Wheatpasting 101: A Beginner's Guide
Wheatpasting is a widely used technique in street art for posting up flyers, posters, and large-scale artwork in public spaces. It’s a straightforward, affordable, and impactful way to share your creativity and messages with the world. Many iconic street artists, such as Shepard Fairey (creator of the famous Obey Giant posters), Swoon (known for her intricate life-sized cut-outs), and FAILE (a Brooklyn-based duo known for their vibrant, collage-style street art), have used wheatpasting to reach wide audiences. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the basic techniques of wheatpasting.
Why Wheatpaste?
Unleash Your Creativity Without Breaking the Bank: Wheatpasting is a budget-friendly way to create high-impact art on a large scale. The materials are cheap, yet the visibility and potential for artistic expression are enormous.
Quick, Efficient, and Versatile: Once your paste is ready, wheatpasting allows you to quickly install your art on public surfaces. It’s ideal for artists who want to cover a wide area in a short amount of time, creating installations that can evolve with the urban landscape.
Accessible for All Levels: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, wheatpasting is an accessible medium. With just a few basic tools and a simple recipe, you can create public displays without the need for expensive materials or advanced techniques.
Temporary but Durable: Wheatpaste is designed to last, holding up for weeks, months or even years, yet it’s still easy to remove when needed. This makes it perfect for temporary installations or art that blends into the ever-changing cityscape.
Materials You'll Need
Art on Paper: You need to have newsprint or similar thin paper is an ideal option. Ideally you are looking for a paper that can become fully saturated by the glue and become one with the wall.
Paste: There are a few options for glue which we will get into later. Whether it's homemade or store bought - it's a critical piece of the puzzle.
Container: This will decide on your mission. If you're going big you'll need a bigger bucket to hold kore glue. If you are just hitting a few smaller spots something's like a squirt bottle or water bottle can do the job.
Brush: Use a paintbrush or roller to apply the paste. If you are trying to go high, you'll need an extender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Grab Your Paste & Posters
Whip up a batch of paste with a homemade recipe (instruciton below) or pre-made powder. You could also go the route of grabbing a gallon of Roman Pro-543 from your local hardware store.
Prepare Your Artwork: If you are looking to hit a specific spot, measure ahead to ensure your poster will fit perfectly. For large pieces, fold or roll them for easier handling during your pasting mission.
2. Choose Your Surface
Smooth & Clean: Look for smooth, clean surfaces such as walls, windows, or billboards. Avoid rough or overly dirty surfaces that might cause the paste to fail.
Be Aware & Respectful: Wheatpasting is often viewed as vandalism, so research local laws and be mindful of the spaces you choose. Respect the community and avoid pasting over other people’s artwork.
3. Apply the Paste
Application: Use your brush or roller to apply a generous amount of paste to the wall. The process is glue > paper > glue. The first coat is to get the poster to stick to the wall, the second coat over the poster is to give it a weatherproof seal. Don't be afraid to get messy! Make sure every part of the artwork, especially the edges, is covered with paste to prevent peeling.
4. Admire Your Work & Bounce
You Did It: You have officially wheatpasted your poster and it’s time to leave the scene.
Budget-Friendly, Mid-Range, & High-End Options
Budget-Friendly
DIY Paste: Your homemade paste made from wheat flour and water is cheap, effective, and easy to make. (Note: this can go bad if you don’t use it all and let is sit around)
Ratio: Mix 1 cup of wheat flour with 3 cups of warm water in your container.
Mix: Stir the mixture until smooth, eliminating all lumps.
Rest: Let the paste sit for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the gluten to break down.
Adjust Consistency: If your paste is too thick, slowly add water until you reach the right texture.
Free or Low-Cost Materials: Look for paper at thrift stores or recycling centers, or repurpose old posters and flyers.
Mid-Range
Wheatpaste Powder: Buy pre-made wheat wallpaper paste powder like Roman Original TEKNAbond Multi-Purpose Wall Size / Adhesive or Golden Harvest Universal Wheat Wallpaper Paste for convenience and a smoother consistency. All you need to do is add water, stir, and wait for it to thicken up in a few minutes. Pro tip: You can make the whole pouch or only as much as you need at a time. Note: Unused paste will separate overtime and go bad.
Recycled Materials: For a sustainable approach, use recycled or eco-friendly paper. It’s easy to find and works just as well.
High-End
Professional Paste: Use professional-grade store-bought pastes like Roman Pro-543 Universal Wallpaper & Border Adhesive or Earl Lube Paste for a reliable, durable bond, ideal for more permanent installations. These options not only ensure longevity but also simplify the application process with consistent, high-quality results. Note: Unused paste will last for an extremely long time.
Premium Materials: Invest in high-quality full-color printing and weather-resistant paper to ensure your artwork stands the test of time, especially for large-scale projects. Opting for UV-resistant inks can further protect your designs from fading and damage caused by the elements.
Tips for Success
Weather Awareness: Try to avoid pasting on rainy or windy days. Rain can wash away the paste before it dries, and wind can make application difficult.
Surface Preparation: Clean the surface to remove any loose material or paper that might interfere with adhesion. A clean surface is key to a longer-lasting paste-up.
Paste Consistency: Too thick and the paste might be hard to spread; too thin and it may not hold. Adjust your paste consistency based on the poster size and weather conditions. Experiment with small batches to find your ideal mixture.
Avoid Tearing: Wet paper can tear easily. Be gentle when handling your pasted paper to avoid rips.
Artwork Protection: For added durability, consider using a clear sealant or varnish once the paste is dry, especially if you want your piece to withstand the elements longer.
Ethical Street Art: Paste Responsibly
Wheatpasting can have a significant impact, but it’s important to respect the spaces and communities where you work. Make sure you’re pasting in legal or tolerated areas and avoid vandalizing private property or pasting over other artists’ work. Research local laws and always be mindful of the message you’re sending through your art.
Wheatpasting is not only a powerful tool for street artists to share their messages but also an eco-friendly, accessible, and affordable way to make an impact in public spaces. With just a bit of flour, water, and creativity, you can transform urban landscapes and engage your audience in unique ways.
