Wheatpaste Posters: From Bands to Brands

Wheatpaste posters are to visual communication what vinyl is to music. Raw, pure, analog, and undeniably timeless. And, like vinyl, maybe even collectible. Want proof? Check out Shepard Fairey’s Obey the Giant.

Street art is part of the urban landscape’s unique visual tapestry. We’ve seen this visual stimulation gracing the sides of buildings, trash cans, and construction sites throughout the skyscraper maze we call the concrete jungle. 

But it’s no longer just for punk rock shows, album releases, circuses, and political activations. Now, sophisticated automotive brands, footwear, cosmetics, active sportswear, and eyewear are making a splash on the streets.

Wheatpaste Roots

Wheatpaste, also known as “paste” or “pasting,” dates back to ancient times when similar mixtures were used for bookbinding and other adhesive needs. Pasting later gained popularity in the craft world at home. Remember paper-mache?

Its evolution into a street art staple began in the mid-20th century. Initially, it was used for public messaging and advertisement purposes—think of it as an early form of today’s billboards. However, pasting has long been the street hustler’s secret weapon. Activists and subculture pioneers have been slapping up their propaganda and art with it for decades.

They’ve been in on the game since the 1800s, with circus promoters turning paste and posters into a full-blown culture of their own. Back in the 1890s, nightlife advertising took it to the next level when Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters became such hot property that people started sharing tips on how to peel them off walls without wrecking them. Paste isn’t just glue—it’s history, rebellion, and a canvas for culture. As well as branding.Falconboard. Stronger. Flatter. Greener. Better

Creating Wheatpaste Art

The process is relatively straightforward for those interested in creating wheatpaste posters themselves. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flour

• Water

• Sugar (optional for extra stickiness)

• Large pot and stove

• Mixing spoon

• Paintbrush or roller

• Printed or hand-drawn poster

Mixing the Paste: Combine equal parts flour and water in a pot and heat while stirring until the mixture thickens. For added adhesion, some artists add a bit of sugar.

Preparing the Poster: Print or draw your design on paper. Thinner paper works best for adhering to surfaces.

Application: Choose a suitable surface, often a brick or concrete wall. Use a brush or roller to apply the paste generously to the surface. Carefully position your poster and smooth it out, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Apply another layer of paste over the poster to secure it.

Impact and Legality

Wheatpaste posters have a significant cultural impact, adding vibrancy and character to urban landscapes. They provide artists with a voice in public spaces, often challenging viewers to engage with social, political, or purely artistic messages.

In the U.S. and Canada, this underground hustle goes by “wheatpasting” or “poster bombing,” & even if you’re swapping out the old-school wheat paste for commercial wallpaper glue. Across the pond in the U.K., the pros call it “flyposting” but when it’s tied to urban art, it’s all about the ”paste-up” game.

The legality of wheatpaste posters varies by location. While some cities may tolerate or even celebrate street art, others have strict regulations against unauthorized postings. Artists must be aware of these legal considerations and seek permission to avoid potential fines or removal of their work.

The Power of Paste: Strategic Street Smarts for Creative Marketing Campaigns

Despite the rise of digital media, wheatpaste posters offer unique opportunities for impactful, cost-effective advertising in urban environments in a technologically advanced, digital world that’s hard to avoid. Pasting is bold, graphic, and has a “back-to-basics” vibe. Consumers appreciate that. This is where the “visual analog” metaphor comes into play.

Creative marketers can leverage these attributes to create buzz-worthy campaigns that stand out in the cluttered advertising landscape. Consider how a well-placed series of wheatpaste posters can transform a typical marketing campaign into a public conversation starter.

Stick It with Bigger Dot

There’s a reason why more brands of all sizes are leveraging pasting as part of their media mix: It works. If pasting and poster art pique your interest, contact us. Whether you’re an artist wanting to make a statement or a brand about to roll out, Bigger Dot is the glue that binds your concept from scratch to the street.