerosol paint can,

different kinds are used for styles. Some are fancy. People brag about using stock ones. Can also mean going over another writer. I capped his shit.

Character - A cartoon figure usually taken from comic books, movies, TV or popular culture to add humor or emphasis to a piece. In some pieces, the character takes the place of a letter in the word. Usually survive the buff longer.

Crew - Is a group of associated writers that often work together. Some run in like ten gangs and they commit hate crimes. Others spray paint, smoke weed, talk about girls and look at graffiti pics online.

DDiss - To put a line through, or tag over,

another’s graffiti. Dissing is graffiti self regulating.Dress-Up - To completely write all over a

specific area like a door-way, wall or window that is untouched. Or when a female writer is painting on a ladder and the wind blows.

Drips - At first drips are the sign of a novice painter who does not have good can control. Over time a writer can get so good that he or she intentionally drips their tags in order to show style. Thus completing the graffiti mind fuck circle. This style originated early on in New York subway graffiti with home made markers. I ain’t got to blow on lines.

FFade - To blend colors. Or after a piece has

been in the sun for many years and it starts to loose vibrancy.

Fat Cap - A nozzle used for wide coverage, used for the fill of pieces.

Fame - What a writer achieves when he or she is up around the entire city. Can be bought or earned. Overrated.

Fills - Graffiti that is either filled in a rush or a solid fill. A fill is also the interior base color of the piece of graffiti. Can be called throwies, quickies or bombs.

GGallery - Locations such as overpasses and

walls facing train tracks that are secluded from the general public but are popular with writers.

Getting Up - To paint and build up a reputation. When other writers see your work in multiple locations.

Going Over - To paint on top of another writer’s graffiti. Can be used in a more general way such as I need to go over the that religious billboard with a giant goat head.

HHeaven Spot - Pieces that are painted in hard

to reach places such as rooftops and freeway signs, thus making them hard to remove. Such pieces, by the nature of the spot, often pose dangerous challenges to execute, but may increase an artist’s notoriety. They require some good climbing skills.

Hollows - Also referred to as outlines and shells, the graffiti contains no fill. Mostly done with bubble letters.

IInsides - Graffiti done inside trains, trams, or

buses. Usually tags. The graffiti that angers the local city officials the most.

KKing - A writer especially respected among

other writers. Be weary of self-appointed ones.Krylon - A type of spray paint available at local

hardware stores. Cheaper than Rusto.

LLandmark - When an individual “tags” on a

certain location that becomes very difficult for removal. Can also be a location that will not get noticed too much, therefore it stays on longer. Or the spot of a deceased writer’s work.

Layup - Side tracks where trains are parked overnight and on weekends. Initally used to refer to subway layups, but now can refer to freight-train layups. Obviously trains are not painted while they are moving so these are the spots of paint application.

Legal - A graffiti piece or production wall that is painted with permission.

MMarried Couple - Two simultaneous whole cars

painted next to each other. Writers who always paint together.

Massacre - When city officials take down or cover up an accumulation of tags and pieces, leaving a blank space.

Mop - A type of graffiti marker used for larger tags that often has a round nib and leaves a fat, drippy line. Mops may be filled with various inks or paints. Originally started with home made markers. Gotta love those drips!

Mural - A large graffiti painting usually featuring multiple writers and a theme.

OOne-Liner - A tag written in one constant

motion. Or a cheesy pickup line used to hit on graffiti groupie.

One-Stroke - When a throw up or hollow is completed in one fluid motion.

Outline - The drawing done in a piecebook in preparation for doing the actual piece. Also called a sketch. Can also refer to the outline put on the wall and then filled, or the final outline done around the piece to finish it.

PPaint Eater - An unprimed surface such as

raw wood or concrete that eats up standard spray paint.

Pasteup - A drawing, stencil etc. on paper fixed to a wall or other surface using wheatpaste or wallpaper paste

Patch - A tag that has been rubbed out by being painted over usually by gray paint.

Pichacao - Brazilian name for the unique form of tagging found in that country.

Piece - Short for masterpiece. A large and labor-intensive graffiti painting. A writer’s best work.

PT - Painters Touch brand by Rust-Oleum.

RRacking - Shoplifting or robbing, not limited

to but including paint, markers, inks, caps, and clothes. Thievery.

Roll Call - Tagging everyone’s name in a crew, or the list of people who helped create it to the side of the piece.

Roller - An enormous piece done with a paint roller instead of aerosol.

Run - The length of time graffiti remains up before being covered or removed. If work has not been painted over it can be considered running.

Rusto - Rust-Oleum brand spray paint. Tried and true.

SScribe - Also called scratchitti, scribing

creates hard-to-remove graffiti by scratching or incising a tag into an object, generally using a key, knife, stone or drill bit.

Slam - To paint an extremely conspicuous or dangerous location.

Soak Up - To consider other pieces for inspiration. Study up!

Stainer - A marker used to tag with, generally with a 12mm or 20mm tip.

was the Hello my name is red stickers in which a writer would write his or her graffiti name in the blank space.

Straight Letters - are direct, blocky, more readable and simpler style of graffiti. They can be read by anyone and usually contain only two colors. Painted by writers of all sexual orientations.

GLOSSARY

54 55

TTag - A stylized signature, normally done in one

color. The simplest and most prevalent type of graffiti, a tag is often done in a color that contrasts sharply with its background. Tag can also be used as a verb meaning to sign. Writers often tag on or beside their pieces, following the practice of traditional artists who sign their artwork.

Throw Up - A throw-up or throwie sits between a tag and a piece in terms of complexity and time investment. It generally consists of a one-color outline and one layer of fill-color. Easy-to-paint bubble shapes often form the letters. A throw-up is designed for quick execution, to avoid attracting attention to the writer.

Top To Bottom - Pieces on trains that cover the whole height of the car.

Toy - Used as an adjective to describe poor work, or as a noun meaning an inexperienced or unskilled writer.

UUndersides - Tags or signatures painted on the

under carriage of passenger trains. Undersides are normally marked in the yard after painting the train panel, most undersides will last somewhat longer than the original piece, as the railway workers primarily focus on the most visible things and sometimes do not have resources to clean everything.

Up - Writers become up when their work becomes widespread and well-known. Although a writer can get up in a city by painting only tags or throw-ups, a writer may earn more respect from skillfully executed pieces or a well-rounded repertoire of styles than from sheer number of tags. Usually the more spots a writer can hit, the more respect he or she gains.

WWhole Car - A single or collaborative piece

that covers the entire visible surface of a train car, usually excluding the front and rear of the train. A whole car is usually worked upon by either a single artist or several artists from the same crew and is completed in one sitting.

Wildstyle - Graffiti with text so stylized as to be difficult to read, often with interlocking, three-dimensional type.

Woodblock - Artwork painted on a small portion of plywood or similar inexpensive material and attached to street sign posts with bolts. Often the bolts are bent at the back to prevent removal.

Writer - A practitioner of writing, a graffiti artist

Marracco, Muffy. “A History of Graffiti.” Udemy Blog. Udemy, 12 June 2014. Web. 29 June 2015.

Hakes, Tyler. “Tools of the Trade: What’s In a Graff Writer’s Backpack.” AboveGround Magazine. AboveGround Magazine

“Montana Cans.” Montana Cans. MONTANA-

CANS - All Rights Reserved, n.d. .

“KRINK.” The Citrus Report Art Culture News Graffiti Music Street Art Clothing Politics Reviews. The Citrus Report

“Graffiti Terms.” Graffiti Terms. Snake Oil Magazine

“Art Primo: About Spray Paint Pressure.” Art Primo: About Spray Paint Pressure. Art Primo

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