The humble spray cap has come a long way since its invention. Thanks to innovation and alterations graffiti artists are now making the cap their own
The invention of the spray can cap is attributed to a man named Edward Seymour. In 1949, Seymour patented the first spray can cap. Which was designed to fit onto a standard aerosol can and regulate the flow of paint being sprayed. Spray cap innovation couldn’t have happened without this first basic cap.
Before Seymour’s invention, aerosol cans were typically used to dispense insecticides or other chemicals rather than as a spray. Seymour’s cap allowed for a fine mist to be sprayed, which was useful for applications such as painting or hair styling.
Seymour’s design used a plastic insert with a small hole that would regulate the flow of the substance being sprayed. The insert was held in place by a metal ring that could be crimped onto the aerosol can.
Here are some of the most common types:
- Standard cap: This is the most basic type of spray can cap, with a medium spray pattern that is good for general purpose use.
- Skinny cap: This cap has a thin spray pattern that is good for fine detail work, such as outlining or highlighting.
- Fat cap: This cap has a wide spray pattern that is good for covering large areas quickly.
- NY Fat cap: This is a larger version of the fat cap, with an even wider spray pattern.
- Needle cap: This cap has a very narrow spray pattern, making it ideal for fine detail work such as stenciling or lettering.
- Astro cap: This cap has a star-shaped spray pattern that is good for creating textured effects.
- Rusto Fat cap: This is a variation of the fat cap that produces a softer spray pattern, making it good for blending colors.
- Universal cap: Is designed to fit on any standard aerosol can, making it versatile and easy to use.
These are just a few examples of the many different types of spray can caps that are available. Choosing the right cap for your project depends on the specific application and the desired spray pattern.
Different brands and where to find them
Graff City has a wide range of caps not to mention some other independant companies pushing spray cap innovation. Tiny Pink and Night Quill let you add additional control.
Innovation and experimentation
Modifying spray can caps is a popular practice among graffiti artists and other spray paint enthusiasts. Altering the shape or size of the spray pattern, artists can create unique effects and styles. These can’t be achieved with standard spray can caps.
Some common modifications that are made to spray can caps:
- Cutting: One of the simplest ways to modify a spray can cap is to cut it with a sharp knife or scissors. Trimming the nozzle or cutting slots into the side of the cap, artists can create custom spray patterns that are tailored to their specific needs.
- Stretching: Another common modification is to stretch the cap by pulling it with pliers or another tool. This can create a wider or more elongated spray pattern that is good for certain types of effects.
- Layering: Some artists will stack multiple caps together to create a more complex spray pattern. Cutting off the top of one cap and attaching it to the bottom of another cap using glue or tape.
- Dremeling: More advanced modifications involve using a Dremel or other rotary tool to carve or drill into the cap. This can create custom shapes and patterns that are unique to the artist.
- Combining: Finally, some artists will combine different types of spray can caps to create a hybrid cap that produces a unique spray pattern. This might involve cutting and stacking multiple caps, or simply swapping out the nozzle from one cap and attaching it to another.
