When it comes to the planning, production and implementation of large-scale wall murals there are multiple factors that need to be considered. While it may sound simple to say, “Just print a graphic and apply it to the wall”, there is so much more that goes into the creative strategy and planning for spaces where wall murals will be placed. In this article, we will explore five primary considerations that ensure your custom wall murals will live up to your expectations.
Sizing & Space Considerations for Wall Murals
Since custom wall murals come in all sizes that means starting with accurate dimensions. Keep in mind that walls are never perfectly square and determining exact dimensions for cutouts, extrusions, angles, or protrusions is critical to ensure the new mural will fit accordingly. If at all possible, have your graphic installer do site surveys of available spaces prior to design and installation.
It is also important to consider any possible obstructions that might be within the viewing path of the mural. In addition, keep viewing distance in mind by considering the overall size and use of the space. A mural up high or viewed from afar can have a lower resolution while a mural that’s designed to be viewed up close will need higher resolution imagery.
Wall Surface & Texture Considerations
When executing wall murals, the surface and texture of the wall play a significant role in making sure the project is installed correctly. With that in mind, here are some critical considerations when planning your wall mural:
- Does the wall have paint and what condition is that paint in? Depending on the current condition of the paint, you may need to sand or fill any inconsistencies.
- Will the wall be painted before the scheduled mural installation? In general, you will want to have at least ten days of “dry time” prior to the installation (more if using low VOC paints.)
- Is the wall extremely rough? This could impact how the mural is applied as well as the material that is used (such as wallpaper, vinyl or pre-textured substrates.)
Installation & Permit Considerations
Mural installation is tricky, so you’ll want to leave it up to professionals. The additional “installation questions” listed below are queries that will help ensure your installers have the information needed to do their job.
- How high up is the mural being installed? Some cities may require a permit due to the height of the mural and the need for installers to work at that height.
- Is the mural being installed in a tight/awkward space? If you don’t have adequate space to bring all of the equipment you need to install the mural, you might want to consider another location.
- If equipment such as a lift is required, is there adequate room for access? You might also need permission from the business owner to use a lift.
- Are permits required? Depending on whether or not the mural is on public display, you may need to obtain a city permit.
Artwork Considerations for Wall Murals
Good file prep and image resolution is a vital part of ensuring your mural has the clarity and visibility you are expecting. Large murals require very high-resolution imagery and graphics which means detail is more important the closer a person is to the mural.
Be sure and use the highest resolution possible if you are using raster imagery (non-line-art photos such as .jpg or .tif) to obtain the most detail possible. We recommend large format imagery be at least 100 DPI when sized at 100% scale. Remember...the larger the mural, the higher the resolution needs to be.
If you need help or advice with your next mural project, just reach out. We’re experts at this stuff!
