The Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street received a fresh paint job from Boston Athletic Association workers in late March. As you can see in the photos, BAA workers use a variety of stencils to accurately coat the different letter sizes and logos.

I have nothing against their method, you understand, and given the hefty significance of this year’s race the last thing they want is to make an irreparable typo. But it’s not done by way of the old school, and old school items are usually much cooler.

Take a look at this video captured of London municipal workers who whimsically paint the words “Bus Stop” with just a roller and a stick. The subtle civic artistry is truly captivating, especially for someone like me, who can barely color inside the lines let alone draw a straight one.

Fast Company writes “the final product isn’t exactly perfect” but I have to disagree. The letters appear conformed and consistent, each rounded edge and letter length the same as the one next to it.

But then, I’m no art aficionado so what do I know?

It’s unclear at this time whether Boston Public Works employes use the same old school method as our kindred blood across the pond. In fact, it’s unclear if the street sign painting is even the responsibility of Boston Public Works. The task is absent from the department’s extended online services list, though a search for “Pavement Marking” diverts the searcher back to the Mayor’s 24 Hour Constituent Service.

BostInno was referred to the Boston Public Works by the Mayor’s 24 Hour Service, but unfortunately they had already called it a day.

h/t Fast Company