Behind the Art: My Graffiti Process
It’s not just paint on a wall. See how I use professional-grade cans, custom nozzle work, and layering to make sure every tag, mural, or ride stands the test of Mumbai’s weather.
A satisfying close-up of me spraying a vibrant, fluorescent green. This is the kind of energy and color I love to pack into my work, using high-quality spray paints to get that perfect finish.
Watch the process of filling in a piece with a smooth layer of purple paint. Can control is everything in graffiti, and this video gives you a first-person view of how I lay down color.
A macro shot of a used spray can nozzle, covered in the history of past projects. Every artist has their favorite tools, and these caps are essential for creating different line widths and effects in my graffiti art.
About Behind The Art
Getting that crisp line on a brick wall or a smooth blend on a shutter isn't just about the paint. It’s about choosing the right nozzle for the texture and layering coats to survive the Mumbai humidity. Whether I'm working on your cafe shutter or a feature wall, I use low-pressure Montana cans to keep the overspray down and the details sharp, followed by a UV-resistant varnish so the colors stay loud for years.
From Can to Surface
People see the finished mural and think it’s just spray and pray. It starts long before the cans come out. If I’m painting a brick wall, I need to account for the porosity of the surface. If it’s metal, I need specific primers to make sure the paint bonds. It is technical work that requires reading the surface before I even uncap a can.
The Gear
I swear by imported Montana Gold and Flame Blue. These aren't hardware store paints. They offer high-pigment density and pressure control, letting me do fine character work without everything turning into a blob. Using the right caps is how I get those tight edges versus the wide, soft fills for backgrounds.
Durability in Mumbai
The secret to making art last here isn't just the paint; it's the protective layer. I finish everything with a high-grade matte or satin varnish. This makes the surface wipeable and protects the pigment from sun bleaching and our monsoon rains.
The Workflow
Whether it's a small interior wall or a large commercial shutter, I build in time for digital mockups. This way, you see exactly how the colors interact with your furniture or brand logo before I pick up a single can. We get the design sorted, I do the prep work to protect your space, and then we get to the fun part.
Mel's Make
I’m Mel, and painting is my way of making the world a little less boring. I don't just spray; I obsess over the blend, the lines, and how the art lives in your space.
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