Graffiti, a form of artistic expression that has developed on streets around the world, has undergone significant evolution from the 1990s to the present day. Spray paint brands have played a crucial role in this evolution, providing artists with the tools they need to bring their creative visions to life. In this blog post, we'll explore how graffiti paint brands have changed over the decades, improving the quality, diversity, and accessibility of the products available to urban artists.
The 90s: The Birth of a Culture
During the 1990s, graffiti began to gain popularity as a legitimate form of street art. During this time, graffiti artists often used spray paints not specifically designed for street art. Brands like Krylon and Rust-Oleum, which were originally created for industrial and home applications, were adopted by graffiti artists due to their availability and affordability.
These early paintings presented some challenges. The color range was limited, and the quality of the paint wasn't always consistent. However, these difficulties didn't stop urban artists from leaving their mark on cities around the world. On the contrary, they fostered a creativity and adaptability that defined graffiti culture in its early days.
Early 2000s: Specialization and Innovation
As the popularity of graffiti grew, so did the demand for higher-quality products specifically designed for the art form. In the early 2000s, brands specializing in graffiti paint began to emerge. One of the pioneers in this field was Montana Colors, founded in Barcelona in 1994. Montana Colors dedicated itself to creating products that met the specific needs of graffiti artists, offering a wide range of colors, improved control, and greater durability.
Another brand that stood out during this era was Molotow. Known for its innovative valve system and highly concentrated pigments, Molotow revolutionized the way artists could work, allowing for more precise control and more vibrant colors.
2010s: Expansion and Diversification
The 2010s saw a significant expansion in the graffiti product offering, with more brands entering the market and diversifying their product lines. Montana Cans (of German origin, not to be confused with Montana Colors) became one of the leading brands, offering cans with different finishes (matte, gloss, metallic) and an adjustable valve system that allowed artists to precisely control the flow of paint.
Another brand that gained popularity was Ironlak, known for its focus on quality and accessibility. Ironlak focused on making high-quality products available to a wider audience, which helped foster the growth of graffiti culture globally.
During this decade, there was also a growing environmental awareness in the spray paint industry. Brands like Loop Colors began developing products with less toxic formulas and recyclable cans, responding to the ecological concerns of artists and the general public.
Current Events: Continuous Innovation and Technology
Today, the graffiti paint industry continues to evolve, driven by technological innovation and a deeper understanding of artists' needs. Brands like MTN (Montana Colors) and Molotow continue to lead the market, offering products that allow artists to take their work to new heights.
Technology has enabled the creation of aerosols with advanced features, such as fast drying, weather resistance, and adhesion to a variety of surfaces. Furthermore, the wide range of colors and special effects available today, including fluorescent, chrome, and pearlescent paints, offers artists a nearly unlimited palette for their creativity.
Access to information and the global graffiti community has also improved thanks to social media and online platforms. Artists can more easily share techniques, review products, and collaborate, leading to greater professionalization and recognition of graffiti as a respected art form.
From the 1990s to the present day, graffiti paint brands have come a long way. What began with the use of adapted industrial products has evolved into a specialized industry offering tools specifically designed to meet the needs of urban artists. With the continued advancement of technology and a growing global community, the future of graffiti and the tools available to artists looks brighter than ever. The evolution of these brands has not only facilitated the creation of more complex and lasting works but has also helped elevate the status of graffiti, transforming it from a marginal activity to a recognized and celebrated art form worldwide.
