How to Make Moss Graffiti

Moss graffiti, also called eco-graffiti or green graffiti, replaces spray paint, paint-markers or other such toxic chemicals and paints with a paintbrush and a moss "paint" that can grow on its own. As people become more eco-friendly and environmentally aware, the idea of making living, breathing graffiti has become a more green and creative outlet for graffiti artists. It can also be considered another form of guerrilla gardening.


Ingredients

One or two clumps (about a small handful) of moss
2 cups of buttermilk
You can also substitute with yogurt (vegan yogurt can be used)
2 cups of water
1/2 tsp. sugar
Corn syrup (optional)

Step 1:

1
Gather up as much moss as you can find or buy.

Step 2:

2
Wash the moss to get as much soil out of the roots as possible.

Step 3:

3

Break the moss apart into manageable pieces and place in blender.

Step 4:

4

Add the buttermilk/yogurt, water/beer and sugar.
Add the buttermilk/yogurt, water/beer and sugar.
Blend the mixture until completely smooth. You'll want it to have a paint-like texture.

If the mixture is at a consistency where you feel it will drip, add corn syrup until the consistency you desire is reached.

Step 5:

Use a paintbrush to apply the moss-paint to the surface on which you wish your design to grow.

Step 6:

If possible, check back weekly to either spray the design with water (to encourage moss growth, especially if you live in a dry environment) or apply more moss-paint.


Hossein Khorrami . Iran

Comments

[The_HandyMan]

How long does it take to grow one layer??

[KevinP345]

It can work.i use dried cow dung and water it down does much the same thing of stone statues set under trees so rain can do the rest. One application is all I give them and over three winters I have statues green with lichen (moss) some small ferns get into cracks in base and i leave them to mature. Tried every blessed thing but the manure time works if time is allowed

[hosseinkh]

a week For Start budding
take to grow one layer
  If the. Environment (Dark or Shadow. - wet - cool - and ...)
2-3 weeks

[Azzurro]

Isn't this against the rules of the site? Please post your OWN images of the result instead of "borrowing" some from other sites. This isn't an istructable, this is a copy of pinterest... PROVE it that it will work. I'm really interested in doing this, so some REAL instructable would help. Thanks.

[KickapooOtoe]

These guys say it doesnt work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMfwen84Wmo

[NecrochildK]

For one, he did the process in a flawed manner at a number of points. It's doable, you just won't get nearly the results depicted in most of the pin's or DIY's images. Those take a different method.

[Komadin]

I haven't tried this yet myself. (soon I will) But notice in the youtube video that they didn't separate the dirt from the moss which I'm pretty sure is one of the main reasons the end product came out the way it did.

[Noodlepie1002]

Could you make a moss wall inside your house?

[CeGarra]

Hey so I was wondering how one would go about planting moss in ones hair. This is the closest I was able to find to compare how to go about it.

[MaxxK1]

some of you might be having location problems. Rule #1 with moss. It grows where it likes to grow. They grow by spores broadcast by the wind. They land everywhere but only grow where the conditions are right. So don't try apply this method on walls, stones or trees in an area where you see no moss at all growing. Find an area where you already see some moss growing on the ground or wall. It can be just a small amount of moss which proves the location is probably ok for more moss.

[SantoshS4]

I used Indian Curd, 2 cups of Beer, 1/2 tsp. sugar and 2 handful moss. I am from Indian and it very hot here. I did the same as instructed but its now at all working. Even next day it was dry, i use water for keep it wet but it never grew. Kindly help me out where i am wrong now its totally dead and after 4 weeks there is no sign of moss.

[tammy schultz]

how long does the mixture last in a closed container? or do u have to use it all immediately?

[jramli]

how thick should i lather the concoction ?

[Fred Nava]

Hello Guys I decided to try this technique but I’m getting mould (2 days after applying to the surface). Please is it normal?. Thanks! Best regards, Fred. Brazil.

[The_HandyMan]

How long does it take to grow one layer??

[hammy123]

a week For Start budding
take to grow one layer
If the. Environment (Dark or Shadow. - wet - cool - and ...)
2-3 weeks

[hosseinkh]

you can testing in mixing part beer or vanila if you want realy... I dont testing ifyou can test and get me answer tnx

[Hobo613]

So when does the beer part come in...?

[sepehr1819]

very good!!

[cattibalistic]

Can you use vanilla yogurt, or should it be plain?