Commonly known as “marxist” glue, wheat paste is a biodegradable glue made from 3 simple ingredients: flour, water, and sugar. You may recognize it by another name: Papier-Mâché!

This glue is then used to adhere large rolls of printed paper to surfaces, such as buildings. As rolls of paper are assembled like a giant puzzle, a second layer of glue is brushed on top of the paper. This creates a resilient seal that holds the paper to the surface.

When it comes time to remove the mural, the wheat paste can be washed off with a pressure washer.

If there’s one question that always comes up - it’s this one. My answer is always the same - I don’t know!

Murals are intended to be ephemeral and generally last between 3-6 months. They are resistant (but not invulnerable) to severe weather and human tampering. The total duration for a mural is unpredictable. However, some murals have lasted more than 2 years!

The simple answer: because the murals are made from materials that will eventually deteriorate faster than other materials like paint or vinyl.

However, the ephemeral nature of wheat pasted murals have a number of upsides.

• Cheaper, faster, and more accessible to produce/install
• Generally are easier to get local/city approval
• Focus on current or time sensitive subjects
• Urgency to witness the mural before it disappears
• Deconstructs the idea that art must be “permanent”

Most important however is that wheat pasted murals invite members of the community to be an active part of mural construction. Anyone, of any skill level, can participate in the construction and installation.

Therefore, the mural becomes more than just a piece of public art; it is an opportunity for members of the public to create art in their community along side each other.

The longevity of wheat pasted murals generally depends on the surface the mural is glued to. Smooth surfaces such as concrete, brick, masonry, and painted surfaces work best. Glass and stucco are not preferred but usable. Rough surfaces like cut stone or uneven brick are not reliable.

Before any project, I will work with local organizers and property owners to assess the building surface and determine if it is a viable location.

Pricing depends on the size and cost of materials. This does not include costs for equipment such as a lift rental for larger installations.

Each project begins with a consultation with local organizers and officials on their vision and goals for the mural. I generally work with archival photographs or create my own photographs for the murals to ensure the highest image quality. Once drafts are agreed on, I then go through a formal proposal process with local authorities and zoning commissions. The whole process, depending on local requirements, can take anywhere from 1-3 months.