Rust-Oleum Launches Rust-O: A Spray Paint Line Made for Artists
Rust-Oleum Launches Rust-O: A Spray Paint Line Made for Artists
Rust-Oleum, a longtime favorite among graffiti artists, gathered L.A.’s street art community for an energetic evening celebrating the launch of Rust-O, the company’s latest line created specifically for artists. Attendees of the “Caps Off” event sampled the new paint and took it home before its official retail release.
Aerosol enthusiasts maintained high spirits as they watched a 90-minute spray paint competition featuring renowned artist Persue facing off against emerging talent George F. Baker III. Artists Emily Ding and Allison Bamcat provided support, creating a two-on-two battle at Secret Walls headquarters in Venice.
The launch, held at an industrial-style creative space with warehouse aesthetics, brought together the artistic community to celebrate creative innovation. Experienced taggers and beginners alike grabbed cans and transformed the formerly white walls of the venue’s outdoor patio. Within minutes, the space filled with bold streaks of color as artists created their own works.
Rust-O received feedback from a variety of artists throughout the line’s development. “We are not art experts at Rust-Oleum, we’re paint experts,” says Natalie Klemko, product manager at Rust-Oleum. “So throughout this entire process, from the can design, the names, the colors, the cap design, we worked with artists every step of the way.”
Persue, who has been part of the L.A. graffiti scene since the ’80s, expressed his excitement: “It’s a really exciting time because Rust-O has been a part of the movement for decades, but have never really played a part,” he says. “So, for them to step into this space shows them acknowledging what we’ve built through the decades, as a movement, and also help celebrate it and push the culture forward.”
Baker adds that while Rust-Oleum has been present in spray paint culture since the late ’60s and early ’70s when the movement gained momentum in major cities, the company primarily marketed to industrial and commercial consumers rather than graffiti artists. Over time, graffiti became nearly synonymous with spray paint.
