Line-up of MTN Hardcore and MTN 94 spray paint cans – comparing high-pressure and low-pressure graffiti paints

MTN 94 vs MTN Hardcore – Which One’s Right for You?

When it comes to graffiti spray paint, Montana Colors (MTN) has two superstar lines that writers in the UK swear by: MTN 94 and MTN Hardcore. If you’ve browsed spray paint for murals or bombing, you’ve likely encountered these names. Both are high-quality aerosol paints from the same company, but they’re built for different preferences. So, MTN 94 vs MTN Hardcore – which one’s right for you? In this post, we’ll compare the two head-to-head, looking at their pressure, finish, colour selection, and ideal uses, to help you make an informed choice for your next piece.

MTN 94: Low-Pressure Precision

MTN 94 (named after 1994, the year Montana Colors was founded in Barcelona) is beloved for its control and versatility. Here’s what sets MTN 94 apart:

  • Low Pressure: MTN 94 cans are extremely low pressure, meaning the paint comes out slower and smoother. This gives you excellent can control, allowing for finer lines and minimal drips. Beginners find it user-friendly, and experienced muralists use it for detailed work and soft colour blending.

  • Matte Finish: 94 leaves a matte finish on the wall. The colours dry flat with no shine. This is great for artists who want to avoid glare and have a consistent look, especially on murals or street art pieces meant to be viewed in daylight.

  • Huge Colour Range: The MTN 94 line boasts a massive palette (over 200 colours). It includes everything from vibrant primaries to soft pastels and unique hues. If you need a very specific colour for a character or background, 94 likely has it.

  • Fast Drying, No Drips: The paint in 94 is formulated to dry quickly. Combined with the low pressure, this means fewer drips and runs. You can layer colours after a short wait without them bleeding into each other.

  • Best Uses: Because of its precision, MTN 94 is ideal for intricate pieces, characters, and mural work. Street artists doing legal walls or commissioned murals often prefer 94. It's also a top choice for beginners practicing in a blackbook or on a wall, since it’s forgiving with drips.

In short, MTN 94 is all about finesse and control. If you like to take your time to perfect details and want your paint to go exactly where you aim, 94 is your friend.

MTN Hardcore: High-Pressure Power

MTN Hardcore is the original classic line from Montana Colors (introduced in the mid-1990s), and it’s known for bold impact and speed. Key characteristics of Hardcore:

  • Higher Pressure: Hardcore cans are high-pressure, which means paint comes out faster and with more force. This makes Hardcore excellent for quick fill-ins and thick lines. You can cover large areas very fast with these cans – a big plus for bombing or any situation where time is of the essence.

  • Gloss Finish: Unlike the matte 94, Hardcore paint dries to a lustrous gloss finish. The colours look glossy and vibrant once dry. This glossy look can make colours appear more saturated and “pop” off the surface, which is great for making your graffiti stand out.

  • Intense Colours (Slightly Smaller Palette): Hardcore’s colour range is also wide, but around roughly 100+ colours (about half of 94’s range). The focus is on extremely bright, intense pigments – think electric blues, fiery reds, neon pinks. Hardcore colours are formulated to be high-impact and eye-catching. You might not get the subtle pastels like 94, but you get loud, classic graffiti tones that jump off the wall.

  • Fast Coverage & Quick Dry: Hardcore not only lays down paint quickly due to pressure, it also dries very fast. This fast-dry means you can do a fill and outline almost back-to-back without worrying about paint running – perfect for those “get in and get out” missions or layering multiple colours swiftly.

  • Best Uses: MTN Hardcore shines for bombing, throw-ups, and large solid fills. If you’re doing a trackside or a rooftop and need to spray your outline and fill fast before moving on, Hardcore’s your go-to. It’s also loved for outlines in pieces where you want a bold, glossy edge. Some artists also enjoy the higher pressure for hardstyle's/tags with fat caps, because you can get juicy lines on a large scale.

In essence, Hardcore is about speed and vibrancy. If you’re the type who wants to make a bold statement quickly, with colours that gleam, Hardcore was made for you.

Head-to-Head: 94 vs Hardcore

Both MTN 94 and Hardcore are quality paints, and they’re actually quite complementary. Here’s a quick comparison to summarize:

  • Pressure: 94 is low-pressure (more control, slower output), Hardcore is high-pressure (less control needed for fast coverage).

  • Finish: 94 is matte; Hardcore is glossy.

  • Colours: 94 offers more colours (including pastel and off-beat tones). Hardcore offers a bit over 100 colours, focusing on bright, classic graffiti colours.

  • Output Speed: 94 can still cover large areas but might require a fat cap to speed it up; Hardcore is built to spray a lot of paint quickly even with the stock cap.

  • Application: 94 excels at details, smooth colour transitions, and situations where precision matters. Hardcore excels at bold lines, quick fills, and situations where speed is key.

  • Control: With 94, you’ll find it easier to cut sharp lines and avoid overspray, which is why muralists love it. With Hardcore, you might need a steadier hand to avoid flares or drips, but you can also swap to a skinny cap if you want more control from a Hardcore can.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between MTN 94 and MTN Hardcore ultimately comes down to your project and personal style:

  • If you’re a beginner or detail-oriented artist: Start with MTN 94. Its forgiving nature (fewer drips, slower flow) will help you learn can control and achieve cleaner lines. The huge color selection is a bonus for creative experimentation.

  • If you’re a bomber or need speed: Grab MTN Hardcore. When you have a big wall to cover or need to work quickly (legally or illegally), Hardcore’s high pressure and quick coverage are clutch. The gloss finish also gives that classic street look that pops.

  • For outlines vs fills: Some writers outline with 94 (for cleaner, thinner lines) and fill with Hardcore (for speedy fills). Others do the opposite: fill with matte colours from 94 and outline with a glossy Hardcore black for contrast. You can mix and match – the paints are compatible and can be used together without issues.

  • Conditions matter: In colder weather, high-pressure cans like Hardcore can help push paint out, whereas low-pressure cans like 94 can sometimes feel a bit sluggish (though MTN 94 performs quite well year-round). In hot weather, low pressure might give you more control if paint is flowing too fast from high-pressure cans.

Remember, there’s no rule that says you can only choose one line. Many graffiti artists keep both 94 and Hardcore in their kit, using each when it plays to its strengths. Montana Colors designed them as complementary lines – 94 for precision and Hardcore for power.

Conclusion

Whether you go with MTN 94’s smooth control or MTN Hardcore’s raw power, you’re getting top-tier paint that’s been tried and tested on walls all over the world. If possible, try out a couple cans of each to see which feels right for you. You might find you prefer the buttery flow of 94 for your detail work, or maybe the fast action of Hardcore suits your vibe better. The good news is you can’t really go wrong – both lines are available at Paintbox and have proven their worth in the graffiti scene. Ultimately, MTN 94 vs MTN Hardcore isn’t a battle with a single winner; it’s about picking the right tool for the job. And if you master both, you’ll be prepared for any style or scenario the streets (or studios) throw at you.

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