Written by Paul Worrall
I’ve already covered graffiti markers, but spray paint is a different tool entirely, and it’s genuinely not just “DIY spray paint in different colours” the way it might look on the shelf. Graffiti-specific paint is built differently, and the difference actually matters once you’re working at wall scale.
I’m Paul Worrall. I spent nearly a decade running digital marketing for ARTdiscount, one of the UK’s larger online art retailers, and I now run Discount Art Supplies — a price comparison platform used by over 41,000 UK artists every week.
Quick Picks
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What Actually Makes Graffiti Spray Paint Different
Three genuine differences from general DIY spray paint: interchangeable caps that let you control line width and flow rather than one fixed nozzle, significantly higher pigment concentration for proper coverage in a single pass, and a formula built to dry fast so you’re not waiting around on a wall. DIY spray paint will technically work, but the control and finish are noticeably worse once you’re doing anything beyond a quick tag.
Low Pressure vs High Pressure
This is the single most importent distinction to understand before buying. Low pressure paint — like MTN 94 or Montana Gold — gives finer control, favoured for detail work, blending and precise pieces. High pressure paint — like MTN Hardcore or Montana Black — covers large areas fast with a glossier finish, better suited to fills and bold tags where speed matters more than fine control. Most serious writers end up with both for different jobs.
MTN 94
Founded in Spain in 1994 specifically for graffiti writers, MTN 94 is Montana Colors’ low pressure line — matte finish, over 200 colours, and a genuinely soft, beginner-friendly valve that makes it a strong choice for detail work and fine control.
MTN Hardcore
The original high-pressure MTN line — glossy finish, fast coverage, and the go-to choice when speed and bold colour matter more than fine detail. Worth knowing MTN is a different company to Montana Cans below, despite the shared name.
Montana Gold
A separate German brand to MTN, Montana Cans’ Gold line runs low-to-medium pressure with 200+ colours, and is widely considered the best all-round choice for control and blending — the pick most independent reviewers reach for first.
Montana Black
Montana Cans’ high-pressure line, built for bold, fast coverage where speed matters more than fine control. Graffiti Gallery stocks the full Montana Cans range in the UK with fast dispatch.
Molotow
A German brand built around precision, with the Molotow Premium line offering 250+ shades genuinely aimed at artists who want reliability and fine control over flashy marketing. Consistantly recommended alongside Montana in independent comparisons.
Ironlak
A genuinely sensible starting point if you’re still learning basic can control — capable, matte-finish paint at a lower price than premium Montana or Molotow lines, without needing to invest heavily before you know what you actually prefer.
Loop
Another genuine budget option worth knowing about, offering a wide matte colour range at an entry-level price — good for building confidence with can control before stepping up to a premium brand.
FAQ
Can I use normal DIY spray paint for graffiti?
You can, but it’s genuinely not built for it. DIY spray paint has thinner pigment, a single spray pattern, and none of the interchangeable caps that let graffiti artists control line width and flow. It’ll work in a pinch, but the results and control are noticeably worse.
What’s the difference between low pressure and high pressure graffiti paint?
Low pressure paint gives finer control for detail work and fine lines, favoured for murals and precise pieces. High pressure paint covers large areas faster with a glossier finish, better suited to fills and bold tags where speed matters more than fine control.
What’s a good graffiti spray paint brand for beginners?
Ironlak and Loop are commonly recommended entry points — genuinely capable, budget-friendly options that let you learn the fundamentals of can control before investing in premium paint.
If you’re after markers rather than spray cans, my Best Graffiti Markers UK guide covers that side of things. At Discount Art Supplies we compare prices across all the major UK art retailers in real time, so you can find the best current deal before you buy.
