Murals: The Dos and Don'ts of Wall Art
A mural can be a bold, vibrant, enticing addition to a property, whether painted on a building’s exterior or an interior wall. That said, wall art is often a risky endeavor. If applied poorly, a mural project can become a waste of both time and money and ultimately devalue the property it's pasted on. And, if unprotected or improperly maintained, a beautiful piece of wall art can easily get ruined.
So, before you decide to invest in wall art for your space, it’s important to know some key dos and don’ts regarding this process. And if you really want to play it safe, you’re best off hiring interior and exterior painting services that already know how to properly install murals and wall art.
Wall Art and Murals The Dos
Do choose the design and artist(s) carefully.
You shouldn’t just decide to invest in wall art on a whim. There needs to be a good reason for this choice. For instance, many companies designate a wall for painted art as a way of reinforcing their brand and creating a certain atmosphere. So, if you’re looking to enhance your business inside or out, you want the artwork to positively reflect your brand. A poorly done piece can shoo customers away. Seek Nashville painters and artists that can meet your aesthetic needs and execute on them efficiently.
Do pick the ideal wall for your wall art.
By their nature, murals stand out. However, you can make them stick out more or less depending on where you place them. Most people want their wall art to be seen in its full glory, so they’ll choose a highly visible area. For interiors, this means walls that aren’t obstructed by other features or fixtures. And for exteriors, it means surfaces that face the most amount of traffic, such as a busy street or popular pedestrian area.
Do properly prepare the surface before painting.
If you hire reliable painters, they should take care of the prep work before getting started. But if you want to save some money, you might prep your surfaces yourself. Either way, this step is crucial to achieving a durable mural. Good surface prep includes:
- Using a pressure washer to clean exterior walls
- Inspecting surfaces for damage
- Removing old, peeling paint
- Making necessary repairs prior to painting
- Caulking gaps
- etc.
Do use the right kind of paint.
Painting a mural is different from simply painting a wall with a single color in more ways than one. Indeed, wall art often requires the use of multiple types of paint, depending on whether the mural is outside or inside, and based on the stage of painting taking place. For example, most murals consist of two stages: underpainting and detail work. Underpainting refers to the underlying layers of color that span large areas of the mural. Latex paint is usually best for these purposes. Detail work comes later when it’s time to paint the more intricate elements. Acrylic paints can be used to handle these finer artistic touches.
Wall Art and Murals: The Don’ts
Don’t do it yourself.
Even if you’re quite the artist, painting a mural is a different beast than painting canvas or sketching with a pencil. Unless you’re specifically experienced in applying wall art, seek help from exterior or interior painting services that offer this kind of work.
Don’t lose sight of the big picture.
Murals are quite sizable, and it’s easy to lose sight of the whole when painting smaller parts at a time at close range. So, whether you do attempt it yourself or hire local exterior painters, keep this scale in mind. To achieve the best results and proportions, take frequent breaks and stand back to get a clear view of the wall art in its entirety.
Don’t leave your mural unprotected.
This “don’t” applies to all wall art, but especially exterior murals which are more susceptible to environmental conditions and vandalism. If you want to protect your investment, you must take the proper precautions. After the wall art is finished and dried, consider applying an anti-graffiti coating and/or a removable isolation coat and varnish. These products will secure the artwork underneath and help it last a long time.
Choosing wall art for your property is no small decision. But when done right, a mural can make a strong impression and beautify your community. If you need assistance preparing your surfaces for wall art, installing a mural inside or outside your business, or anything else related to painting and renovation, Nash Painting has your back. To learn more about us, our services, and our values, call us at (615) 829-6858 today!