How to Tag With Graffiti

A graffiti artist uses a tag as a signature to sign his work.

A tag is like a graffiti artist's signature. An artist will use his tag to sign graffiti pieces, such as wall murals or painting on canvas. It's important for an artist to keep his tag consistent and clean. The lines should be sharp, hard and free of overspray or drips (unless intentional). The key to this is choosing the right paint, caps and canvas for the job; know your tools and you'll be tagging like a pro in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Spray paint
• Thin caps (Calligraphy, Grey Dot or Gold Dot Super Skinny)

Instructions

1. Remove the cap of the spray paint.

2. Choose a new cap with a skinny nozzle, such as a "Calligraphy," "Gold Dot Super Skinny" or "Grey Dot" cap. These are all standard caps for tagging.

3. Hold the can about four or five inches from the surface you're tagging.

4. Squeeze the cap until a steady stream of paint is released from the can. Keep the pressure on the cap consistent as you complete the tag.

5. Punctuate the tag by underlining it, adding a dot flare or the outline of a crown to signify your "king" status.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a graffiti marker, or "mop," when tagging a smaller surface, such as an art canvas or board.

• Add flares to your tag by using a "Montana Level 3" or "New York" cap.

• If you're new to tagging, keep most of your letterforms normal and only stylize one or two letters in the tag. As you develop your tag, you can add more style or flair to all of the letters.

• Do not tag public or private property without the authorization of the property owner.

References

• Graff Caps: Thin Caps for Graffiti and Spray Paint Art

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish