Spray Paint Caps Explained: Skinny vs Fat
Quick answer: Skinny caps spray a thin, sharp line for outlines and details. Fat caps spray a wide pattern for fast fills. Soft caps give a wide but gentle spray for fades, and calligraphy caps make flat lines that change width with the angle. Most writers use skinny caps for outlines and fat caps for fills.
The cap on a spray can matters as much as the paint inside. Swap caps and the same can goes from fine line work to covering a wall fast.
The main cap types
- Skinny caps: narrow, sharp spray. Used for outlines, tags and details.
- Fat caps: wide spray with lots of paint. Used for fills and big letters.
- Soft caps: wide but soft-edged. Good for fades and backgrounds.
- Calligraphy caps: spray a flat line that is thin or thick depending on how you turn the can.
Line width depends on distance too
The closer the can is to the wall, the thinner and more intense the line, and the more likely it is to drip. Move the can faster when you are close. Pull back for softer, wider coverage.
Which cap for which job
| Job | Cap |
|---|---|
| Fill | Fat or soft |
| Outline | Skinny |
| Fades | Soft |
| Tags and lettering | Skinny or calligraphy |
Care tips
After painting, turn the can upside down and spray until the cap runs clear, so paint does not dry inside. Keep spare caps; they are cheap and clog easily.
Plan before you paint
Only paint where you have permission, such as legal walls or your own boards. Planning the design first saves paint, so sketch it in the graffiti generator and check the palette in graffiti color schemes.