Long gone are the days when graffiti was considered vandalism. Nowadays, it's an art form that's thriving and developing. Street art is getting more and more popular. It became a way for your people to express themselves, deliver a message and make an impact in the world. If you're new to this you should know that you don't need much to start your graffiti journey. You'll need a few essential supplies, a will to become better and a lot of practice.
Paint Markers
When you’re a beginner, it’s important to choose the right supplies to get you started. They can make or break your desire to continue working on your hobby and improve. With the right, high-quality, smooth solidified paint pen, you can achieve so much. These markers are designed to stand up to harsh weather conditions and temperatures as low as -40°C.
They come in 3 main categories, paint-based, ink-based and solid paint pens. The paint-based are very popular because of the vivid colours they produce and because they work on most surfaces. Ink-based markers are easy to use but difficult to remove. They can be messy and will work best on porous surfaces. Solid paint pens are very much like crayons. They're not very popular but are versatile and easy to use. Because they have no liquid inside, they’re less messy and don’t have a strong smell.
These markers are also divided in other categories. The first ones are mop style markers. Graffiti enthusiast started making them from shoe polish bottles and bingo dabbers. Manufacturers soon realised how practical they were and started producing them. These markers usually have a 5.30mm wide nibs and a squeezable body. They can be ink-based or paint based and are a very versatile tool.
The second type is wide-tip markers. They're easily recognisable because of their rectangular nobs that are around 15mm wide. You can use them to make wide tags, or even smaller ones if you use them at the right angle. They can be difficult for beginners to master, but once you know how to work them, you can create masterpieces.
The third type are chisel tip markers. Compared to the others they have a smaller nib. And instead of the nib being flat, it’s angled, like a chisel. They're a combination of wide-tip and bullet-tip markers and great for drawing smaller tags. They can also be paint or ink-based which makes them versatile.
Last but not least, are bullet-tip markers. They have the smallest nibs which are usually rounded and about 2-8mm wide. They're great for beginners because they’re easy to use and will work on smooth surfaces like glass and metal. Overall, you have plenty of choices. Try as much as you can and see which ones work best for you.
Spray Paint
There's no graffiti art without spray paint. That's the first thing people think about when they hear the word “graffiti”. It's truly essential for every beginner. Besides the solidified paint pen, the spray paint will allow you to gain more experience and practice your skills. Yes, you should start practising in a sketchbook, but the spray can will help you develop the spray control faster.
It takes time to become familiar with a spray can and all the different outcomes it may generate. It all comes down to practice. After you've drawn your idea, get some spray paint, go to a safe or comfortable painting location, and practice as much as you can. There are many types of paint and finishes you can choose from.
- General purpose – for indoors and outdoors, works on wood, stone and wicker;
- Lacquer – a hard, durable finish, needs multiple applications and sanding;
- Epoxy – made of adhesives and polymers, resistant to stains and cleaners;
- High-heat – can withstand temperatures of more than 500°C;
- Chalkboard – transforms any surface into a chalkboard;
- Acrylic – water-resistant, flexible, durable;
- Oil-based – need a primer.
There are two main types of spray paints, low and high pressure. The low-pressure spray paints have a lower output. This means less spray coming out of the can. They’re great for detailed work and precision because you’ll have more control and get cleaner lines. High pressure paints have more paint output and are good for painting wide surfaces. They have lower level of control and can cause dripping.
Extra Caps
Having extra spray caps will help you create different kinds of effects. If you have only those that come with the spray paint can, you don’t have a lot to work with. You can find a lot of different caps in different sizes that you can use to draw in different styles. The super skinny ones will help you with fine lines and details. Buy as many as you can and start experimenting to see how each one works.
Safety Gear
Okay, so this is a dull but necessary graffiti tool that every newbie should have: a respirator mask. One made specifically for spray painting. There's no need to wear it when you’re using solid paint markers, but when working with spray paints, it’s a must. Toxic fumes released by spray paint can be dangerous to your health if you inhale them. Wearing a high-quality respirator mask with a clean filter is the greatest defence against them.
Sketchbook
Your sketchbook serves as your creative playground. To avoid bleed-through, buy a sketchbook with heavyweight paper. This is a great canvas for you to try out new sketches, paint new ideas and have some fun releasing your creativity. Practising your lettering and giving your designs some definition will work wonders in your improvement as a graffiti master.
Pencils
Pencils are your essential tool for practising and improving. Combined with your sketchbook you’ll be able to draw your ideas in different style arts. You don’t have to invest in fancy and expensive pencils, even the cheapest, most basic ones will get the job done.
Marker Set
There are several types of graffiti markers you can choose from. They all have different properties and can be used for different purposes. Alcohol-based markers are the best for beginners. They come in different tip sizes so you can experiment with your style variation and line thicknesses.
