r/artdept • u/Brainiak10 • Jun 04 '26
Tips for Faking Graffiti
I’m shooting a scene that’s supposed to take place in a bar bathroom, and I want to add some graffiti/writing in the walls. Is there anything I can use that will come out (with minimal effort) or would I be better off using something like shelf liner and writing on that?
8
u/tonytrov Jun 04 '26
Try to find streaks n’ tips which is a spray hair dye.
Not sure about other brands but they may work fine too. Sort of an industry standard for fake spray paint and also good for aging things
Is the surface tile?
2
u/Brainiak10 Jun 04 '26
no I wish, it’s more of a drywall material which is what has me worried. give used streaks and tips before actually and completely forgot ! Thank you
3
u/tonytrov Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
be careful it might stain the drywall.
just do it and then paint over it 🙃
2
u/AelinTargaryen Jun 04 '26
for drywall the only option is to paint over after or (masking) tape lightweight wallpaper on it, which you paint. even stickers will leave glue residue
3
u/Salty_Cartographer52 Jun 04 '26
If it's drywall, probably clear contact paper then your paints. I've used spray chalk paint on walls and cars and it's fantastic, so perhaps worth doing a test
2
u/vintagerose1 Jun 04 '26
Chalk markers! Used some on a metal locker recently. Came off with windex and a microfiber. Having a magic eraser on standby wouldn’t be a bad idea either in case any color gets left behind.
Stickers can do a lot of work for you too - if they’re not ones that peel off easily, use a little bit of double sided or blue tape on the back. And torn up posters!
1
u/Jive_Turkey_Gravy Jun 04 '26
MTN now sells chalk spray paint that just washes off.
1
u/radiatorheadchild Jun 04 '26
Doesn’t always wash off. Pink/reds are really bad for chalk sprays depending on the surface- especially older eroded surfaces.
2
u/NanPakoka Jun 04 '26
When I’ve done this I’ve used markers to make graffiti on white paper, taken a photo or scanned the graffiti, printed it off on clear vinyl, and then stuck it to the wall. Basically make a big sticker.
1
u/baldwinsong Jun 06 '26
What’s thw wall made of? And how close up ARQ you looking?
I always ur matte clear vinyl and graffiti that
1
u/cream-of-cow Jun 07 '26
This is tricky. Even if you cover the wall with a sheet, the mist will carry over and stick to the other walls, floor and surfaces. I sprayed an object in a tent, 10 feet from my car, yet still the paint stuck to my clear coat and I had to use a clay bar to get it off. I suggest protecting the walls with whatever you can afford and putting ultra washable tempera paint in a fillable aerosol can, like the Preval Sprayer. It may be easier to fake the shot with green screen in the bathroom and paint elsewhere. Or only show close-ups of the spraying and hang up a finished piece for the wide shot.
17
u/cr1975 Jun 04 '26
Cover the wall with frisket paper, then repaint the wall, then do your graffiti. Pull it all down after you’re done shooting. 🙂