FROM ZERO TO HERO Since 1959
FROM FAMILY BUSINESS
TO GLOBAL PLAYERS
The story of MOLOTOW is a story of determination: it all began in 1959 with the founding of “Farben Feuerstein” by Wilhelm Feuerstein – a company specializing in the world of paints and coatings, without knowing it would lay the foundation for a global brand. Wilhelm’s son, Jürgen Feuerstein, took over the business and brought a new vision and philosophy that would soon revolutionize the graffiti and art world.
From an early age, Jürgen Feuerstein learned the craft of working with paints. In the late 70s, he also discovered his personal passion as a DJ and fan of American muscle cars. It didn’t take long for him to introduce car parts into the family business, which also changed the clientele. When graffiti came from America to Germany in the early 80s, the connection to the scene was quickly made. A key moment for Jürgen was when he realized that there was a lack of specialized spray cans for graffiti artists. This changed in 1996 with the launch of the first graffiti-optimized spray can, “COVERSALL.”
Jürgen set out to find the perfect spray can. After numerous experiments and countless tests, he finally developed the world’s first spray can without mixing balls in 1998, in collaboration with a producer – the BURNER Chrome.
After this first milestone, Jürgen didn’t waste much time. Just a year later, he launched another spray can, which to this day is considered the first true graffiti spray can and is referred to as the reference spray can number 1 by graffiti artists and graffiti muralists:
Less spray mist, more precise lines, and greater coverage – the MOLOTOW PREMIUM was born. With this innovation, MOLOTOW established itself as a pioneer in the industry and laid the foundation for a new era of urban art, which soon made its way into galleries.
In 2004, the K31 Gallery hosted the first pure graffiti exhibition in Germany. This marked the beginning of a development in which graffiti transformed from vandalism into an accepted art form.
THINKINGOUTSIDE THE BOX
Farben Feuerstein ("Feuerstein Colors"), led by Wilhelm Feuerstein.
Jürgen Feuerstein, 1985 in his parent's company.
Jürgen Feuerstein independently expands the Farben Feuerstein range to include car accessories.
In 1996 Jürgen takes over Farben Feuerstein and develops the first graffiti spray can in 1998 with LOOMIT, P.JAY, SEEN, Wolfgang Pelke (†) and CES.
In 2004, Germany's first pure graffiti exhibition took place at "Galerie K31". The curator is DARE.
2010: a discarded DB sleeping car finds a new home: the birth of the MOLOTOW TRAIN.
On April 21, 2016, Jürgen signs contracts for a long-term cooperation with the company Schneider Schreibgeräte in the Black Forest.
2025: MOLOTOW Family, that's 33 employees, 15,000 square meters of company space and sales partners in over 55 countries.
ART PUSHES BOUNDARIES
The MOLOTOW brand grew alongside graffiti culture, constantly setting new standards for the industry. In 2008, the trusted MOLOTOW PREMIUM quality was made available as a marker. This time, it was more sustainable, in the form of a refillable pen. To this day, this sustainable acrylic marker system, ONE4ALL, with a total of 74 colors, inspires creative people around the world. Its high opacity, strong durability, and deep color brilliance make the marker an indispensable tool for artists of all disciplines.
WE RATHER INNOVATE THAN IMITATE
What sets MOLOTOW apart from other creative brands is not only the quality of its products but also the spirit of innovation that can be found in every step of the company. Jürgen Feuerstein, who acts both as an inventor and entrepreneur, has managed to work within a niche while constantly finding new ways to support artists and their creative visions. MOLOTOW is not a brand that stands still – it always moves one step further, always in search of the next big idea.
The company’s location is rather unremarkable, almost where you would least expect it: in Lahr, surrounded by the Black Forest, on a former Canadian military base. Even more unusual is the fact that, in the middle of the company grounds, there’s a decommissioned train carriage nestled between the storage halls: The MOLOTOW TRAIN.
In 2010, Jürgen Feuerstein brought this old train car from Deutsche Bahn to Lahr. Since then, this heavyweight has been painted by renowned artists from all over the world, including MadC, Soten, Geser, Caparso, Kool Savas, and many more.
HEAVY METAL
PAINTING THE FUTURE
MOLOTOW has long been more than just an art supply company: authentic, close to the scene, and somehow also a bit provocative and boundary-pushing.
What started as a small family business has grown into a global force, inspiring artists worldwide and supporting the graffiti movement since day one. Thanks to numerous gallery exhibitions, graffiti events like Write4Gold, the annual Creative Camp at the Splash! festival, and participation in the international art scene in general, MOLOTOW remains a vital part of this subculture. The brand thrives on its closeness to art and its willingness to take unconventional paths – always driven by a passion to promote and revolutionize art at every level.
MILESTONES
1996 – COVERSALL
WE LIKE IT RUFF! The first combination spray based on bitumen – Ruff Black.
1998 – BURNER
ENJOY THE SILENCE! The first action spray can without mixing balls – and by the way, the best chrome in the world.
1999 – PREMIUM
A NEW ERA OF SPRAY CANS! The first true graffiti spray can. Developed by artists, for artists.
2008 – ONE4ALL
EVERYONE'S DARLING! The first sustainable and refillable acrylic marker system for almost all surfaces.
2016 – LIQUID CHROME
THERE'S ONLY ONE ORIGINAL! Unique: Real liquid chrome with a mirror effect in a marker.