Small Tip, Big Impact
Graffiti is more than just spraying paint—it’s a form of expression rooted deeply in the culture of street art. Just like a brush in the hand of a painter, the spray cap at the top of your can shapes how your ideas hit the wall. The cap you choose directly affects your lines, fades, texture, and overall control. For any design-driven project, understanding cap types is key to unlocking your visual language.
What is a Cap?
A cap (or nozzle) is the plastic tip that snaps onto a spray can, controlling how the paint is released. While most cans come with a basic “stock cap,” seasoned writers and designers know that switching caps opens up an entire toolbox of creative possibilities. Different caps vary in line width, paint output, and spray pressure—details that matter when precision and finish are your priorities.
Which Cap for Which Project?
For Clean Lines and Detail: Skinny Caps
Skinny caps are perfect for outlines, thin strokes, and detail work. They allow for sharp control and minimal overspray—great when you need finesse, not just coverage. Ideal for lettering, graphic marks, or when you’re working close to the surface.
For Fills and Backgrounds: Fat Caps
Need to cover a large surface quickly? Fat caps are your go-to. They release more paint with a wider spray pattern—fast but aggressive. With fat caps, distance is everything: a bit too close, and you’ll get drips. A bit too far, and you’ll lose opacity. Mastering that sweet spot makes all the difference.
For Effects and Soft Blends: Special Caps
Soft caps, stencil caps, and specialty nozzles are perfect when you’re experimenting with textures, gradients, or fading transitions. They’re often used in mural work or when you want a less conventional finish.
Try, Test, Repeat
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to spray caps. The best way to learn is to try different caps on different surfaces and see what flows with your style. Whether you’re tagging a tunnel wall or creating an intricate mural, your cap is a silent partner in your street art journey.
