Wheatpasting

Wheatpasting is the art of applying posters to public surfaces using a paste made from wheat flour and water. This page provides resources for doing wheatpasting on your own (though, with friends is recommended).

If you would like to see any information provided here updated or improved,
please reach out to me directly.

Contents (click to navigate)

What You'll Need

Curious about wheatpasting? Here's a list of the materials you'll need to get started.

      Required
  • Wheat paste: Homemade or store-bought adhesive. Commonlly composed of just wheat flour and water
  • Paste Containers / Distributors:Any container that can hold your paste and/or apply it to the surface and posters you are pasting. Examples include buckets, coffee jars, large squeeze bottles, or even a bag with a spout
  • Brushes / Applicators: Large paint brushes, wallpaper brushes, paint rollers, or even window squeeges
  • Posters: Your (or someone else's) artwork printed on appropriate paper (newsprint, kraft paper, or similar thin, absorbent paper works best). Some print shops provide paper advertised as specially designed for wheatpasting, so do your research
  • A bag:To carry all the above. Portability is key. Even a canvas tote will do
      • Optional
  • Scraper: To remove old posters if needed
  • Drop cloth: To protect the ground while working
  • A friend: To help you with the pasting, and to act as a lookout
  • A cover: To establish an alibi or suppress suspicion from onlookers. See Tips and Safety for more information.

Design Your Own Poster

Have a cool idea for a poster? Here are some free software options where you can design your own poster.

Ideate, sketch it out, and then design it up. We'll talk about how to get your posters printed in the next section.

Paid professional software options are also available to you, and are only a google search away.

Where to Buy Wheatpaste

Here are some places to buy wheatpaste in NYC, either online or in person. Basically any hardware or paint store should carry some form of wheatpaste, either pre-mixed or in a dry mix

Here are some NYC print shops that specialize in mass-printing posters on appropriate paper:

Make Your Own Wheatpaste

Basic Wheatpaste Recipe

This is the latest recipe I've been using. I found it here. It's simple and effective.

There are many recipes on the web. Feel free to experiment with different ratios and mixing methods, but the ingredients are pretty much the same.

Ingredients (scale to your needs):

  • 1 part flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
  • 3 parts water
  • A handful of corn starch or white sugar (optional, helps with adhesion)

Instructions:

  1. Simmer one part WATER on the stove
  2. Add WHEAT FLOUR and remaining WATER to the simmering mix
  3. Stir thoroughly for approx. 3-5 minutes on Medium heat, until a bubble rises to the top. The mix is now "boiled"
  4. Once the paste is boiled, switch heat to low and cook it for at least 30 minutes, stirring constantly. Adjust mix as necessary (adding water or flour) to get consistency to that of vanilla pudding
  5. Over time, the mix should become thinner and more transparent
  6. Once at desired consistency, remove from heat and let cool completely, stirring every 3-5 minutes
  7. Once the paste has cooled down completely, you can add a handful or SUGAR or CORN STARCH to help with adhesion. Stir this additive in completely.

Note: Leftover paste can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

Basic Wheatpasting Technique

  1. Prepare: Make sure your wheatpaste is cool and at the right consistency. Give it a good mix before applying
  2. Clean: Remove loose debris from the surface you want to paste on
  3. Apply base paste: Use a brush to generously apply paste directly to the surface
  4. Position poster: Carefully place your poster and smooth it out from the center
  5. Cover with paste: Apply more paste over the top of the poster. Again, be generous
  6. Remove bubbles: Use a brush or squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles
  7. Let dry: Allow the paste to dry completely (usually 15-30 minutes)
  8. Celebrate: You did it. Keep going

Tips and Safety

  • Legal considerations: Always check local laws and regulations regarding wheatpasting
  • Property respect: Avoid private property and respect community spaces
  • Weather: Avoid pasting in rain or high humidity - wheatpaste needs to dry
  • Surface selection: Choose clean, smooth surfaces for best adhesion
  • Work quickly: Wheatpaste dries fast, so have everything ready before starting
  • Clean up: Bring a rag to clean up any spills or drips
  • Safety: Work in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings
  • Belong: Wherever you are, act like you're completely comfortable and natural pasting up posters. If you act like a criminal, shady and looking over your shoulder, you'll be treated like one. As long as you look like you belong doing what you're doing, no one else will think twice. To establish credibility, you may wear something as simple as a yellow safety vest or some lanyard around your neck with credentials.

If you would like to see any information provided here updated or improved, please reach out to me directly.