How Do They Do It

How Do They Do It?

Taggers utilize a variety of methods to deface property besides the traditional spray paint. Special forms of paint, markers and even etching tools are used. While many of these devices have a legal and legitimate use in society, graffiti vandals have learned of their benefits when used in their criminal endeavors.

Many local laws prohibit the sale of these items to minors, many other laws prohibit their possession. However online sites, especially those that specifically cater to graffiti vandals, are an easy way to bypass those laws. Other items can be purchased by parents or older siblings or friends. Other times the items are shoplifted, adding to the overall effect graffiti has on society.

MAGTF has made a conscious effort to try and avoid posting pictures of graffiti from the Denver area on this site. MAGTF firmly believes that this form of publication only reinforces the notoriety that these criminals seek. However, some pictures are of Denver area incidents and are in no way reflecting any form of flattery toward the criminals who created the damage.

MARKERS
Paint markers, oil based paint sticks and refillable markers are some of the tools that Taggers and other vandals use in their crimes.

Oil based paint sticks

"Meanstreaks" or other oil based paint markers are a common graffiti tool. Each stick can be removed from it's holder and split laterally with a razor blade. Two pieces from separate markers can be placed back into a container and used to create a two-toned tag in an almost permanent oil based paint.

Large, permanent markers are always a vandal favorite.

"Ultra-Wide" markers are refillable and come in a variety of widths

Some companies cater their product directly to the graffiti market..

Standard/Common Paint Markers

ETCHING TOOLS

Common art supplies and tool bits can easily be concealed and used to etch graffiti into a multitude of surfaces.

LIQUID ETCHING

Special solvents used for etching into glass or stone can be used to destroy windows, metal surfaces and more

BRAKE FLUID

Yes, brake fluid! It is used to destroy paint on cars and etch into glass

SHOE POLISH

Very popular for tagging windows and any other smooth surface.

BODY SPRAYS

Special methods are used to fill many common household containers, such as cans of body spray, with paint or permanent inks.

STICKERS

Postal shipping labels, boat lettering and name tags are very popular for use as "slaps", or stickers that are easily concealed and quickly applied.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Even fire extinguishers can be refilled with paint and used to spray large lettering on buildings and other large areas.

PAINT ROLLERS

This method is very popular for creating large, thick letters with minimal effort.

SPRAY NOZZLES

Available online, at specialty shops or through magazine ads, specialized spray nozzles for aerosol cans are commonly used to create varying widths of line and spray effects.

STENCILS

Vandals use this form of "advertisement" to leave a quick, yet artistic image behind. Possession of these stencils alone may be illegal in many jurisdictions.

MAGNETS

Often stolen off the phone books left on your porch, magnets are custom painted and then placed on appropriate surfaces. Many vandals think this method of graffiti is not illegal.

SPRAY PAINT

Obviously, spray paint is the most common material used in graffiti. Certain manufacturers make and market custom paints specifically for the use in graffiti. Other manufacturers assist retailers in restricting the sale of their products to minors as well as increase the difficulty in stealing their products by providing free storage units for store displays.