What kind of paint do you use?
We use Oil Alkyd Industrial Enamel paint, also known as Oil Based paint. The first part is a fancy technical way of saying all-purpose enamel paint with a durable color pigment. Our paint is designed for interior and exterior use in extremely high traffic ares. It dries fast and allows for your facility to be back in use quickly. It’s chip and flake resistant, so go ahead… touch all you want. Oh, the high gloss makes it resistant to dirt too.
In some cases we use latex paint and other mediums. That varies from job to job.
How often do you have to do touch-ups?
In most cases, never.
Our work is extremely dependable so with the proper maintenance you won’t have to call us back… err… that is, until it’s time for your next mural, of course. 😇
High traffic areas may require minor touch-ups. Our paint is designed for touching but make sure to keep sporting equipment, cafeteria tables, cars, boats and other sharp things away from your mural. It’s worth preserving!
Are you the actual artist?
Yes. There’s two of us. Stacy and Stace.
Fun Fact: Mr. Stacy wants you, you, and especially you, to call him Mr. Stacy – not Mr. Ridgeway
Fun Fact: Stace spells his name with all caps… So it’s STACE. (Artists are allowed to be unique so… go with it.)
How long have you been painting?
Not that long. January 2020 makes 34 years.
Do you like painting with your son?
Yes!
You don’t find very many father and son teams who work together and get along. We have a great working relationship and a personal one as well.
Did you teach your son how to draw and paint?
No. STACE was born an artist. Mr. Stacy developed that talent and taught him discipline. That’s important with any talent.
How old were you when you started drawing and painting?
Mr. Stacy was in 4th grade when he started drawing. Mostly comics and drawing assignments in class.
STACE was drawing since the day he could hold a pencil.
Funny Story: Mr. Stacy used to work the counter at McDonald’s. While the parents ordered he used to draw the McDonald’s characters on the back of the tray liners for the kids. Eventually the word got around that there was a guy who would draw something for you if you stood in his line. Needless to say, Mr. Stacy’s line was always busy. His manager encouraged him to go to art school. Suny Purchase (Upstate New York). Mrs Stacy didn’t start painting until his 2nd year in college.
You came all the way to our school just to paint?
Yes. Believe it or not we’ll travel to every big city and small town just to paint your school. We LOVE traveling!
How many hours a day do you work?
Generally we work 16-18 hour days. The mural process is one that requires a specific amount of time each day so we can complete your project on time. Sometimes we may have to work overnight. While these cases are few and far between we’ll do whatever is necessary so we don’t tie up your facility for too long. Working these hours allows us to finish a mural with 3-4 days.
OMG! You guys have been here all day. Do you guys ever sleep?
No. We’re robots. Beep Bloop.
Do you have to draw a picture before you start painting?
Sometimes. Sketching is great because it allows us a different perspective before we attack the wall.
*We only ask one thing when it comes to our sketches – Don’t go soley by that. During the painting of your mural we may be inspired to change something. Let us be great so we can make you look even greater.
Can you teach me how to draw and paint?
Sure. Grab a pencil and a sheet of paper.
Do you get scared when you climb and paint?
At times it can be scary but we take all the necessary precautionary measures to ensure our safety and those around us. For the suits and ties out there – we’re also bonded and insured.
How do people find out about you?
Art galleries, social media, conferences and the classic, “word of mouth”.
Fun Fact: Our motto is “If you’re satisfied tell a friend, if not, tell me”
We still honor that today. Your satisfaction is at the very top of our list. We believe that great work deserves to be talked about!
Can I come and work for you?
Of course! Send us your resumé.
Do you really like eating the school lunches?
LOL! We’re not going to answer that!
Do you know how to walk a ladder?
Yes but we don’t suggest that you try it.