What do you write?
KA

Tell us a little about yourself… How long you’ve been painting and who you’re down with etc.
Been doing this crap since 1983-84. Some of the crews I’m in are; TVT, 3F, BAD INC, SIC, BT, TSW, FTR & MTA.

What brands of paint did you use most frequently in the early years?
Well it was always Rust-Oleum to bomb, Woodsavers were the best! Krylon for the pieces… then came American Accents in 1991.

Are you a can collector?
I was, then one day I said what the hell am I doing? I think collecting paint got in the way of painting. Sold the heavy hitters and still looking to sell so much stuff that claims so much room in my spot. Contact me if you’re looking to buy!

Can you still find old paint stock in your area?
Oh hells yeah!!! I still have some spots on lock, the owner knows not to let anyone else in on the stash. I did the whole East Coast and out past Ohio when I was looking for vintage paint. Many miles, missions and Mapquest!

Any good racking stories?
Naah, I have that look to me that says; “Follow him!” So I took stuff, but no great stories.

Any favorite old paint stores?
The classic Mom & Pop spots. Can’t give out names ’cause some of those stores still have stuff. Best spot was in Ohio, PJ put me on to that… 1959s to 1983s, 50 cents a can! Thanks PJ!!!

Best discontinued paint, and why?
Woodsavers by Rust-Oleum went on sooooo thick – took and stood out on straight brick and cement walls! I feel it was the best paint ever made myself. I think the bootleg brand was Rollakoat, at 99 cents a can the Black and White were unbeatable.

Ever found some racked caps work good with certain paints?
Testors for thins, and this no-name stainless steel cleaner that I use to get at a hotel I worked at. Must have took 600 caps off in one hour once, perfect for Krylon ‘Ulra-Flat Black’ – Perfect even circle!

Worst paint ever award goes to?
Hmmm, sorry to say Rust-Oleum but I hate Painters Touch. I once beat the shit out of a can of that in Far Rockaway… Man that paint sucked!

What are some of your best painting experiences?
None now… Haaaaa! Back in the day, Freedom Tunnels starting at 72st, Franklin K. Lane, Piece Factory on Kent Ave, dead station spots, Graffiti Hall Of Fame and a few others. No certain day, I would say late 80s to 93. It was more like a period when graffiti was at its best for me.

How do you feel about the brands of Euro paint and their impact on the scene?
I love it… Belton, 94s… Won’t use Ironlak… They gave all these people free paint, I didn’t get any so fuck ‘em! Plus it smells and people are gonna find out that it’s killing people!

If you could choose a few cans to have on your shelf, what would they be?
Already got ‘em! I’ve had most every color and every year for Woodsavers, a 1967 metal top ‘Cascade Green’ and a 1962 Rust-Oleum ‘Fire Hydrant Red’, the first really old can that I found.

Any other comments?
Rest in peace; VE, Iz The Wiz, Stain 168 and all the others that have passed.

Dedicated to the Preservation of Spray

Cap Matches Color is focused on the collecting, preservation, and dissemination of spray paint culture. Its vintage spray paint focus covers topics from spray paint use, to spray paint acquisition, to the design of the spray can graphics themselves.

 

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