"The results of the project far exceeded our expectations. It was a highlight of the year for both the museum and the university, and the project has continued to have a ripple effect through our community."

-Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University

Get a Rainwork Made by the Professionals

Our team will work with you to make your vision come to life, handling all steps of the process: Design, Stencil Manufacturing, and Installation.

Rainworks staff are creative, easy to work with, and are dedicated in producing quality products. The City of Kirkland is extremely happy with the final creation of several large life-sized fish and the message “Nothing But Rain Down the Drain” that was installed on a busy sidewalk located near our Kirkland Transit Center.

-City of Kirkland

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do rainworks… work?

Concrete darkens when it gets wet. A superhydrophobic coating keeps surfaces from getting wet. By spraying our superhydrophobic coating through a stencil onto concrete, we create areas that will repel all water. The next time the surface gets wet, everything darkens except for where we sprayed, and the contrast between light (dry) concrete and dark (wet) concrete creates the image. Whenever it’s dry, the rainwork will be completely invisible. Rainworks can be made on any surface that darkens when wet, including concrete, wood, stone, and some fabrics.

For more details on how to create your own rainworks, check out our official tutorial page.

Are rainworks bad for the environment?

No! When developing this art form, it was important to us be rainworks are safe both for the environment and for the artists making them.

Invisible Spray 2.0 is a water-based formula with a hydrophobic ingredient that is safe for the environment!

The original Invisible Spray recipe was a solvent-based formula. When a rainwork was installed properly, the solvent evaporated away without ever entering the water system, leaving behind only non-toxic, environmentally safe, and biodegradable ingredients.

How long do rainworks last?

On average, a rainwork lasts 2 to 4 months. We have had them last up to a year under the right conditions. The longevity of a rainwork depends on the type of concrete, amount of foot traffic, cleanliness of surface during installation, etc. A rainwork is the most vivid during its first couple of weeks, then slowly becomes more subtle.

Do rainworks make the sidewalk more slippery?

No, rainworks retain the same texture as the surface they are installed on, both in their wet and dry state.

Do you accept purchase orders?

Yes, we accept purchase orders from government entities and educational institutions. To place a purchase order, send an email to contact@rain.works saying you would like to place a purchase order and include the following information:

- Organization name

- Billing Address

- Shipping Address

- Phone number

- Email

- Products & Quantities

- Desired shipping method (Standard, 2-day, or overnight)

We will respond with a quote or invoice that you can create a PO with!

Are rainworks legal?

According to a representative at the Seattle Department of Transportation, rainworks are legal on public sidewalks because they are temporary, don’t harm the property, and we don’t use them to advertise anything. See this article for the interview we are referencing. Basically, rainworks are classified the same way chalk art is. We recommend checking with your local government before making rainworks on public surfaces.

What product do you use, and where can I get it?

We use a special superhydrophobic coating called Invisible Spray.

Note from Peregrine: When I came up with the idea for rainworks, I experimented with a variety of superhydrophobic coatings until I helped develop a perfect formula for creating rain-activated art. I brought the idea to Kickstarter, and gained enough support through crowd-funding to set up distribution for this formula, now known as Invisible Spray! You can now order Invisible Spray here.

Do rainworks work in the snow?

Yes and no… A light snowfall will reveal a rainwork, but it only takes about an inch of snow to bury and hide it. To learn more about rainworks in the snow, check out this page!

Where can I find the MSDS?

The MSDS for Invisible Spray 2.0 can be found here.

The MSDS for the original Invisible Spray formula is available here.

Do you offer international shipping?

YES! We ship orders to creative people all over the world. Some international orders might require additional tax & duties fees. Customers are responsible for any additional tax and duties fees that might occur. For more questions about shipping, visit this page.

Rainwork Commissions

Let us make a rainwork for you!

If you want to enjoy the fun of rainworks, but would rather leave the work to the professionals, you can hire our team for a commission.

Examples:

Here are some of the commissions we've completed in the past:

"Orca Whale" commissioned by EcoDistrict CapHill

Commission by EcoDisctrict Cap Hill, 2022

"Earth, Raindrops, & Clouds" commissioned by EcoDistrict CapHill

"Only rain down the drain, the lake starts here" commissioned by City of Kirkland, WA

Commissioned by City of Kirkland, 2022

"Sea Monster" by Bellefield Office Park

"Welcome Home" commissioned by Quail Park of Lynnwood

"Fountain Poem" commissioned by Quail Park of Lynnwood

"Live, Laugh, Love" commissioned by Quail Park of Lynnwood

"Raindrop Peacock" commissioned by NBC Connecticut

"Today's Weather" commissioned by NBC Connecticut

"Will You Marry Me, Hazel?" commissioned by Robbie

"Dropscotch" commissioned by LOTT Science Center

"Butts" commissioned by LOTT Science Center

"Fish Swimming in Streams" commissioned by LOTT Science Center

"Ride On, C Creatures" commissioned by Seattle Department of Transportation

"Mandala" commissioned by Indiana University

 "The Story of Utah" commissioned by Kimball Art Center

Pricing / What's included?

We can bring your vision to life: from intimate family surprises, to large-scale attractions.

When you hire our team, we will help you bring your idea or concept into a set of high-quality, re-usable stencils. Our team will then travel to your location to install the artwork! And finally, we can help coordinate a fun reveal of the artwork! Photos & videos of the artwork & creation process are also available upon request.

Our team is happy to travel for rainwork commissions, as long as the travel expenses are covered. 

Pricing depends on the size & complexity of your request. Complete the form for a free quote.