Rust-O™ Brings Big Energy and Bold Colors to the Street Art Scene

Rust-Oleum officially stepped into the art world with the launch of Rust-O™, their first spray paint line tailored specifically for artists and muralists.

Cover image: Ryan Hadji

To celebrate the debut, they threw an adrenaline-packed event at the Secret Walls headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. The night was a full-throttle tribute to creativity and collaboration, featuring an electrifying art battle between seasoned legend Persue and rising star George F. Baker III, aka GFB3.

The 90-minute head-to-head spray paint faceoff was the highlight of the evening. Persue, known for his iconic BunnyKitty universe and decades of influence on street and skateboard art, teamed up with artist Emily Ding.

On the other side of the wall was the energetic George F. Baker III, known for his playful, nostalgic designs, partnering with vibrantly talented artist Allison Bamcat.

With an enthusiastic crowd cheering them on, the duos had to conceptualize and execute their artwork under some serious time pressure. A decibel meter determined the winners of the fight based purely on audience energy, and in the end, George F. Baker III and Allison Bamcat took home the win.

The event wasn’t just about the competition, though. Attendees also got an exclusive hands-on experience with the newly launched Rust-O™ spray paints, and even snagged some limited-edition merch.

What Rust-O™ Means for Artists

Rust-O is the result of Rust-Oleum stepping into the art world with a clear purpose. Backed by over a century of innovation, the brand created this new product with artists in mind. The sprays are intended to amplify creative expression, giving muralists, street artists and creators the tools they need to bring their visions to life in bold, vibrant ways. Persue summed it up perfectly, saying:

“Spray paint is more than a tool—it’s a voice, a movement, and a legacy. Seeing Rust-Oleum step into the street art world with Rust-O is a game-changer.”

George F. Baker III echoed the sentiment, expressing how exciting it is to see a brand with such a longstanding history push into new creative spaces alongside the art community:

“Not many can bring 100 years of experience and history and still be willing to break new ground. It is an incredible honor to work with Rust-Oleum and walk with them into the realm of Street Art!”

Beyond the Launch: Spray It Forward

While the art battle stole the spotlight for the evening, Rust-Oleum used the event as a platform to announce the “Spray It Forward” mural program. Set to kick off in 2025, the initiative will support the creation of up to ten murals across the country, pairing artists and non-profits to transform community spaces into masterpieces.

Rust-O will supply the paint, ensuring these projects have the resources to empower voices and tell important stories through public art.

“Spray It Forward is about more than art. Through this initiative, Rust-Oleum is proud to empower communities to tell their stories and transform their spaces.”

Natalie Klemko, Product manager at Rust-Oleum.

A New Chapter for Urban Art

Beyond just a product debut, the Rust-O launch was a celebration of urban art’s vibrant culture and the artists who make it matter. From the thrill of seeing legends and up-and-comers go head-to-head to the promise of future artistic collaborations through Spray It Forward, the event marked the start of something much bigger for Rust-Oleum and the art scene alike.