Many pichadores (pichação painters) compete to paint in high and inaccessible places, using such techniques as free climbing and abseiling to reach the locations.

The main difference between graffiti and pichação is both the consenting nature and benevolent artistic expression of graffiti, whereas pichação is made as an act of vandalism without consent and to uglify a public space as a form of protest and social validation.

"[5] The practice is considered a form of protest against the city's unequal distribution of wealth and a way to draw attention to the plight of the poor and marginalized communities.

Although the lettering originally reflected the typography of eighties heavy metal record covers, the styles have evolved over time.

One example of this is the group Irreverentes, who tagged the internationally-known Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.