How to Make a Graffiti Background With Real Spray Paint

Spray paint can

Painting graffiti is a skill that could take years to learn. There are certain steps that you need to follow to create that perfect masterpiece, whether it is a small signature or a larger wall piece. To create a graffiti background, you need to use practical spray can painting techniques. The background should be completed first prior to any other details.

Things You'll Need

• Spray paints
• Canvas or wall

Instructions

1. Complete the background before any lettering or characters. It is easier to create details on a finished background than adding a background to already painted letters or characters.

2. Hold the spray can upright, facing the wall or canvas. Keep some distance between the wall and the spray can.

3. Push down on the nozzle until paint sprays out. Do not press down too hard, because paint will come out too fast and in large amounts. The paint will thus run down and ruin the background.

4. Paint the background using slow strokes, painting from left to right or up and down. It does not matter which direction it is, as long as there is movement. Use smooth and even passes when painting. Leaving the spray can in one area too long will result in darker areas, or the paint will start running.

5. Create light coats rather than heavy. A few lighter coats are better than one heavy coat in terms of appearance. If creating numerous coats, make sure to allow proper drying time between coats.

6. Avoid fixing mistakes along the way. If mistakes happen, it is possible to cover them up using letters, characters, or details that are to go on top of the background. However, if the part of the background with mistakes will be visible when the lettering or characters have been added, make sure to fix it before adding anything else.

7. Create a cloudy looking background by stepping back, creating more space between the spray can and the canvas. To create a more solid color and background, step closer to the canvas. There should still be a distance between the canvas and spray can to keep the paint from running.

8. Use different colors to create the background desired.

9. Allow the background to dry completely before adding any lettering or additional details to the design. If the paint is not completely dry, the colors might mix and run, essentially ruining the background.

Tips & Warnings

• Graffiti should be painted only in places where it is legal. Check with the city or town before venturing outside to paint graffiti. At the end of the day, it is illegal and can lead to arrests and fines.

References

• How to Draw Graffiti
• The Graffiti Creator