Graffiti Caps & Nibs: A Beginner's Guide

Caps control the width and shape of your spray line, and nibs do the same job for markers — but they're not universal. Each cap is designed for a specific can pressure and spray pattern, and each nib is sized for a specific marker body. Picking the wrong one means poor flow, splatter, or a cap that won't fit at all.

Spray paint caps: the basics

Caps are generally grouped by the line width and spray pattern they produce:

• Skinny/thin caps — narrow, precise lines for detail, outlines and tags.
• Fat caps — wide coverage for fills and backgrounds, fastest way to cover large areas.
• Calligraphy caps — angled, flat spray for calligraphy-style lettering and handstyles.
• Standard/universal caps — a mid-width, all-purpose line for general use.

Compatibility depends on the can: high-pressure paints like Montana Black need caps rated for high pressure, while medium/low-pressure paints like Montana Gold and MTN 94 generally use their own dedicated cap range. Mixing the wrong pressure rating with the wrong can is the most common cause of splatter and inconsistent lines. Every cap product page on our site lists which cans/brands it's compatible with — check this before you buy, or ask us if you're not sure. See our spray paint brand comparison for more on each brand's pressure.

Marker nibs: the basics

Marker nibs are matched to the marker body and ink system, not interchangeable across brands. A few common types:

• Bullet/round nibs — standard all-purpose tip for everyday tagging and writing.
• Chisel nibs — flat, angled tip for bold, calligraphy-style lettering.
• Brush nibs — flexible tip for fine, expressive linework.

Molotow, Grog and Krink each use their own nib sizing and thread/fit, so a nib bought for one brand's marker generally won't fit another's. Check the compatible marker models listed on each nib's product page.

Quick buying tips

• New to graffiti? Start with a standard/universal cap and a bullet nib — both are the most forgiving to learn on.
• Match cap pressure rating to your can — don't assume a cap that works on one brand will work the same on another.
• Buy a few cap types together if you're experimenting — skinny, fat and calligraphy give you the full range of line styles.

Browse the full range in our Caps & Nibs collection, or see our FAQs for more buying guidance.