How to Get a Mural Painted: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your Own Mural
- Azul Amos
- Oct 13
- 4 min read
Murals are transforming cities like Bristol, turning blank walls into landmarks that tell stories. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a mural of your own, this guide explains every stage of the process in detail. From choosing the right wall and finding an artist, to managing contracts and overseeing installation.
If you’d rather skip the complexity, Art Sync can handle the full process for you, simplifying your mural journey from start to finish.
Contents
Step 1: Choose Your Location
The location of your mural is one of the most important factors to get right. Consider visibility, surface condition, and accessibility from the very start.
Choose a wall that’s highly visible to your intended audience.
Inspect the surface: if it’s pebble dash, flaking, or damaged, this will need repair before painting can begin.
Take accurate measurements of the wall for later use.
Assess access: will you need scaffolding or a cherry picker?
A good location with a smooth, accessible surface will save you time and cost during installation.
Step 2: Define and Develop Your Vision
Every great mural begins with a clear purpose. Your vision should communicate what you want the mural to express: whether it’s storytelling, branding, or community engagement.
Discuss your vision with someone open-minded to refine your ideas.
Draft a creative brief outlining your purpose, key messages, themes, colours, style preferences, and deadlines.
Include imagery or references that capture the look you want.
This creative brief will be essential when contacting artists and gathering quotes. It can always evolve later, but starting with a clear concept ensures consistency and accuracy.
Step 3: Select Your Artist
Finding the right artist is crucial to bringing your vision to life. You’ll want someone whose style, pricing, and schedule align with your project needs.
Research artists through Google, Instagram, and local mural directories.
Narrow your list based on styles that resonate with your concept.
Review each artist’s previous work to confirm their skill and versatility.
Most artists don’t publicly list their rates, so pricing will be discussed in the next step.
Step 4: Request Quotes
This is where your creative brief becomes useful. Reach out to your shortlisted artists to find out their availability, interest, and cost.
Send each artist a short message describing your project and attach your creative brief.
Collect quotes and remove artists who don’t respond or can’t meet your deadline.
Compare pricing, style, and communication, then select your final artist.
Once you’ve chosen your artist, you’ll begin working with them directly to refine details and timelines.
Step 5: Agree on Contracts and Deposits
With your artist confirmed, it’s time to formalise the agreement. Most mural artists request a 25% deposit or sketch fee upfront.
Discuss their process: including contracts, payment terms, and revision limits.
Clarify how many sketch amendments are included before final approval.
Review and sign contracts, then pay the agreed deposit.
Confirm who will handle wall preparation, some artists include this in their service.
Getting this step right protects both parties and ensures a smooth collaboration.
Step 6: Review Sketches
Once the artist begins sketching, communication is key. This stage ensures that your vision aligns with their design.
Set a clear timeline for when sketches will be completed.
Review the designs and provide constructive feedback.
Make amendments within the agreed limits until you’re satisfied.
Final approval at this stage is crucial before moving into production and installation.
Step 7: Prepare the Wall and Access Equipment
Before painting begins, the wall must be properly prepared. A smooth, stable surface ensures your mural will last for years.
Hire local painters or rendering companies if your wall needs repair.
Arrange an inspection for accurate quoting if rendering is required.
Organise access, cherry pickers can often be more cost-effective than scaffolding.
Confirm that your artist has the necessary licences for operating access machinery.
Keep your artist informed throughout this stage to prevent delays once painting begins.
Step 8: Final Installation
Now it’s time for the exciting part, watching your mural come to life.
Schedule the painting days with your artist.
If outdoors, check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Confirm how many days the installation will take and plan for any access or safety requirements.
Once painting is complete, inspect the mural with your artist to ensure you’re happy with the final result.
Congratulations, your mural is now ready to be admired.
How Art Sync Makes This Process Easy
We know getting your own mural can be a long and detail-oriented journey. It involves project management, logistics, and creative coordination, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
At Art Sync, we simplify the entire process. From creative development to installation, we handle everything. Turning a complex project into an enjoyable experience.
All we ask from you is a few meetings to refine your vision, and work through our tailored process. Your project will be managed by a dedicated project manager to ensure clear communication and smooth delivery.
This means you get to focus on the exciting part, your vision, while we take care of the rest.
If you’re ready to bring your mural to life without the hassle, get in touch with Art Sync today.
We’ll make the process easy.
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