GETTING aerosol paint cans is not as easy as it was, as concern becomes more widespread about graffiti and other illegal uses.

Most hardware retailers lock aerosol paint displays or store the cans behind counters after realising children usually buy - and sometime steal - them to get high. The extra security arrangements were implemented after increasing incidents of theft and solvent abuse.

For the past eight years, Bunnings stores throughout Australia have locked aerosol paint can shelves to lessen solvent abuse and graffiti.

Innaloo Bunnings complex manager Marilyn Green said aerosol paints and paint tins containing gold or silver paint were locked in a wire cage.

This meant people who wanted them had to ask a store attendant for assistance.

She said this usually weeded out people who did not want the paint for legitimate reasons.

"We can't stop selling aerosol paint if people have the money but we can make it harder for them to get their hands on it," Ms Green said.

"The fact that you have to ask for help to get the paint is a great deterrent."