What to buy for a graffiti workshop

A graffiti workshop needs more than spray paint and blank panels. You will need enough protective clothing, floor covering and work surfaces for every participant, plus separate areas for painting and drying. Buy or gather materials early so paint, masks and gloves are not left until the last minute. This checklist also covers the small setup and catering items that are easy to overlook when you are focused on the artwork.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Party tentsqty 2

Workshop materials

Painting panelsqty 36
Easelsqty 12
Spray paintqty 120
Acrylic markersqty 36
Piping tipsqty 36
Stencil sheetsqty 30
Paint traysqty 12
Brushesqty 36
Buckets of waterqty 12
Mixing cupsqty 24

Protection

Apronsqty 36
Nitrile glovesqty 120
Dust masksqty 40
Safety gogglesqty 36
Earplugsqty 40
Hand sanitizer dispenserqty 2
Barrier tapeqty 4

Setup

Tarpsqty 12
Floor filmqty 6
Masking tapeqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 40
Information boardsqty 4

Catering equipment

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Serving traysqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Broomsqty 2
Dustpansqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Sponge clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sugar sachets - 1 box
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini rolls - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan one apron, pair of nitrile gloves and pair of safety goggles per participant, plus at least 10% extra for replacements or damaged items. Have dust masks ready before anyone enters the paint area.
Allow at least one painting panel or equivalent working surface per participant if everyone works at once. Bring extra stencil sheets, acrylic markers and mixing cups so participants are not waiting for shared materials.
Cover the entire floor with floor film or tarps and secure the edges with masking tape before setting up the paint station. Barrier tape is useful for keeping guests away from wet work and drying areas.
Provide one bucket of water and a clear set of paint trays and brushes for each active work zone, rather than relying on a single shared station. Keep the drying area separate from tables used for food or registration.
Prepare name badges, information boards and hand sanitiser before participants arrive. For catering, count one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per person, plus 10% spare serving capacity. Keep food chilled until serving time.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a graffiti workshop?: You need painting panels, spray paint, acrylic markers, stencil sheets, paint trays, brushes, water buckets and mixing cups. Add aprons, nitrile gloves, dust masks, safety goggles, tarps or floor film, masking tape and a separate drying area.
How much spray paint do I need per person for a graffiti workshop?: As a starting point, allow 2 to 4 spray paint cans per participant for a hands-on session, depending on panel size and how many colours are offered. Buy extra cans before the workshop rather than assuming one shared set will last.
How many protective items should I buy for a graffiti workshop?: Provide one apron, pair of nitrile gloves, dust mask and pair of safety goggles per participant, then add at least 10% spare. Check sizes and quantities when registrations close, no later than 2 to 3 days before the workshop.
What should I prepare the day before a graffiti workshop?: Sort the materials, prepare examples, label the work areas and check that the paint station, drying area and protective equipment are complete. Put floor protection and table coverings ready at least one day in advance so setup is not delayed.

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