Moss graffiti, also known as eco-graffiti, is a form of street art that replaces spray paint and other toxic chemicals with a natural paint made of moss. It can be used to decorate houses and other buildings.
To make moss paint, rinse a piece of moss and place it in a blender along with water and buttermilk or yogurt. Blend until smooth.
What kind of paint do I need?
Moss lawns can be beautiful additions to the landscape, but they don’t replace turfgrass. They thrive in shady areas and are resistant to the pests that attack turfgrass. They are low maintenance and don’t need irrigation, mowing or dethatching. They do best in acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5. Do a soil test to make sure the planting area meets these conditions. Before laying your moss, clear the area of weeds and debris, such as rocks and sticks. Then loosen the soil with a rake so that the moss has better contact with it.
Water the moss when it looks dry, but don’t soak it to the point of puddle formation. The moss should be green and look alive, but it may take up to four weeks to fully grow. Avoid mowing your moss too short, which can starve the plants of light and nutrients. If you have a lot of thatch and dead grass, rent a petrol scarifier or use a rotary mower to remove it.
How do I prepare the moss paint?
Moss graffiti, also known as green or eco-graffiti, replaces spray paint and other toxic chemicals with a brush and moss “paint” that can grow on its own. This is becoming a popular trend for artists and environmentally conscious individuals.
To make your own moss paint, gather some fresh moss (preferably one that can grow on vertical surfaces) and wash it well to remove any dirt or roots. Then, break up the clumps and put them in a blender with sugar, buttermilk or yogurt and water or beer. Blend to a smooth consistency.
Once the moss paint is mixed, apply it to your desired surface, using your brush in any pattern you desire. You can freehand words or shapes or use a stencil for a more precise look. Once your moss graffiti is painted, wait for it to dry and check on it once a week. You may need to mist it with water or add more moss paint depending on your climate and conditions.
How do I apply the moss paint?
Moss graffiti, also called eco-graffiti, replaces spray paint, paint-markers or other toxic chemicals with a paintbrush and moss “paint” that can grow on its own. It’s an exciting new trend in green art that can be applied to surfaces indoors and outdoors.
Mosses are non-flowering plants that reproduce through spores. They are able to grow on many different surfaces, including concrete, wood, brick and rock.
Once established, moss requires little in the way of care. It thrives in shady areas and will tolerate moderate foot traffic. It can even handle a little stomping!
If a lawn has excessive moss, regular mowing and liming the soil can help to reduce the problem. Iron-based moss controls are also available but should be used according to package instructions. Long-term control will involve changing the cultural conditions of the lawn to make it less hospitable to moss growth.
How do I remove the moss paint?
Moss can be used as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawn grass. It requires little watering after it is established and does not need to be mowed, saving on fossil fuels, pollution, and the time required to maintain a lawn. It can also help prevent soil erosion.
Mosses can grow in lawns that are not well maintained, but there are many ways to improve the growing conditions of your grass so it can outcompete the moss. For example, a soil test can determine whether the lawn needs lime to reduce the acidity, and if the ground is compacted, core aeration can relieve the compaction and make the soil more hospitable to grass growth.
In addition to making the lawn more hospitable for grass, regular weed control can be done by hand as needed to avoid damaging the moss. A light scarify with a rotary lawn mower can also help reduce thatch and runners (stolons) that can promote the spread of moss. If a moss control product is used, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.