Copyright 2006 Disarm
LLC
Contact the author at plantheplanet (@) freeasinspeech.com for reproduction permission.
Contact the author at plantheplanet (@) freeasinspeech.com for reproduction permission.
DTC burner
Preface
This "book" began as a simple web page comparing different fat caps. I was surprised to find that apparently nobody else had done so before; even online graffiti offered simple and often unhelpful description of their caps. As an art shop keeper, I heard many questions from people and frequently had to give customers the complete run-down of all the different types. I figured that making a web page would be helpful.
As I put the page together, I kept coming across more and more knowledge that I thought I should share. People often asked for instructional materials, and I regretted that not one graffiti magazine that I've seen had even a single page dedicated to teaching (unless you count the page in Day in the Lyfe showing you how to jump onto a train). Eventually the page got so large that I had to give everything headings and break it into shorter pages. Finally I decided to just write a whole book on everything I know.
This may someday be published as a book, but I would rather release the information now than withhold it for my own benefit later. I welcome feedback at my email address above.
Introduction: Graffiti culture in transition
| From Banksy, banksy.co.uk: Q:
Is graffiti art or vandalism? |
Some people believe that graffiti originated in New York, LA, or Europe. But actually, graffiti goes back way before New York, L.A., and even Europe. Graffiti originated with civilization iself. Perhaps it even pre-dated it.
After all, who were the first letter-writers? Probably whoever could find the pigments (the oldest pigments and inks were extracted naturally, from indigo plants, blueberries--anything that had a color stain) would be inclined to use them somehow. Before any written language developed, isn't it likely that some people invented a mark to put on their property? Isn't it likely that some of the same people also left their marks wherever they could, such as on others' property?
Human history is closely connected to technology. I bet there is no historical event of any significance where technology was not a factor. The technology to mark a surface must have pre-dated the development of written language, because written language cannot exist without ink or similar marking devices.
Which means, there's a good chance that graffiti is the oldest form of written communication.
It's a little daunting to realize, but graffiti is an ancient practice. And knowing that, is it still safe to assume that graffiti did not develop as an art form until the spray can was invented?
Unfortunately, this aspect of human history appears lost to the ages, and I'm not going to bother digging through history books to find out.
But, there is a clue. Imagine a graffiti writer whose name is EVERYWHERE. At the stadium, at the bus stop, on the billboard, even on the TV. Most successful graffiti writer in the world, right?
When most people think of graffiti, they think only of people putting their marks in places illegally. But, if we expand that definition a bit, to include anyone putting their mark in public, we have a definition that includes advertising.
Banksy once said, "Some people say that graffiti writers are only out for some pathetic kind of fame...but if that's true, it's just because graffiti writers are just like everyone else in this fucking country."
If you think about it, that little network logo in the bottom-right corner of your TV screen, the company logo on everything you wear, all of those logos are basically corporate tags.
You see their names everywhere: Bank of America, McDonalds, Dell, Ford. They get into your head.
But their tagging is paid for and stamped for approval by the corporate government. Yours can land you in jail. Even though yours is ten times more artistic than their moronic logos and slogans.
Doesn't seem fair, does it?
Graffiti, the illegal sort, has always been despised by rulers; adored by rebels.
To some, "graffiti" is a dirty word associated with gang violence and wanton destruction of property. To others it is a new and unbound form of artwork. To others still, it is a weapon of information warfare, a means for the underground to force the public to recognize its existance. In varying ways, graffiti is all this and more.
While graffiti has been around since ancient history, it has only been since the advent of the spraycan that graffiti culture has begun to really develop.
What we have today comes from three general places: protest movements, hip hop movements, and of course, the ancient practice of scribbling your name, initials, or moniker on someone else's property. The detailed history of graffiti is too rich for me to review here, but I'd like to say a few words about where the culture is going.
Today, graffiti culture seems to be undergoing a transition from underground to mainstream in the U.S. While the mainstream once did all it could to exclude graffiti from the growing mainstream hip hop culture (few people in America these days even know what the "four sacred elements of hip hop" are), today it is breaking through at last.
I'm not sure what caused this, but I can name three factors that probably had a lot to do with it. The first is that many rappers seem to have noticed that the mainstream was neglecting graffiti and started speaking out about the disappearing history of hip hop. The second is that the satanic babykillers in the U.S. government and the Corporate Mafia that put them into power have provoked an enormous backlash in response to their crimes, resulting in more graffiti. The third is that Mark Ecko, a very popular fashion designer, took it upon himself to launch a video game about graffiti, "Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure," which was a big hit. There was also a Tony Hawk game. Apart from that, I think that just because pop culture has been trying to get "edgier" these days, it's been more supportive of graffiti--not as an art, but as a condition of violence.
But with popularity comes responsibility. Every art form today is at war with the mainstream, whether fake-thug-shit-rap versus real hip hop, fake-Hollywood-garbage versus real filmmaking, etc. Will the mainstream capture the art of graffiti and turn it into a sanitized, commercial product? Or will the art form resist?
For some reason, people seem more open-minded to graffiti art than before. I have seen parents come with their kids to shop for graffiti supplies, and seen schools, libraries, and art groups sponsoring graffiti events. This may be a good thing, but the new generation of graffiti writers need to understand where the culture came from, what is represents, and what it strives for.
Today graffiti comes from two angles: one being art created with spraypaint, the other, illegal marking. Try as some artists might, the two can never be separated; permitted and un-permitted spraypaint art will always be lumped together by pop critics, fairly or not. It's really important that all spray artists, even those who don't paint illegally, at least understand the meaning, the purpose, and the value of illegal art.
Illegal art crosses a boundary that legal simply can't. Illegal artwork, by its very nature, theoretically renders the artist free of any rules and regulations of what is and isn't accepted. I say "theoretically" because in reality artists tend to paint what they're expected to paint: wild-style letters and characters. There's no reason a graffiti writer could paint a picture of some flowers or whatever; it's just not generally done. But, the point is that if you paint illegally, you really have no rules to follow at all.
This makes illegal graffiti, to me anyway, an individualist movement: graff artists don't rely on people to buy their work, and don't need somebody to "authorize" it, or vouch for its artistic merit. The artist doesn't depend on anybody to say where the art does or doesn't belong.
So, where should graffiti art go? Obviously, the better the artwork, the better the perception of it will be. That is the purpose of this document, and, to that end, I hope you find it useful.
Apex
|
PART 1
The Tools of Graffiti In this part, we will cover spray paint, caps, regular paint, protection, and other supplies the artist might use. |
1.1 Utilities
Spray paint is toxic, and spray
painting is often illegal. For long-term success, minding one's
health and safety is critical.
Respirator: Yes, you need one. Laugh all you want about how nice spray paint smells, and about getting high on the fumes. But in the long term, spray paint fumes are quite toxic. Wear a respirator. It's a critical investment in your future health. And besides, it conceals your facial features should you have a fugitive situation. If nothing else, at least wear those cheap dust masks like the dentist wears.
Gloves: Often overlooked! But wizened old graff writers insist, they got health problems on their hands from not wearing gloves. It's also been said to cause kidney failure. Paint is toxic. Wear gloves! Fingerprints are also a major risk: wear gloves!
Clothes: Don't wear distinctive clothes when painting, and don't wear paint-stained clothes when not painting.
Vehicle: Bicycle
Magnets: The amazing can silencer! Major hardware stores sell these circular magnets than can fit right on the bottom of the can and keep the ball-bearings ("peas") from rolling around and making noise. Good for avoiding dirty looks.
Most hardware stores carry circular magnets like those
pictured at left. Most also state the force of attraction,
typically between 20 and 40 pounds--more than adequate.
BONUS TIP: Get a bunch of these magnets,and some heavy cord, and fashion a sort of "cat o' nine cans" with magnets on the end of the cords, so you can hold one handle and tow 9+ silent cans. Plus it turns your palette into a weapon of self-defense.
Intercom: Helpful!
Climbing Gear: Needed to access high locations. Besides the usual, look for the "home emergency ladder" which has hooks for tossing up and latching to fire escapes, and also works well for getting down from high places.
Respirator: Yes, you need one. Laugh all you want about how nice spray paint smells, and about getting high on the fumes. But in the long term, spray paint fumes are quite toxic. Wear a respirator. It's a critical investment in your future health. And besides, it conceals your facial features should you have a fugitive situation. If nothing else, at least wear those cheap dust masks like the dentist wears.
Gloves: Often overlooked! But wizened old graff writers insist, they got health problems on their hands from not wearing gloves. It's also been said to cause kidney failure. Paint is toxic. Wear gloves! Fingerprints are also a major risk: wear gloves!
Clothes: Don't wear distinctive clothes when painting, and don't wear paint-stained clothes when not painting.
Vehicle: Bicycle
Magnets: The amazing can silencer! Major hardware stores sell these circular magnets than can fit right on the bottom of the can and keep the ball-bearings ("peas") from rolling around and making noise. Good for avoiding dirty looks.
Most hardware stores carry circular magnets like those
pictured at left. Most also state the force of attraction,
typically between 20 and 40 pounds--more than adequate.BONUS TIP: Get a bunch of these magnets,and some heavy cord, and fashion a sort of "cat o' nine cans" with magnets on the end of the cords, so you can hold one handle and tow 9+ silent cans. Plus it turns your palette into a weapon of self-defense.
Intercom: Helpful!
Climbing Gear: Needed to access high locations. Besides the usual, look for the "home emergency ladder" which has hooks for tossing up and latching to fire escapes, and also works well for getting down from high places.
1.2 Spray Paint
Modern
graffiti
art would be nothing without the spraycan. To spray with skill
you
have to know your cans. There are many brand choices (subject to
availability, of course), and every brand performs differently.
It's best to know as much as you can about the paint you are using
before you begin painting with it. This way you will know what to
expect.
There are certain characteristics of various paint brands that you should be aware of. Within the brands, there are certain products lines and certain colors that are better than others. Here I hope to give you the best information about that possible. But first, some definitions.
There are certain characteristics of various paint brands that you should be aware of. Within the brands, there are certain products lines and certain colors that are better than others. Here I hope to give you the best information about that possible. But first, some definitions.
1.2.1 Terminology
Cap:
For clarity, the "cap" refers to the piece that you push down on
and the paint comes out of, not the big plastic cylinder that encases
the top of the can on the shelf. That's called the "top."
Top: The plastic shell protecting the cap from being accidentally pressed, see above.
Tip: Another word for cap. Apparently the official term for the cap is the "actuator."
Nozzle: This term is ambiguous; don't use it.
Ring: Spanish Montana and Belton Molotow have rings that indicate the color of the paint, designed to stay attached with the top removed (see illustration at right for the Belton example). Generally Spanish Montana (MTN)'s rings are less likely to be lost.
Valve: The valve is the hatch that opens when you push down on the cap. There are different valve systems with properties discussed below.
Propellant: Propellant is compressed gas in the can that makes it spray. More propellant means heavier spray.
Base: The base is the liquid that carries the paint's pigment and attaches it to the surface. A base can be water, oil, latex, alcohol, or other things. Spray paint is usually oil or latex based. Markers are often oil or alcohol based. Water-based paint is good for the environment but not good for resisting drips.
Pigment: Pigment is the ingredient that gives paint its color. It is an insoluble powder, as opposed to dyes, which are soluble liquids.
Pea: The industry term for the ball(s) inside the can that mix the paint when you shake the can. Various brands have one, two, or three in each can.
Hue: The "color" of the color (red, blue, etc)
Saturation: The "boldness" or "value" of the color, from pure color to grey.
Lightness (or brightness or intensity): The color's position on a scale from pure light to pure dark. On a modern computer monitor or color printer, its is thought that every visible color can be defined by its hue, saturation, and lightness.
Thickness: This is a general term for how "thick" the paint seems to be. It varies by the density and cohesion of the base as well as the amount of pigment in the paint. Paints that are too thin will cover poorly and tend to drip.
Opacity: Similar to thickness, opacity is the opposite of transparency. An opaque line leaves no indication what color is underneath it, while a line with poor opacity will be tinted by the color below it. A more opaque paint can be less thick and get the same result as a less opaque paint.
Top: The plastic shell protecting the cap from being accidentally pressed, see above.
Tip: Another word for cap. Apparently the official term for the cap is the "actuator."
Nozzle: This term is ambiguous; don't use it.
Ring: Spanish Montana and Belton Molotow have rings that indicate the color of the paint, designed to stay attached with the top removed (see illustration at right for the Belton example). Generally Spanish Montana (MTN)'s rings are less likely to be lost.
Valve: The valve is the hatch that opens when you push down on the cap. There are different valve systems with properties discussed below.
Propellant: Propellant is compressed gas in the can that makes it spray. More propellant means heavier spray.
Base: The base is the liquid that carries the paint's pigment and attaches it to the surface. A base can be water, oil, latex, alcohol, or other things. Spray paint is usually oil or latex based. Markers are often oil or alcohol based. Water-based paint is good for the environment but not good for resisting drips.
Pigment: Pigment is the ingredient that gives paint its color. It is an insoluble powder, as opposed to dyes, which are soluble liquids.
Pea: The industry term for the ball(s) inside the can that mix the paint when you shake the can. Various brands have one, two, or three in each can.
Hue: The "color" of the color (red, blue, etc)
Saturation: The "boldness" or "value" of the color, from pure color to grey.
Lightness (or brightness or intensity): The color's position on a scale from pure light to pure dark. On a modern computer monitor or color printer, its is thought that every visible color can be defined by its hue, saturation, and lightness.
Thickness: This is a general term for how "thick" the paint seems to be. It varies by the density and cohesion of the base as well as the amount of pigment in the paint. Paints that are too thin will cover poorly and tend to drip.
Opacity: Similar to thickness, opacity is the opposite of transparency. An opaque line leaves no indication what color is underneath it, while a line with poor opacity will be tinted by the color below it. A more opaque paint can be less thick and get the same result as a less opaque paint.
1.2.2 Properties of Spray Paint
Coverage
Some
paints completely replace any
color beneath them with their
color. Other can let the undercoat show through. "Coverage"
means how much area can be covered by a given amount of paint; which
correlates to how opaque the paint is, among other things.
Coverage is important because a $4 can of Krylon is no better value than a $7 can of Molotow, if the Molotow can give you twice as much coverage. Because, for the coverage, two cans of Krylon for $8 is more than the $7 can of Molotow, plus Molotow is better in other ways.
With all brands, certain colors cover better than others; see below for details.
Coverage is important because a $4 can of Krylon is no better value than a $7 can of Molotow, if the Molotow can give you twice as much coverage. Because, for the coverage, two cans of Krylon for $8 is more than the $7 can of Molotow, plus Molotow is better in other ways.
With all brands, certain colors cover better than others; see below for details.
Valve System: Fixed-pressure vs. variable-pressure
There
are two
valve types; fixed-pressure and variable-pressure. With
fixed-pressure
valves (often incorrectly called "high-pressure valves"), the can is
either
spraying or it is not; with variable-pressure valves (often incorrectly
called
"low-pressure valves"), the can may spray lightly or heavily depending
on how hard you press down on the cap.
The technique for using fixed-pressure versus variable-pressure cans is a bit different; if you're used to one type of valve and try the other, take some time to get the feel of the other system.
The technique for using fixed-pressure versus variable-pressure cans is a bit different; if you're used to one type of valve and try the other, take some time to get the feel of the other system.
The difference between high/low versus fixed/variable pressure
Many
companies garble the
difference between these two classification of pressure systems.
Variable/fixed pressure distinguishes between having and not having
control of the can pressure as described above. High/low pressure
relates to the rate and volume of paint output.
Pressure is determined by a few factors, including:
If your can has too much pressure, you can reduce it by turning the can upside-down and spraying out the excess pressure.
If your can has too little pressure, use a hi-pressure or fatter cap. Also, sometimes shaking it will increase the spray.
High/low pressure varies from one product line to the next; for example, Rustoleum paint is more pressurized than Belton paint.
Also, pressure varies by the size of the can. Larger cans are higher pressure than smaller cans.
Pressure is determined by a few factors, including:
-How the
paint is made (some brands have more pressure than others)
-How much paint is left in the can
-How much air you let out of the can
-How shaken the can is
-How much paint is left in the can
-How much air you let out of the can
-How shaken the can is
If your can has too much pressure, you can reduce it by turning the can upside-down and spraying out the excess pressure.
If your can has too little pressure, use a hi-pressure or fatter cap. Also, sometimes shaking it will increase the spray.
High/low pressure varies from one product line to the next; for example, Rustoleum paint is more pressurized than Belton paint.
Also, pressure varies by the size of the can. Larger cans are higher pressure than smaller cans.
Working temperature
Some
brands of paint simply do not work in extreme temperatures.
Montana MTN does not work below the freezing point, while Belton
Molotow does. Check your can, most state their temperature range.
Pigmentation
Some
brands use more pigment than
others, and some colors have more
pigment than others. Most pigments these days are synthetic, as
opposed to the olden days when indigo pigment was actually harvested
from indigo. Many colors are blends of different pigments, for
example, MTN's Solar
Orange is a yellow pigment mixed with an orange pigment. Paint
companies use different amounts of pigment, and the ones that use the
most generally have the brightest colors.
Different pigments, for lack of a better scientific understanding, "just sometimes work better than others" and you will find that some colors are just better than others. The only way to find out for yourself is to experiment. We will name some best and worst colors later.
Different pigments, for lack of a better scientific understanding, "just sometimes work better than others" and you will find that some colors are just better than others. The only way to find out for yourself is to experiment. We will name some best and worst colors later.
Color Selection
Naturally
the artist prefers having
the most possible choices of color.
Peas
We just
noticed this, but some
brands have one or more peas. Having more peas makes it quicker
and quieter to stir the paint around. Montana MTN Hardcore has
two peas, Molotow has three, while Rustoleum and Krylon only
have one.
1.2.2.1 Can Sizes: High-pressure vs. low-pressure
Spray
paint is available in a wide
variety of can sizes, all the way from 30ml (picture of a shot of
liquor) to 750ml (picture a fifth of liquor).
As can size increases, the unit price of the paint ($/volume) goes down, but the pressure goes up. With a tiny can, you will get less paint for your money; with a huge can, you will be unable to create detailed lines.
400 ml cans are most common size, and this is a good balance between value and can pressure.
With 600 ml cans, you get 50% more paint for only about a dollar more. But, the pressure issue is a problem. In a 600 ml can, the spray will be very powerful; really only good for fill-ins. But most companies offer only black, metallics, and a few colors in the bigger sizes. Blacks and metallics are not popular fill colors, so your choices are limited.
With a little creativity one can find a good use for the large cans, but in smaller 400 ml cans are generally better.
Smaller cans have the opposite problem. You can do great work with 250 ml cans, but you get less paint out of them. The lower pressure means you will have more control over the spray (particularly with variable-pressure systems like Montana Alien Art Concept), and this yields a hidden benefit: with lower pressure cans, you can hold the can closer to the surface you're spraying than usual, and thus lose less paint into the air.
Still, smaller cans are less paint for the money.
Conclusion: The 400 ml can is your workhorse, the 250 ml can is good for touches and effects, the 600 ml can is good for filling in large undetailed areas.
Paint companies determine how much propellant to put in the can by trying many amounts and choosing the one that is the best balance of desirable pressure, and balance of pressure. Balance of pressure is how even the pressure remains from a new can to a depleted one. As a can is used, the amount of propellant goes down as the space for it increases, so generally, a new can will spray more vigorously than an almost-exhausted one. There is a greater change in cans with less propellant than cans with lots of propellant, making higher pressure cans more desirable, but on the other hand, cans with too much pressure cannot do detailed work precisely.
So, companies try to make their cans with as much pressure as possible, without being too pressurized to use effectively.
Generally larger cans have more pressure than smaller ones. Big cans are dynamite and small cans can do incredible detail work. 400ml is the most popular size because it seems to have the best/most popular balance of control and size value.
But remember, this is not the same as fixed-pressure and variable-pressure. F/V determines the user's amount of control over the flow of paint; H/L determines how much pressure is in the can. Please use these terms correctly even though the leading manufacturers of spray paint do not.
As can size increases, the unit price of the paint ($/volume) goes down, but the pressure goes up. With a tiny can, you will get less paint for your money; with a huge can, you will be unable to create detailed lines.
400 ml cans are most common size, and this is a good balance between value and can pressure.
With 600 ml cans, you get 50% more paint for only about a dollar more. But, the pressure issue is a problem. In a 600 ml can, the spray will be very powerful; really only good for fill-ins. But most companies offer only black, metallics, and a few colors in the bigger sizes. Blacks and metallics are not popular fill colors, so your choices are limited.
With a little creativity one can find a good use for the large cans, but in smaller 400 ml cans are generally better.
Smaller cans have the opposite problem. You can do great work with 250 ml cans, but you get less paint out of them. The lower pressure means you will have more control over the spray (particularly with variable-pressure systems like Montana Alien Art Concept), and this yields a hidden benefit: with lower pressure cans, you can hold the can closer to the surface you're spraying than usual, and thus lose less paint into the air.
Still, smaller cans are less paint for the money.
Conclusion: The 400 ml can is your workhorse, the 250 ml can is good for touches and effects, the 600 ml can is good for filling in large undetailed areas.
Paint companies determine how much propellant to put in the can by trying many amounts and choosing the one that is the best balance of desirable pressure, and balance of pressure. Balance of pressure is how even the pressure remains from a new can to a depleted one. As a can is used, the amount of propellant goes down as the space for it increases, so generally, a new can will spray more vigorously than an almost-exhausted one. There is a greater change in cans with less propellant than cans with lots of propellant, making higher pressure cans more desirable, but on the other hand, cans with too much pressure cannot do detailed work precisely.
So, companies try to make their cans with as much pressure as possible, without being too pressurized to use effectively.
Generally larger cans have more pressure than smaller ones. Big cans are dynamite and small cans can do incredible detail work. 400ml is the most popular size because it seems to have the best/most popular balance of control and size value.
But remember, this is not the same as fixed-pressure and variable-pressure. F/V determines the user's amount of control over the flow of paint; H/L determines how much pressure is in the can. Please use these terms correctly even though the leading manufacturers of spray paint do not.
1.2.2.2 Metallics and Fluorescents
Metallics
and fluorescents look really cool in the catalogs. The
fluorescents appear staggeringly bright, and some metallic paints look
great for adding that "bling."
But when you actually use them, problems emerge.
With metallics, the problem is that they cannot be painted over until they are totally dry, and metallics take longer to dry. I don't know why, but if you try to paint over chrome colors with ordinary colors, the metallic color sort of "eats" the wet color. This makes metallic paints tricky to use when piecing.
It's a pity, but that's how it is, with every brand of paint.
With fluorescents, the problem is that they don't show up properly on anything except white. And even then, the coverage is terrible. This is true with all brands of fluorescent paint; it takes like three coats for it to show up well.
Also, metallic and fluorescent paints smell foul. But you should be wearing a respirator anyhow.
Metallics and fluorescents may still be used for special projects, but for typical piecing, they do not work well. Still, you should try them out; you may find them useful.
But when you actually use them, problems emerge.
With metallics, the problem is that they cannot be painted over until they are totally dry, and metallics take longer to dry. I don't know why, but if you try to paint over chrome colors with ordinary colors, the metallic color sort of "eats" the wet color. This makes metallic paints tricky to use when piecing.
It's a pity, but that's how it is, with every brand of paint.
With fluorescents, the problem is that they don't show up properly on anything except white. And even then, the coverage is terrible. This is true with all brands of fluorescent paint; it takes like three coats for it to show up well.
Also, metallic and fluorescent paints smell foul. But you should be wearing a respirator anyhow.
Metallics and fluorescents may still be used for special projects, but for typical piecing, they do not work well. Still, you should try them out; you may find them useful.
1.2.3 Brands of Spray Paint
Two brands of spray paint that are
available in almost every
town in America are Rustoleum and Krylon. Additionally there are
many "off-brands" one might find at superstores like Home Depot or
Wal*Mart for fractional prices. Then, there are premium brands
available in select stores. The most popular of these are Montana
and Belton Molotow. Also, there are what are called "hobby
paints" or "craft paints" which include many brands.
Even many top graffiti artists have totally different opinions about each brand. Some artists prefer various brands for different reasons: I know one who likes Montana's colors but prefers Belton's black and white. You will have to decide for yourself what brand you prefer.
Here are some qualities to look for that may help you decide.
Colors: Nothing matters so much as the color. Not just the color, but within any brand, some colors cover better than others, some colors resist cracking and fading better than others, and some colors just pop out more than other colors. Every brand has certain colors that are better than any other brand's. For example, MTN Medium Yellow and Molotow Melon Yellow are almost the same color, but MTN's covers much better. On the other hand, MTN Electric Blue and Molotow Shock Blue look alike, but Molotow's Shock Blue lights up the wall much more. MTN has a unique color, "Cherry," which no other brand has. But MTN doesn't have any orange-red blend color such as Molotow Traffic Red. MTN has the best pink (Erika) but Molotow has the best magenta (Telemagenta).
Availablity also plays a big role in can selection, in obvious ways.
Can performance: Some cans have better pressure control than others. Some are fixed-pressure, some are variable-pressure. Some are high-pressure, some are low-pressure. Some have only one pea, some have three.
Paint quality: Some paint covers much better than others, some paint resists dripping better than others. Some paints will crack and fade while others won't. Some come out splattery and some come out even.
Price: Price varies widely from brand to brand, area to area. This will have a major effect on what brand you decide to go with. Make sure you take into consideration how paint quality affects the value of your purchase.
Morality: Some paint companies are good; others are evil.
Even many top graffiti artists have totally different opinions about each brand. Some artists prefer various brands for different reasons: I know one who likes Montana's colors but prefers Belton's black and white. You will have to decide for yourself what brand you prefer.
Here are some qualities to look for that may help you decide.
Colors: Nothing matters so much as the color. Not just the color, but within any brand, some colors cover better than others, some colors resist cracking and fading better than others, and some colors just pop out more than other colors. Every brand has certain colors that are better than any other brand's. For example, MTN Medium Yellow and Molotow Melon Yellow are almost the same color, but MTN's covers much better. On the other hand, MTN Electric Blue and Molotow Shock Blue look alike, but Molotow's Shock Blue lights up the wall much more. MTN has a unique color, "Cherry," which no other brand has. But MTN doesn't have any orange-red blend color such as Molotow Traffic Red. MTN has the best pink (Erika) but Molotow has the best magenta (Telemagenta).
Availablity also plays a big role in can selection, in obvious ways.
Can performance: Some cans have better pressure control than others. Some are fixed-pressure, some are variable-pressure. Some are high-pressure, some are low-pressure. Some have only one pea, some have three.
Paint quality: Some paint covers much better than others, some paint resists dripping better than others. Some paints will crack and fade while others won't. Some come out splattery and some come out even.
Price: Price varies widely from brand to brand, area to area. This will have a major effect on what brand you decide to go with. Make sure you take into consideration how paint quality affects the value of your purchase.
Morality: Some paint companies are good; others are evil.
| Rustoleum |
Quality varies
considerably from one color and sub-brand to the next. The "stops
rust" black is the best black among the shwag brands. "Stops
Rust" is their all-purpose line. The colors are somewhat
run-resistant and generally cover well. Rustoleum brand paint
works with almost every type of cap out there,
though some hi-pressure caps do not work well. Rusto offers about
100
colors. |
| Rustoleum:
Painter's Touch |
This is the better brand
of Rustoleum. |
| Rustoleum:
American Accents |
Ugly, watery,
overspray... all things you will complain about if you use this paint. |
| Krylon |
Again, quality is not
consistent with every color. Watermelon is one of their
best, Tomato and Stonewash Denim are among their worst, as are their
yellows and many
ugly
pastels. Also, some of people's favorite colors have been discontinued. Krylon seems to have fewer colors than they used to. Discontinued colors sell for big bucks on Ebay. As quality is concerned, Krylon is not bad, though it is far from the best. Some colors cover poorly; on a white wall, this will not matter, but when covering previous lines, the color beneath may show through. This is important, because if you don't want undercoats showing through, you will have to go back over the line again (thus using double the paint and also possibly creating deviations from the original line.) One of the biggest concerns (especially for novices, but pros as well) is drippiness. Krylon is definitely less drippy than generic paint, but compared with premium paints discussed below it is definitely more drippy. You can make a can of Krylon much better by simply turning a new can upside-down and spraying propellent for about 10 seconds. (spray cans have a straw that runs from the nozzle to the bottom of the can, so by turning a can upside-down, you spray out the propellent without the paint, thus reducing the pressure in the can). This will give you much better control of the spray. Krylon offers many lines of paint, but their "All-purpose spray paint" line is by far the largest with 52 colors, and when people say Krylon, they are usually referring to this product line. All-Purpose and Satin Touch only |
| Krylon
All-Purpose Spray Paint |
This is Krylon's classic
line of paint. It's the best Krylon brand overall. 52
colors offered. See here for details about
good and bad colors. |
| Krylon
Satin Touch Spray Paint |
This is a line of mostly
pastel colors. It's not bad, but only 13 colors are offered. |
| Krylon
H2O Latex |
This stuff sucks.
"Water-based latex." The name says it all. 20 crappy colors. |
| Spanish
Montana (MTN) |
Montana
has two primary lines of
paint: Hardcore, and Alien Art
Concept. Montana is great paint for several reasons. The most important is the colors. Montana colors are bright. They cover great and they stand out, more than any other brand in most cases. They also have 124 colors to choose from, more than Rustoleum or Krylon offer. Another important quality is drip resistance. Montana paint is very drip-resistant. After getting used to Montana paint, using cheaper brands can be frustrating, because you will be accustomed to paint that sticks to the wall. On the other hand, when MTN does drip, it drips badly. Montana (and also Molotow, below) have a clever system for making it easier to identify your cans, too. Montana has a ring that fits the cap between the nozzle and the edge of the can indicating what color it is. If you've used Rustoleum or Krylon, you know how it can be tedious to figure out which can is which once the tops get mixed up. The ring prevents this problem. There are two major lines of Montana, the Harcore line and the Alien Art Concept line. The difference between the two is that the Hardcore line comes in 400ml (standard size) cans with high-pressure valves, while the Alien line comes in 250ml variable-pressure valves. Variable-pressure means you can push down a little and get a light spray or push down hard and get a heavy spray. More about valves further down. The MTN Montana cans also have two balls ("peas" is the industry term) in the can instead of one like Rusto and Krylon, making shaking/mixing faster and easier. |
| German
Montana |
Overall, this paint is
very similar to Belton
Molotow. It is said by the company that it the cans work properly
in extreme temperatures from -38 to 48 degrees C (-36 to 118 F degrees
F). German Montana offers two primary product lines, the "Black"
and "Gold" lines. Due to the ethical concerns about this company described above and below, we probably will not care to experiment with it, since we wouldn't carry it even if it was good paint. We got to try a can of the gold though. |
| German
Montana: Gold |
At first, it seemed the
Gold line
performed great. It has great variable-pressure control, it can
make really skinny lines, and it didn't drip easily. The Gold
line has 174 colors available at this writing. German
Montana Gold has a matte finish. Once the paint dried, though, it didn't cover very well at all. We could see everything beneath the coat. This was tested with Shock Orange Dark 2020. Maybe other colors cover better, but this one didn't. |
| German
Montana: Black |
75 colors available. The Black line has a constant high-pressure valve like MTN Montana Hardcore. |
| Belton
Molotow |
Belton
and Molotow are the same
paint; Belton is the company
name and Molotow is the name of the product line. But since
Molotow is the only line Belton offers in the U.S.A., it's basically
the same thing to us. Because it is a German company, it is actually pronounced "Molotov" like the cocktail you throw. In German, the "V" and the "W" are the same letter; it is written "W" and pronounced "V". This is why "wiener schnitzel" is pronounced "veener schnitzel." Since "Molotov" is consistent with the whole "bombing" metaphor, we say "Molotov." But anyway, about the paint. Like Montana, Molotow colors are bright, and highly drip-resistant. Molotow offers even more colors, now approaching 200 (at this writing, 20 new colors are under development). Molotow uses a variable-pressure system on all of their cans. This gives the artist more control over the spray than other brands (Montana Alien paint uses variable-pressure too, but not in 400ml cans). One important advantage of Molotow is that the paint works properly in extreme temperatures. When we were painting our store, it was wintertime and we had to keep the building ventilated because of the paint fumes, so it was very cold in the room. The Montana cans would freeze unless we kept them on the radiators. Molotow works in freezing weather. As colors go, Molotow is misleading: for reasons unknown, the color charts on the websites of the Belton company and U.S. distributor are inaccurate and unflattering. Many nice colors are shown to be greyish, whitish, or just plain ugly. Details about this below. But, the actual colors are very nice. Also, Molotow paint is reported to be more resistant to fading and chipping than the other brands named above. |
1.2.3.1 Morality
This should be
important to every consumer.
Some companies support graffiti culture, while others support its
enemies. Some companies follow or even exceed strict health and
safety regulations, while other companies are apparently trying to kill
you.
Fortunately, it seems that the only toxic spray paint is the generic stuff; the brands listed in the table below are all clean. Yet they still have some serious concerns in other areas. Here is what we've found about the brands:
Fortunately, it seems that the only toxic spray paint is the generic stuff; the brands listed in the table below are all clean. Yet they still have some serious concerns in other areas. Here is what we've found about the brands:
Rustoleum |
The National Council to Prevent Delinquency gave the paint maker the Partner in Prevention award, in recognition of Rust-Oleum's active role in the national Anti-Graffiti project. The project helps local governments and citizen groups prevent graffiti vandalism and restore defaced property. Rust-Oleum's contributions have included paint for neighborhood cleanups, money for retail theft prevention and volunteers for various anti-graffiti efforts. The company has also promoted the Council's Responsible Retailing program, designed to block theft and illegal purchasing of products such as spray paint. Wooh! The company promoted an anti-theft campaign. How self-servingly philanthropic. And if the "anti-graffiti" efforts had any real effect, it would have hurt their sales, and they wouldn't have done it. So they have to know that the anti-graffiti efforts are nothing but Public Relations BS. |
| Krylon |
From www.krylon.com: "Krylon® Products Group is more than just paint and projects. We care about you and your community. Along with Keep America Beautiful, Krylon Products Group has created a national program called Graffiti Hurts® designed to address the growing graffiti problem in urban areas and small towns." Krylon's website is the cheesiest shit you can imagine. Innovation Inspired.TM It sets a new industry standard for "insipid." And they have to put a crappy cap on it so you need to buy better ones elsewhere. |
Montana
Spain (MTN): |
Montana Spain (MTN)
sponsors some graffiti artists and contains links to other graffiti
sites from theirs. The company states that it was founded by
graffiti writers Moockie and Kapi. It sponsors many graffiti
magazines in many countries. Montana's sincere dedication to the
art is evident in the quality of the product. "I heard Spanish Montana contains lead and other harmful chemicals, Is this true?" MTN: "No, this is an unfounded rumor started by our competitor. Our Paint has been sent to the US EPA and they have reported that it is less toxic than some of the well known American brands of paint. They have stated furthermore that Montana Colors (Spain) is well within the regulated legal standards for paint in the United States. Succesfull Chemical analysis's conducted in Europe can be viewed by Clicking Here." |
| Montana
Germany (Dupli) |
The German Montana
company committed perhaps the greatest crime in the world of graffiti,
and on a
massive scale, by stealing the Spanish Montana company's name. That says a lot about the company in istelf, but moreover, when pressed an explanation, the company claimed that it did it "for the artists' sake" because the Spanish Montana company put toxic chemicals in its product. As it turns out, the opposite is true, and the German Montana company is now doing all it possibly can to avoid even mentioning the existance of the Spanish Montana company. The confusion between the two companies is, as you will see, a huge headache for everybody, and the company really shouldn't be forgiven for this. The German Montana company is owned and controlled by Motip Dupli, a.k.a. Dupli-color, a multinational corporation primarily in the automotive paint industry. They feature a slick youth-targeted corporate website, with lots of pro-graffiti tones that conceal the slimy corporate face behind it. In some instances, such as in the "Write and Unite" DVD, Dupli-Montana seems to be deliberately confusing their brand with the Spanish company's. This is, in my view, totally opposed to the culture of graffiti. The brand is a total fraud, good paint or not. |
Belton
Molotow |
The Belton company named
their product "Molotow," which is the German spelling for "Molotov"
like the cocktail, hence even their name is a reference to rebellion. Belton sponsors many artists and their paint was developed by artists. Several of their colors are named for the artists who helped develop them. The U.S. distributor of Belton sponsor many graffiti magazines in many countries. Belton's sincere dedication to the art is evident in the quality of the product. |
| Generic
/ Other Brands |
Read the label
carefully. Many off-brands do not meet the chemical safety
standards of the brands above. Some of them are covered in
warnings about toxic chemicals. If you use these brands, be sure
to wear
a mask and gloves. |
As
you can see from the
table, Spanish Montana (MTN) and Belton Molotow seem to be the only
brands that have honesty, decency, and respect.
1.2.3.3
Generic paint
vs. Brand Name Paint
you spray a line...
Then go back over it so it shows
up better...
Then add your adjacent line...
Then go back over that so it
shows up better...
Then cut back with the background
color to eliminate the blended part...
Wait until it redries and re-do
the whole thing.1.2.3.5 The Two Montanas
There
are two completely different companies calling themselves
"Montana brand spray paint." One hails from Spain, the other,
Germany. How are they different and why do they have the same
name? We went over this a little before, but now for details.
Unfortunately,
this reviewer has not used German Montana yet, so I can't vouch for or
against its quality. I have heard that
the German Montana is similar to Belton Molotow paint. But I
don't know.
As for why there are two spray paint companies named Montana, the Spanish company says:
[edited for spelling and grammar from the translation at www.mtncolors.com]:
As for why there are two spray paint companies named Montana, the Spanish company says:
[edited for spelling and grammar from the translation at www.mtncolors.com]:
| In
1993, two writers named Moockie
and Kapi both from Barcelona Spain decide to open a graffiti/hip-hop
shop. They contact a spray paint manufacturer known as "Felton" in
Spain for research and to negotiate prices. They discuss the potential
of the graffiti art market with the commercial manager at the spray can
factory Jordi Rubio who later becomes the owner of Montana Spain.
Jordi is fascinated with the idea but Felton is unconvinced of the
potential sales in a market for graffiti. Approximately one year later, around 1994, Jordi asks Kapi & Moockie to help build a brand for the graffiti market. Kapi & Moockie contribute their knowledge of graffiti needs and Jordi contributes his knowledge in the technical aspects of spray cans. In the spring of 1994 Kapi & Moockie organize an event called "Aerosol Art" and invite artists from all over Europe. At this event they introduce the first Montana cans and this is the first time graffiti artists use Montana paint. Shortly after Montana develops the "Hardcore" 400ml can, which we know today, and the "Alien" can in 2001. During the course of 1994, news spreads that there is a graffiti store in Barcelona that sells quality paint very cheap, and artists from all over Europe gather there and take cans back to their home countries in bulk. The artists themselves became the first exporters of Montana. By the end of 1995, these artists began to import Montana into their home countries on a regular basis, at first Italy, then Switzerland, and then France and the UK. In 1997, Montana grants the exclusive distribution rights for Germany to L&G. Problems begin soon after. By 1997 Montana has become well known and is exporting to other continents. Montana Spain began as and still is dedicated to the graffiti art culture and has remained a small company with about 50 employees involved with their manufacturing facility and distribution. Spanish Montana contends that all their products are made with devotion to quality in aerosol art culture. All Spanish Montana spray cans are hand-made at their own facility as they have been since the beginning. In 1996, a distribution company named L&G is founded by Ruediger Latz and Tim Latif (known to us now as German Montana). In 1997 L&G becomes the exclusive distributor of Spanish Montana for Germany. Shortly after L&G also gains the rights to distribute in several other countries in Europe. Meanwhile L&G conspires with Motip Dupli, a multi-national corporation and the largest maker of spray paint for automobiles in Europe (Known to Americans as Dupli-Color), to manufacture and label spray paint cans for L&G with Montana Spain's customers as the target audience. Mutip Dupli becomes aware of the potential in the graffiti market and makes an offer to buy Spanish Montana from Jordi. Montana Spain rejects the offer and soon after L&G and Dupli begin producing exact copies of the cans labeled as Montana Hardcore and start to distribute them throughout Montana Spain's established market. Mutip Dupli then starts a negative campaign of information and spreads several rumors about Spanish Montana including that the paint allegedly contains lead and other poisons. L&G contends that product ideas given to Montana Spain during there business relationship entitle L&G to an equal share of the brand name "Montana." L&G and Mutip Dupli initiate a process which results in inspectors coming to Spain to examine their products in hopes of reducing their productivity. In 2001 L&G and Mutip Dupli run a trademark search for the name "Montana" and they find a company named "Farbo S.A." located in Switzerland who has the name "Montana" already licensed throughout Europe. L&G and Mutip Dupli then offer to pay a royalty for using the name "Montana" from Farbo and succeed. L&G has now gained the ammunition they need to file lawsuits and attempt to take away the name & market that Montana Spain has created. Lawsuits are still pending in several courts throughout Europe. In 2002 L&G release the "Montana New Generation" can. In 2003 they release the Montana "GOLD" can and the Montana "Platinum" can in 2004. At the same time in 2004 Montana Spain begins to brand some of their cans as "MTNMTN" to try to relieve some confusion the customers are having between the two companies. The differences between the two Montanas remain unresolved. L&G reports to have about 20 employees involved in its distribution operation. German Montana also claims to have the same devotion to quality and aerosol art culture. L&G spray cans are made with automated machines at the Motip Dupli facility as they have been since the beginning. |
And now,
here
is a press release about the story, from the German Montana
company [also cleaned up from sloppy translation], giving their side of
the story:
|
We
as a distributor of Montana paint and Aerosol Art paint produced by
Motip Dupli AG, distributed by L&G in Germany would like to avoid
any misunderstandings about the ongoing business differences between
the producer of Montana paint from Spain and the producer of Montana
paint in Germany. As It is uncommon to present information to the
public when a case is still with several judges to decide about, we
decided not to make any comments to these matters until a final
decision was made public. However, as the Spanish producer and some of its distributors have decided to start a negative campaign out in public against the Montana brand from Germany, instead of waiting for the final court decision we decided to go against this in an orderly manner, based on facts, delivered by objective parties and institutions. The fact is that the courts have difficulty looking into this matter in full detail as this business disagreement is of a very complicated nature. This matter is going through serveral courts at the moment. Fact is that the company L&G already won cases against the Spanish distributor in the Netherlands, France and other European countries. To be clear: Objective tests that are in our possession show that the metal, lead, has been found in the paint of the Spanish producer. ( as these test results are in german we do not show them here but feel free to contact us if you would like to see them) This metal is extremely dangerous to men's health. This metal is used to make the paint cover well, especially with the red, yellow and orange colors, which by their nature do not cover too well. There are better and healthier substances on the market that work the same, but these are more expensive. Also the very dangerous substance strontium was found in the paint from the Spanish producer. Due to this shocking discovery that was made public by the company L&G last year September, we decided to give more information about chemicals that are used to make paint. Tuolene, Xylene, petrol gases, strontium, arsenic and mercury are some of the chemicals, vapors and heavy metals contained in spray paint and in paint containing such substances their levels come well within official restrictions. Yet the noxious smell emitted from a fat cap shouts "This is doing more harm than good!" Striking a cynical note, when were levels deemed safe by officialdom a guarantee for comfort? On the back of a canister of Spanish Montana cans, the warning reads; "Harmful by inhalation contact with skin. Irritating to skin. Do not breathe spray. Avoid contact with eyes. If swallowed seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label."L&G Distribution in Germany produce the new safer Montana cans. Montana's original home is Spain and was originally made by Montana Colors S.L. The two companies are currently in dispute over trademark intringement with L&G (German Montana) already winning their cases in France, The Netherlands and Germany. When L&G (German Montana) had the old Spanish brand analysed their tests petitioned that Spanish Montana contained dangerous levels of lead. Raediger Glatz, managing director of L&G told Graphotism magazine: "Spraycans are detinitely not good for your health, but selling spraycans containing lead and strontium [see below for possible repercussions] as Spanish Montana Colors has is unacceptable." "We work very closely with our manufacturer MOTIP DUPLI, and are able to have a major influence on the ingredients. A company like MOTIP DUPLI, being the biggest manufacturer for spraycans in Europe, does not want to throw any old constituent into their product and they are subject to German regulations, which are very strict and sensitive." Glad to hear it, but despite the protestations, proteotion from colouring that decorates transport, walls, boards and canvases cannot be emphasised. A qualitv mask, gloves and excellent ventilation is something your mind and body will thank you for. If you still don't believe, here are the effects of five products found in aerosol paint. [followed by a detailed description of harmful effects of lead, strontium, arsenic, Tuolene, Xylene.] |
So these are the two
sides. Which one should you believe?
We side with the Spanish Montana company, for several reasons:
We side with the Spanish Montana company, for several reasons:
-German
Montana admits
that they stole the Spanish company's trade name.
-German Montana's allegations that Spanish Montana's paint contains lead, arsenic etc. are not supported. To say "we have a document but it's in German" is an insult to inquiring minds. They give no indication as to how much lead was found in Spanish Montana's paint. By Spanish Montana's estimation, it's about 00.0015%, or 15 parts per million. That's less than levels found in seawater--nothing compared to how much lead was found in paint before it was banned decades ago--essentially nothing at all.
-German Montana is using "booga booga" scare tactics to discredit Spanish Montana. They trump up the dangers of Xylene. All spray paint contains Xylene.
-Listen carefully to what they say: "Toluene, xylene, petrol gases, strontium, arsenic and mercury are some of the chemicals, vapours and heavy metals contained in spray paint and in paint containing such substances their leves come well within official restrictions. Yet the noxious smell emitted from a fat cap shouts 'This is doing more harm than good!'" So essentially, they're admitting that Spanish Montana (MTN) paint is well within official restrictions, then they say that you should trust your nose, not the testing and regulations. MTN paint actually has a nice aroma. That doesn't mean it is good for you or bad for you. That's why you have tests. And the tests showed that MTN was fine.
-German Montana's allegations that Spanish Montana's paint contains lead, arsenic etc. are not supported. To say "we have a document but it's in German" is an insult to inquiring minds. They give no indication as to how much lead was found in Spanish Montana's paint. By Spanish Montana's estimation, it's about 00.0015%, or 15 parts per million. That's less than levels found in seawater--nothing compared to how much lead was found in paint before it was banned decades ago--essentially nothing at all.
-German Montana is using "booga booga" scare tactics to discredit Spanish Montana. They trump up the dangers of Xylene. All spray paint contains Xylene.
-Listen carefully to what they say: "Toluene, xylene, petrol gases, strontium, arsenic and mercury are some of the chemicals, vapours and heavy metals contained in spray paint and in paint containing such substances their leves come well within official restrictions. Yet the noxious smell emitted from a fat cap shouts 'This is doing more harm than good!'" So essentially, they're admitting that Spanish Montana (MTN) paint is well within official restrictions, then they say that you should trust your nose, not the testing and regulations. MTN paint actually has a nice aroma. That doesn't mean it is good for you or bad for you. That's why you have tests. And the tests showed that MTN was fine.
In conclusion, it appears that
the Spanish Montana is a sincere,
by-artists-for-artists company, and the German Montana is a subsidiary
of an Evil Big Corporation that will mislead, and steal to
make
money. After all, they stole the Montana name and mesled to the
public about the dangers of Montana paint.
1.2.3.6 Montana MTN
Hardcore vs. Belton Molotow
Legal
issues aside, let us return to the question of paint quality,
particularly between the two best brands of spray paint, MTN Montana
and
Molotow.
Some artists like one and not the other, on both sides. You will have to try both to make up your mind.
There are some definite differences that may help you decide.
Differences favoring neither but according to your preference:
Some artists like one and not the other, on both sides. You will have to try both to make up your mind.
There are some definite differences that may help you decide.
Differences favoring neither but according to your preference:
-Montana
colors are glossy (sort of
like shiny). Molotow
colors are matte (not shiny).
-Molotow cans are lower-pressure than Montana in general. Narrower, lighter lines. On one hand this means more control and better paint economy; on the other hand this means that big pieces can take longer.
-The two brands just feel different. Depending on what you're comfortable with, you may prefer either one. For example, these guys who were used to cheapie paint were using Molotow for an outline, and all the joints on the outlines were messed up because they weren't used to the variable-pressure system. You could get used to either kind of paint or both. But be aware that they are different.
-Molotow cans are lower-pressure than Montana in general. Narrower, lighter lines. On one hand this means more control and better paint economy; on the other hand this means that big pieces can take longer.
-The two brands just feel different. Depending on what you're comfortable with, you may prefer either one. For example, these guys who were used to cheapie paint were using Molotow for an outline, and all the joints on the outlines were messed up because they weren't used to the variable-pressure system. You could get used to either kind of paint or both. But be aware that they are different.
Differences favoring Montana:
Montana's colors seem to cover
better.
Montana is typically a dollar cheaper per can.
The color chart on Montana's website is fairly accurate; the one on Molotow's website is not.
Montana is typically a dollar cheaper per can.
The color chart on Montana's website is fairly accurate; the one on Molotow's website is not.
Differences favoring Molotow:
Molotow has a variable-pressure
system that the Montana
Hardcore cans do not.
Molotow works in extreme temperatures.
Molotow cans need to be shaken less frequently than Montana cans.
Molotow paint doesn't clog caps as often as Montana
Molotow works in extreme temperatures.
Molotow cans need to be shaken less frequently than Montana cans.
Molotow paint doesn't clog caps as often as Montana
1.2.3.7 The True
Colors of Molotow
We do not know why, but the
color charts for Molotow spray paint are grossly inaccurate. Not
only that, but they are un-flattering: they make good colors look bad,
they make bold colors look pale, they make saturated colors look grey,
they make popping colors look dull.
In one case, the color "traffic red" appeared as a light, greyish red, while "signal red" looked a little lighter (on the distro's website) and a little darker (on Belton's website). Yet, in reality, "traffic red" is a bright red with an orange tint, while "signal red" is a pure, slightly dark red.
In another case, "signal white" is shown at artprimo.com to be greyer than "pure white." In reality "signal white" is whiter than "pure white."
In this chart here, we show cans of Molotow in three colors. The color on the butt of the can is the color shown on artprimo.com, the U.S. distributor. The inset color is the color shown on Belton's web site, shopbelton.com. And the color on the top of each can is what we've determined it actually is, as best we can.
In one case, the color "traffic red" appeared as a light, greyish red, while "signal red" looked a little lighter (on the distro's website) and a little darker (on Belton's website). Yet, in reality, "traffic red" is a bright red with an orange tint, while "signal red" is a pure, slightly dark red.
In another case, "signal white" is shown at artprimo.com to be greyer than "pure white." In reality "signal white" is whiter than "pure white."
In this chart here, we show cans of Molotow in three colors. The color on the butt of the can is the color shown on artprimo.com, the U.S. distributor. The inset color is the color shown on Belton's web site, shopbelton.com. And the color on the top of each can is what we've determined it actually is, as best we can.
1.2.3.8
MTN - Krylon/Rustoleum
Color-matches
I found this on a cache of an MTN
page. The colors are not
exact matches but they are close matches.
Note that some of the Rusto and Krylon colors are no longer available.
Montana colors on left side of equation.
R-1001 Beige = Beige
R-1013 White Bone = Antique White
R-1016 Lemon Yellow = Duplicolor Daytona Yellow
R-1028 Medium Yellow = Krylon School Bus Yellow
R-2003 Pastel Orange = Krylon Popsicle Orange
R-2010 Signal Orange = Krylon Mandarin Orange
R-2012 Caramel = Krylon Terracota
R-3001 Intense Red = Krylon Banner Red
R-3004 Bordeaux Red = Krylon American Beauty Red
R-3007 Cherokee Red = Krylon Mahogany
R-3014 Raspberry = Krylon Hot Pink
R-3015 Pink = Krylon Rose
R-3017 Fever Red = Krylon Watermelon
R-3020 Light Red = Krylon Scarlet
R-4001 Lilac = Rusto Grape
R-4003 Erika Violet = Rusto Berry Pink
R-4008 Signal Violet = Krylon Plum
R-4009 Bruise = Rusto Grey lilac
R-5005 Dark Blue = Krylon True Blue (darker version)
R-5013 Navy Blue = Navy Blue
R-5015 Medium Blue = Krylon True Blue
R-5023 Lake Blue = Rusto Denim
R-6009 Amazonas Green = Krylon OD Khaki
R-6016 Dark Green = Krylon Moss Green
R-6018 Valley Green = Duplicolor Grabber Green [also close to Molotow Cliff Green]
R-6019 Pale Green = Osh Light Green
R-6027 Luminous Green = Krylon Light Sage
R-6028 Jungle Green = Hunter Green
R-6034 Turquoise Pastel = Krylon Jade Green
R-7040 Pearl Grey = Krylon Dove Grey
R-8023 Mustard = Rusto Cinnamon
R-V1 Pale Violet = Krylon Violet
R-V2 Violet = Rusto Lilac
R-V4 Light Green = Krylon Clover Green
R-V6 Light Grey = Krylon Pewter Grey
R-V9 Apricot = Krylon Light Peach
R-V10 Mint Green = Rusto Safety Green
R-V13 Himalaya Blue = Krylon Slate Blue
R-V17 Tenere Sand = Krylon Spanish Brown
R-V20 Party Yellow = Krylon Pastel Yellow [and they are both whack]
R-V26 Cork = Rusto Rosewood
R-V29 Artic Blue = Krylon Baby Blue
R-V30 Electric Blue = Krylon Ford Blue
R-V31 Steel Grey = Krylon Smoke Grey
R-V33 Colored Red = Rusto Farmhouse red
R-V34 Guacamole Green = Krylon Jungle Green
R-V35 Chocolate Brown = Rusto Kona Brown
R-V36 Breakfast Brown = Krylon Warm Brown
Note that some of the Rusto and Krylon colors are no longer available.
Montana colors on left side of equation.
R-1001 Beige = Beige
R-1013 White Bone = Antique White
R-1016 Lemon Yellow = Duplicolor Daytona Yellow
R-1028 Medium Yellow = Krylon School Bus Yellow
R-2003 Pastel Orange = Krylon Popsicle Orange
R-2010 Signal Orange = Krylon Mandarin Orange
R-2012 Caramel = Krylon Terracota
R-3001 Intense Red = Krylon Banner Red
R-3004 Bordeaux Red = Krylon American Beauty Red
R-3007 Cherokee Red = Krylon Mahogany
R-3014 Raspberry = Krylon Hot Pink
R-3015 Pink = Krylon Rose
R-3017 Fever Red = Krylon Watermelon
R-3020 Light Red = Krylon Scarlet
R-4001 Lilac = Rusto Grape
R-4003 Erika Violet = Rusto Berry Pink
R-4008 Signal Violet = Krylon Plum
R-4009 Bruise = Rusto Grey lilac
R-5005 Dark Blue = Krylon True Blue (darker version)
R-5013 Navy Blue = Navy Blue
R-5015 Medium Blue = Krylon True Blue
R-5023 Lake Blue = Rusto Denim
R-6009 Amazonas Green = Krylon OD Khaki
R-6016 Dark Green = Krylon Moss Green
R-6018 Valley Green = Duplicolor Grabber Green [also close to Molotow Cliff Green]
R-6019 Pale Green = Osh Light Green
R-6027 Luminous Green = Krylon Light Sage
R-6028 Jungle Green = Hunter Green
R-6034 Turquoise Pastel = Krylon Jade Green
R-7040 Pearl Grey = Krylon Dove Grey
R-8023 Mustard = Rusto Cinnamon
R-V1 Pale Violet = Krylon Violet
R-V2 Violet = Rusto Lilac
R-V4 Light Green = Krylon Clover Green
R-V6 Light Grey = Krylon Pewter Grey
R-V9 Apricot = Krylon Light Peach
R-V10 Mint Green = Rusto Safety Green
R-V13 Himalaya Blue = Krylon Slate Blue
R-V17 Tenere Sand = Krylon Spanish Brown
R-V20 Party Yellow = Krylon Pastel Yellow [and they are both whack]
R-V26 Cork = Rusto Rosewood
R-V29 Artic Blue = Krylon Baby Blue
R-V30 Electric Blue = Krylon Ford Blue
R-V31 Steel Grey = Krylon Smoke Grey
R-V33 Colored Red = Rusto Farmhouse red
R-V34 Guacamole Green = Krylon Jungle Green
R-V35 Chocolate Brown = Rusto Kona Brown
R-V36 Breakfast Brown = Krylon Warm Brown
1.2.3.9
Best
and Worst Colors
| The
Color Hall of Fame (Note: the colors shown here are the actual colors. The representations you may find on others' websites are not accurate, if they are different from these.  Montana Hardcore Ganges YellowThis is the best-covering light yellow out there. Most yellow either covers horrible or it's dark or orange-tinted. Ganges Yellow is all yellow, and it's hot. No other color compares.  Montana Hardcore Medium YellowWith this and the Ganges Yellow, Montana MTN has a lock on the yellow category. "Medium Yellow" is a screaming orange-tinted yellow. The color is almost the same has Belton Molotow "Melon Yellow" but this MTN color is way brighter.  Belton Molotow Deep "OTR" BlackThis is the prize-winning black right here. It has every quality perfect. Variable pressure (flow control), low pressure, excellent coverage, perfect black color, long-lasting, all-weather... there is no better black spray paint.  Montana Hardcore PistachioPistachio is the perfect blend of light green and yellow and it really stands out. Belton Molotow has a very close color called Grasshopper Green, but it's just not the same. Grasshopper gets less coverage.  Montana Hardcore Monaco BlueThis is another one of those "just right" colors. A great medium-light blue with a hint of gray.  Belton Molotow "SEAK" Future GreenThis unique green is dark but not too dark.  Montana Hardcore Blue Violet This color is dark but striking. It is not as greyish in reality, as it is in the picture.  Molotow Shock BlueThis blue is just bright as hell. It's like MTN Electric Blue but covers better, like MTN Medium Blue but brighter. You have to see an actual can to see how bright it is. It is the brightest blue.   Montana Hardcore
Solar Orange & Alien Art Concept Solar OrangeAt first glance it looks pale 'n' stale. But solar orange is a powerful light orange like no other. You really have to use it to see how nice it is.  Montana Hardcore UltramarineThis is a really good dark blue. It's more versatile than Navy blue which is closer to black, but darker than the other good blues. |
Best colors: Watermelon, Woven Tapestry, Emerald Green, Purple, Burgundy, Equestrian, Leather Brown... Ultra-Flat black was exra thick and good about not running; all the blacks were OK. Bahama Sea is a great color but the paint's not very good.
Celery is an OK light color, though most of the other pastels cover poorly.
Ballet slipper sucks, stonewashed Denim is terrible.
Every brand of paint has some colors that are just great, and some colors that straight up suck. You'd never know just looking on the Internet at color charts, but here's what we've found:
Best colors, Montana MTN:
-Montana Divinity White -very light white
Best colors, Belton Molotow:
Best colors, Montana MTN:
Best colors, Krylon:
-Molotow Shock Blue -Very bright light blue
-Molotow Telemagenta -Hot pink, comes out brighter than advertised
-Molotow Juice Green -Ultra-bold medium green
-Krylon Watermelon -Similar to MTN Fever Red but isn't pale
-Montana Intense Red -jumps out! very intense
-Molotow Deep Black -Darkest black we've seen, great can control
-Rustoleum black -covers well, comes out even
-Molotow Seak Future Green -beautiful dark green
-Molotow Golden Yellow -covers very well
-Rustoleum Harbor Blue -bright, very light blue
Worst colors: (these colors really blow; stay away!)
-Montana Colorado Red -light, weak red; covers poorly
-Molotow Signal Yellow -Molotow Golden Yellow is almost the same but covers twice as well
-Montana Devil Red -greyish
-Molotow 600 ml anything -too much pressure for outlining
-Molotow Pure White -isn't pure white! Molotow Signal White is definitely whiter, side-by-side.
-Montana Light Yellow -covers poorly
-Molotow Leaf Green -pale
-Krylon Tomato -ugh, just... no
-Krylon Stonewashed Denim -bluish-grey, covers terrible
-Montana Divinity White -very light white
Best colors, Belton Molotow:
Best colors, Montana MTN:
Best colors, Krylon:
-Molotow Shock Blue -Very bright light blue
-Molotow Telemagenta -Hot pink, comes out brighter than advertised
-Molotow Juice Green -Ultra-bold medium green
-Krylon Watermelon -Similar to MTN Fever Red but isn't pale
-Montana Intense Red -jumps out! very intense
-Molotow Deep Black -Darkest black we've seen, great can control
-Rustoleum black -covers well, comes out even
-Molotow Seak Future Green -beautiful dark green
-Molotow Golden Yellow -covers very well
-Rustoleum Harbor Blue -bright, very light blue
Worst colors: (these colors really blow; stay away!)
-Montana Colorado Red -light, weak red; covers poorly
-Molotow Signal Yellow -Molotow Golden Yellow is almost the same but covers twice as well
-Montana Devil Red -greyish
-Molotow 600 ml anything -too much pressure for outlining
-Molotow Pure White -isn't pure white! Molotow Signal White is definitely whiter, side-by-side.
-Montana Light Yellow -covers poorly
-Molotow Leaf Green -pale
-Krylon Tomato -ugh, just... no
-Krylon Stonewashed Denim -bluish-grey, covers terrible
1.2.3.99
Conclusions about paint brands
Belton
Molotow:
The best paint out there. Worth the sticker price. Great in
every way.
Spanish Montana MTN: Excellent paint as well. More affordable alternative to Molotow
German Dupli Montana: Good quality paint, lousy evil lying company that sells it.
Rustoleum: An American tradition. OK paint from an anti-graffiti company.
Krylon: For some, Krylon is good enough. It's not an artists' paint,
but it's available where other brands aren't.
Spanish Montana MTN: Excellent paint as well. More affordable alternative to Molotow
German Dupli Montana: Good quality paint, lousy evil lying company that sells it.
Rustoleum: An American tradition. OK paint from an anti-graffiti company.
Krylon: For some, Krylon is good enough. It's not an artists' paint,
but it's available where other brands aren't.
Kyro
1.3 CAPS
Caps may
be the most important tools of graffiti. Without premium
paint, a skilled artist can get by with cheap paint. But without
the right caps, painting can be frustrating and tedious. Filling
in large areas without a fat cap is painful. Making precise
outlines without outlines caps is unbearable: you have to cut back over
and over again to get them right, unless you have a good outline
cap. Know your caps; they are essential to good writing.
People's style is influenced, to some extent at least, by the paint and caps they use. But also, the paint and caps people use influences their style. When people get comfortable with different types of caps, they get used to the technique of painting with those types of caps, and paint. And just like a Rusto user will need to adjust to a Molotow can, a Black Micro cap user will need to adjust to a German Outline cap.
How do you know what caps are good, and what caps are bad?
One obvious answer is to ask people. The problem is, people tend to provide unhelpful responses, such as this:
Not very helpful, huh?
So here, I've given as much information as possible, with detailed descriptions of tests with many brands of paint, and compaisons to similar caps. Hopefully this information helps you choose your preference.
People's style is influenced, to some extent at least, by the paint and caps they use. But also, the paint and caps people use influences their style. When people get comfortable with different types of caps, they get used to the technique of painting with those types of caps, and paint. And just like a Rusto user will need to adjust to a Molotow can, a Black Micro cap user will need to adjust to a German Outline cap.
How do you know what caps are good, and what caps are bad?
One obvious answer is to ask people. The problem is, people tend to provide unhelpful responses, such as this:
| Sample cap review (actual forum post) ny thins - there fatter then u want personally i dont liek um buit some cat sware by them pro skinnys- i love these caps there probably my second fav for thins needle caps - there also pencil thin lines but i have never used them im tell u form what i have heard from sick writers that there good for thin lines but they also suck rusto stock caps- man these caps are SO underrated there fuckin sick for sketches (frst outline) these are my third fav thin caps montana hardcore stock tips- my fav's there awesome for sketch there SO sick outline 2s- there better then the first ones |
Not very helpful, huh?
So here, I've given as much information as possible, with detailed descriptions of tests with many brands of paint, and compaisons to similar caps. Hopefully this information helps you choose your preference.
1.3.1 Disclaimer: Everyone prefers different caps
All
artists have individual preferences about caps. Some disagree
strongly with one another. Some have different experiences with
the same caps. It is up to you to decide which caps you
prefer. It's sort of like drummers choosing from the many
different sizes and shapes of drumsticks to use; everyone has their own
preference.
In many cases, superstition has as much to do with people's preferences as the actual performance of the cap.
What follows is our test results of various caps with various paint brands. Use this is as a guide, but for best results, see for yourself which caps you like the most. Do some tests and write down your findings.
You'll learn to prefer some caps over others. And you probably won't agree with everyone else. Even the pros have major disagreements pver product preference. You'll have to learn what you prefer.
In many cases, superstition has as much to do with people's preferences as the actual performance of the cap.
What follows is our test results of various caps with various paint brands. Use this is as a guide, but for best results, see for yourself which caps you like the most. Do some tests and write down your findings.
You'll learn to prefer some caps over others. And you probably won't agree with everyone else. Even the pros have major disagreements pver product preference. You'll have to learn what you prefer.
1.3.2 Terminology
Dot:
The dot is the little piece on the front of the cap that the paint
comes out of.
Width: This one's the one the novice pays attention to. Obviously, it's how wide your line is. The grey dot is the skinniest; the pink dot is the widest.