Rust-Oleum has been a staple in DIY projects, industrial coatings, and home improvement. But now, the century-old brand is making a bold move into the world of street art with Rust-O, a new spray paint line designed specifically for muralists and street artists. Created with direct input from artists, Rust-O promises high-performance control, rich pigmentation, and a fast-drying formula that meets the demands of large-scale outdoor work.
To test its capabilities in real time, Rust-O made its debut at a live street art battle, where renowned artist Dave Persue put the new formula to the test. From high-speed techniques to color vibrancy, Persue shares his first impressions of Rust-O in action. Meanwhile, Natalie Klemko, Product Manager at Rust-Oleum, breaks down what makes this line different and how the brand hopes to leave its mark on the street art community.
Dave Persue, Artist:
How was your experience using Rust-O for the first time in a live battle setting?
The Rust-o spray paint worked really well under the fast-paced battle conditions. It dried fast and was accurate switching out caps for a desired technique. That was easy with their updated universal valve system.
What do you look for in high-quality spray paint, and how does Rust-O compare?
I’ve been using spray paint to produce large scale artworks for the past 3 1/2 decades in comparison to what has been on the market. It delivers a fast controlled opaque fill to the surface so I’d say that it is in line with the latest technology in acrylic based artist spray paints.
How do events like this impact the visibility and recognition of street artists?
It was fun and also a little nerve-racking. It’s always great to create a fun and lighthearted environment to showcase the artist that put work in the community. This puts emphasis on the culture and its players it also bridges gaps between different social circles.
Do you see yourself incorporating Rust-O into your future projects?
I hope so. I like the paint. They make it a quality product. I dig the colors they dropped especially “Hint of Mint”.
Natalie Klemko, Product Manager at Rust-Oleum:
What inspired Rust-Oleum to create a spray paint line specifically for artists?
We’ve known for a while the artist community loves Rust-Oleum products; the colors, quality, can designs, history and nostalgia of the 100-year-old brand. We wanted to really embrace what artists love about Rust-Oleum and build a product specifically designed for them. It’s long overdue but we couldn’t be more excited to enter the art community.
How does Rust-O differ from other Rust-Oleum spray paints?
We’re excited about the continued love for classics like Stops Rust paint, but Rust-O is something entirely new. Designed specifically for artists, this innovative acrylic formula dries quickly, eliminates recoat windows and works perfectly with other mural paints. It’s also compatible with the diverse spray heads muralists rely on for precision and creativity. We chose a medium pressure for Rust-O to allow experienced artists to achieve a wide range of effects while still providing enough control for newer artists.
What kind of research or collaboration went into developing Rust-O?
What sets this line apart is the critical input and honest feedback from the muralists themselves. They asked, and we listened. While it did take several years to get to launch, we knew we wanted to get it right. Every decision has been guided by research, feedback, and a respect for the creative process, making this launch one of the most thoughtful and exciting efforts we’ve taken on.
How do you see Rust-O impacting the street art and muralist community?
Rust-Oleum roots run deep within the artist community. We’re eager to get involved with local artists, organizations and support projects on a grass roots level. We have launched a national “Spray It Forward” mural program which pairs the power of public art with the creativity of artists and non-profits. The program will help transform communities by supporting up to 10 murals across the U.S. in 2025, providing artists and organizations with the paint to bring bold visions to life. This program builds upon our legacy of giving back.
