Invented in 1949, spray paint is contained within a pressurized canister that uses aerosol technology to release a fine mist of paint. The paint is available in a variety of colors and finishes, including enamels, metallic colors, and both matte and gloss. It may be applied to a range of nonporous surfaces, such as concrete, wood, canvas, glass, or plastic. Spray paint gained popularity first in street art, due to its portability and ease of use. Many graffiti artists used spray paint to make art in public places, often “tagging” the work with a distinctive signature. Graffiti artists quickly realized that spray paint was highly conducive to using stencils, which could be taped to a wall and sprayed over to rapidly form complex and detailed designs. Anonymous British street artist Banksy gained international fame for his whimsical and often politically cutting stenciled spray paint murals.

As early as the 1960s, artists used spray paint to create works of art outside of the public sphere. Some artists value the medium for the uniform delivery of a mist of paint across a surface. Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has harnessed their characteristic to form mysterious grainy mists in her semi-abstract spray paint compositions. Contemporary artist Paul Barlow uses spray paint on stretched canvas to make vibrant compositions similar in form to Abstract Expressionist color field painting. Sigmar Polke used spray paint both with pencils and freehand in his work, lending a marked contrast to the two techniques. Other artists who work with spray paint include Elaina Sullivan, Cheyney Thompson, Shelby Hughes, and Jorge Pardo.