Aerosol paint

Graffiti artists are known to use spray paint because the medium is quick, permanent, and portable. The origin of the product, however, dates back to 1949, when it was designed for the very practical purpose of applying aluminum paint coatings to radiators.[4]

Speed, portability, and permanence make aerosol paint a common graffiti medium. In the late 1970s, street graffiti writers' signatures and murals became more elaborate and a unique style developed as a factor of the aerosol medium and the speed required for illicit work. Many now recognize graffiti and street art as a unique art form and specifically manufactured aerosol paints are made for the graffiti artist.

Graffiti artist paints tend to be more expensive, but have a wider selection of rich colors, are thicker and less likely to drip. They are produced in standard high-pressure cans for fast, thick coverage and lower pressure cans for more control and flexibility. Most art brand paints have two or three mixing peas in a can. A wide array of actuators or caps are available, from standard "skinny" caps to wider "fat" caps, as well as caps that control the softness or crispness of the spray. Calligraphy caps create fan spray instead of the standard round.

• 
  The first graffiti shop in Russia was opened in 1992 in Tver City.
• 
  Street art style can. A) Color identity "donut"; B) Valve cup; C) Gasket for spray valve; D) Peas; E) Actuator.
• 
  Spray paint cap after use with several paints

Spray paint graffiti tags on a dumpster with the owner's markings spray painted using a stencil. New York City, 2007.

When aerosol paint is used, a stencil can keep the paint constrained to one area. This protects the masked area from being covered in unwanted paint. Stencils can be purchased as movable letters, ordered as professionally cut logos, or hand-cut by artists.

Stencils can be used multiple times for recognition and consistency. Official stencils can be used to quickly and clearly label objects, vehicles or locations. Graffiti writers can use stencils to quickly mark in busy places or leave recognizable tags over a large area. Stencil artists often use multiple colors, or create elaborate stencils that are works of art in themselves.

Unauthorized graffiti is considered to be vandalism in most jurisdictions mainly because the work or display is done without permission of the property owner. The term 'aerosol art' is commonly used for displaying art form 'with' permission of the property owner. The UK and many cities in the United States prohibit the sale of aerosol paint to minors as part of graffiti abatement programs.[7] While major industrial and consumer aerosol paint companies like Krylon and Rust-Oleum actively participate in anti-graffiti programs, art-brand companies are often supportive of writers and graffiti culture, though most do not endorse illegal writing.

Graffiti is removed through four main methods. The first is pulsed laser cleaning (PLC). Some common methods include using pressurized water or chemical treatments. Another method is covering up the graffiti with a coat of paint, though this is not an ideal method since it causes heavy paint build-up and leaves an obvious patch of paint that draws the eye. When removing paint, the following factors need to be taken into account: pigment (what material(s) make up the color and opacity), binder (what holds the paint together), and solvents and additives.

Like many household chemicals and aerosols, aerosol paint vapor and propellant can be misused as an inhalant.[8] Such misuse can cause a circumstance called "sudden sniffing death." This is a very common occurrence when inhaling aerosol paint. [9] Other dangers when using aerosol paint as an inhalant includes respiratory, eye, and nasal irritation. This can lead to illnesses that damage the lungs such as bronchitis and pulmonary edema. [10]

Typically people who use inhalants will display some indicators. These include paint stains on the person, hidden/empty cans, chemical odors, and may overall appear drunk.