Do you love the look of graffiti-style art? If so, then you might want to consider working with spray paint.
Of course, not all spray paints are created equal, and you want to find the spray paint for graffiti. With dozens of brands on the market, it can be really difficult to find the right paint for your project.
That’s why we took a deep dive into the subject, enabling us to identify 10 spray paints that are excellent options for creating graffiti-style art on almost any surface.
Keep reading to find out which spray paint you want to use based on quality, performance, and durability.
Best Spray Paints for Graffiti:
1. Montana BLACK 400ml Popular Colors Set of 12 Graffiti Street Art Mural Spray Paint
This set is for the artist who wants a great selection of colors but doesn’t want to go to the trouble of choosing them one by one. Included in this package are 12 cans of spray paint, each one of which is perfect for graffiti-style art.
Montana compiled this package so that it contains its 12 most popular colors. Each one is good to spray paint for art because it offers excellent coverage, is fast drying, and is winter-proof.
Artists who are serious about their work will appreciate the undeniable quality of these paints. These high-quality paints deliver superior color brilliance, and their nozzles perform well. Many street artists swear by Montana brand products and wouldn’t use anything else.
However, the price is a deterrent for some people.
Pros
- A great selection of colors
- Excellent coverage
- Fast-drying and winter-proof
Cons
- A bit expensive
2. Evolve Elite 12 pack, Medium Pressure – Assorted Colors 12 oz Cans – Spray Paint Set
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Each of the 12 cans in this package holds a unique and brilliant color. Containing 12 ounces of paint in each canister, you’ll receive plenty of paint for a large project or numerous small ones.
This professional graffiti spray paint offers extreme coverage and a flat finish. Low-pressure cans are easy to manipulate so you get great coverage without drips.
These fade-proof paints can stand up to any weather conditions. With vivid colors and dependable application, this set is highly recommended.
Thanks to awesome coverage and smooth application, many artists love this set from Evolve. Others didn’t like the low-pressure nozzle.
Pros
- Smooth application
- Awesome coverage
- 12 cans of brilliant color
Cons
- Low-pressure nozzles aren’t for everyone
3. MTN Spray Paint Packs – Water-Based 100 Workshop 16 Pack
This set of one dozen spray paint cans for graffiti art does cost more than any of the other selections on this list. However, the quality of the paint is undeniable. Many dedicated artists will think that the price is worthwhile.
Each painting in this collection features a pure matte finish and delivers an ultra-fast drying time so you don’t have to worry about drips or smudges. Each can is a low-pressure dispenser, which is preferred by many experienced street artists who desire ultimate control over their paint.
This set is designed for superior shading so that you can shift with ease from one hue to the next. If you’re serious about your art, then you’ll want to experiment with these professional-grade paints.
Fans declare that these spray paints simply are the best, but the price is a stumbling block for some.
Pros
- Professional-grade paints
- Low-pressure dispensers
- Set designed for superior shading
Cons
- Expensive
4. Rust-Oleum 249063 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover, 12 Ounce (Pack of 1), Satin Sweet Pea
This satin finish spray paint is made by Rust-Oleum, which is a well-known name in the industry. It’s suitable for use in both interior and exterior applications, and it can be used on metal, unglazed ceramic, wood, masonry, and plaster.
This is the spray paint for art because it dries in just 20 minutes. A single can cover an entire 12 square feet, so it’s perfect for oversized projects.
With the ability to hide almost anything, this is a fantastic choice for renovation projects and the satin finish is ideal for covering imperfections on the painted surface.
Use this spray paint in a well-ventilated space to get excellent results. This product from Rust-Oleum boasts Double Cover Technology, so you can trust it on your most critical works of art. Most people who have used it give it an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Nonetheless, some users complain about the odor.
Pros
- Excellent hide
- Nice, even the application
- Quick drying
Cons
- Strong odor
5. Krylon K05160107 ColorMaster Paint + Primer, Gloss, Black, 12 oz.
This gloss paint applies well to surfaces like metal, wood, plastic, and more. It contains paint and primer in one, which makes your painting projects easier and more convenient than ever.
This graffiti spray paint can contain 12 ounces of paint and can be used on indoor and outdoor projects. Accordingly, it’s ideal for graffiti-style art. Best of all, it dries in just 10 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about drips or accidental smudges.
Included in this paint’s formula is the brand’s Covermax technology, which gives you better coverage and extra-bright color. Krylon is a respected name in the industry, and this spray paint doesn’t disappoint.
People love the smooth application that this product affords as well as its excellent coverage. Others were bothered because they felt that the cap and the actual color of the paint didn’t match well.
Pros
- Smooth application
- Super-fast dry time
- Paint and primer in one
Cons
- Cap colors may not match actual colors well
6. Aleene’s 26412 Spray Gloss Finish, 6 Oz Acrylic Sealer, Original Version
Use this product to protect your most creative projects. Alternatively, you can use this clear gloss finish as part of the project itself. Paint for graffiti art never looks better than when it is properly finished and sealed. That’s precisely what this acrylic sealer does.
Spray light layers onto any art project to give it a clear, protective finish. Suitable for use on both outdoor and indoor pieces, this formula goes on evenly and quickly.
When applied, the sealer is clear, but it attains a glossy finish when dry. Use this sealer on projects that are adhered to wood, paint, glass, metal, ceramics, and more. It dries fast and doesn’t turn yellow.
Patience will give you beautiful, long-lasting results with this product. Saying that it gives all of their projects a nice, smooth finish, many people recommend this product to their artist friends. However, some users wish that not quite so many layers were needed to achieve the desired effect.
Pros
- Protects any kind of artwork
- Creates a non-yellowing seal
- Dries fast
Cons
- You’ll need several coats to achieve a solid seal
7. Liquitex Professional Spray Paint, 13.52 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Neutral Grey 5, 13
This opaque paint is lightfast and dries to an elegant matte finish. It is the ideal graffiti artist spray paint because it can be mixed with acrylic paints and a variety of other mediums.
Accordingly, you’ll be more creative than ever before. Delivering brilliant color in a 12-ounce can, this spray paint is safe and easy to use. That’s because it’s water-based, which means that it’s low-odor and doesn’t irritate the skin or eyes as other spray paints are apt to do.
Additionally, because this paint is water-based, it can be cleaned up with water when it’s wet. When it’s dry, it’s weatherproof and permanent, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
If you’re looking for non-toxic, low-odor spray paint, then this product is ideal. Fans praise this product for its consistent color and excellent coverage while critics would like to see a better nozzle.
Pros
- Brilliant colors
- Non-toxic, water-based paint
- Low odor
Cons
- The nozzle isn’t always up to snuff
8. Krylon K05160107 ColorMaster Paint + Primer, Gloss, Black, 12 oz.
The manufacturer of this product boasts that it provides three to four times more coverage than the competition. This makes it the street art spray paint for outdoor murals and other oversized projects.
Additionally, this spray paint is warranted to protect against gasoline, corrosive chemicals, oil, rust, and weather. It even resists head and abrasion. With single-coat hiding, you won’t have to work too hard to cover up prior paints or stains with this product.
This industrial-strength paint stands up to everything and includes advanced high solids. Accordingly, you can use this paint anywhere.
If you need the ultimate in strength and durability, then you can’t go wrong with this selection. Appreciating its versatility, many people recommend this product. Others are disappointed that there’s a big difference between the cap color and the actual paint color.
Pros
- Super-durable paint
- This paint hides everything
- Perfect for outdoor pieces
Cons
- Lid color and actual paint color may vary
9. Montana Cans Montana Effect 400 ml Color, Glitter Coat Spray Paint
Have you got a special project that you want to make sure stands out from the competition? If so, then you’ll want to look at these graffiti spray paints.
That’s because these Glitter Effect spray paints are ideal for giving any piece an eye-catching finish.
Use it on ceramics, metal, glass, wood, primed canvas, stone, acrylic, and many other materials. It is that versatile.
The gloss finish on this product is gorgeous. Essentially, it’s a translucent paint that’s filled with silver glitter particles, and it’s available in five beautiful colors.
When you want to make a project that stands out from the crowd, this is the paint you need.
No matter the project, many artists are in love with this product. The beautiful shimmer of each finished piece is praised. Some users were bothered that several coats were needed to get a really “glittery” effect.
Pros
- Translucent, glossy, and shiny
- Gives a special look to any project
- Easy to use
Cons
- Several coats may be needed
10. MTN Colors – Water Based Spray Paint Workshop Pack – 6 x 100ml Cans
If you want to try out several spray paints from MTN without breaking the bank, then give this selection a look. It’s a set of six 100-mL cans of MTN’s most frequently purchased colors.
This is water-based spray paint which makes it non-toxic and safe for absolutely anyone to use. Basic colors like black, white, green, blue, red, and yellow are included.
Novices are encouraged to give this dependable set a try.
Saying that the application is smooth and easy, many artists say that they would use this set again. Nonetheless, some customers say that the packaging sometimes fails in shipping.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- A small set for beginners
- Smooth application
Cons
- Packaging may not survive shipping
Factors to Consider
Spray paint is a convenient alternative to painting with a brush. When used for artistic projects, spray paint can even impart a unique look that evokes graffiti.
Indoors or Outdoors
Many sprays can brands are available, but they aren’t all suitable for every project.
First, it’s necessary to consider whether your artwork will be displayed indoors or outdoors.
Some graffiti spray paint is formulated for incredible durability and to be weatherproof.
This means that it can tolerate being outdoors for years.
Surface
It’s also worth considering the surface on which you’ll be painting. Spray paint may be manufactured to adhere to wood, stone, ceramic, plastic, metal, and a variety of other materials.
Before you pick up a can of spray paint, make certain that the product you choose is formulated to cover the surface on which you’re working.
Spray-paint street art projects most often are created in outdoor places or locations where there is plenty of ventilation.
However, if you will be working indoors and won’t have a lot of options for ensuring ventilation, then you’ll want spray paint that has a low odor.
Water-based paint would be ideal for these projects.
FAQ
How do you prepare a surface for spray painting?
Even the most high-quality spray paint won’t properly adhere to a surface unless that surface is prepared. This means that the surface must be clean and, in some cases sanded before it can be painted.
For instance, when painting metal, it’s recommended to prepare the surface with steel wool, a wire brush, or a sander before using soap and water to remove all dust. Plastic surfaces can be washed with soap and water, and then gone over with denatured alcohol to remove oil residue.
Similarly, wood and stone surfaces may need to be cleaned with soap and water or even sanded before being painted.
Is it necessary to use a primer before spray painting?
Using a primer is recommended when you are covering a dark surface with a lighter color or when you’re concerned about the paint’s ability to adhere to the surface. Some spray paints also include primer in the formulation, making it possible to apply primer and paint in one step.
Which spray paint finish should I choose?
Spray paint typically is available in matte, satin, and gloss finishes. Matte provides a flat, non-shiny finish while satin has a minimum amount of shine, and this finish is the most forgiving when there are imperfections on the painting surface. Gloss provides a shiny finish, but imperfections will be more noticeable.
Also available are specialty finishes like metallic and glitter. When you want to make a piece of art that stands out, consider using a specialty finish.
Making the Decision
We love the dependability, bright colors, and performance of the Montana BLACK set, which we call the spray paint for graffiti. You get 12 of the brand’s most popular paints for a decent price, which lets you produce some of your best work ever.
Of course, the Montana BLACK line is pretty expensive. If you’re a novice and need to do some practicing, then it makes sense to go with a more economical choice like the MTN Colors set. These water-based paints are small, inexpensive, and perform well.
If you prefer to purchase one color at a time, try Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch. The hide is excellent and the pricing is competitive.
