Our Mural Process

Step 1: Consultation & Project Brief

The mural process begins with a consultation to understand your wall, goals, timeline and preferred style.

During this stage, we gather the key project details needed to provide accurate guidance and pricing.

This may include:

• Wall photos
• Wall dimensions
• Project location
• Indoor or outdoor setting
• Surface type and condition
• Access requirements
• Preferred style or reference images
• Budget range
• Timeline
• Project goals

For schools, councils and commercial projects, we may also discuss stakeholders, approvals, site access, safety requirements and whether the mural needs to align with branding, learning outcomes or community themes.

Once we understand the scope, we provide a tailored quote outlining the design, materials and installation requirements.

For pricing guidance, visit our mural costs page.

Step 2 – Site Assessment & Access Planning

Before the mural begins, we assess the site so the artwork can be planned properly.

This stage may include:

• Checking the wall surface
• Confirming measurements
• Reviewing wall height
• Identifying access requirements
• Considering weather exposure
• Checking nearby hazards
• Planning drop sheets or surface protection
• Reviewing whether a ladder, scissor lift or boom lift is required

For larger projects, public art walls or commercial sites, access planning is an important part of the mural process. Walls over roughly 4 metres high may require elevated work platforms or additional safety planning.

Proper planning helps avoid delays and ensures the mural is delivered safely and professionally.

Step 3: Concept Development & Design

Once the project scope is confirmed, we begin developing the mural concept.

The design stage may include:

• Creative direction
• Theme development
• Style exploration
• Colour palette
• Layout planning
• Digital mockups
• Client feedback
• Design revisions
• Final artwork approval

For most custom mural projects, we provide a digital mockup so you can see how the artwork will work on the wall before painting begins.

Standard design turnaround is usually around 7–10 working days, depending on workload, project complexity and the number of stakeholders involved.

For larger projects, school murals, council murals or public art projects, additional time may be required for feedback, internal approvals or community consultation.

For projects involving students or community input, explore our school murals and community murals and public art services.

Step 4: Quote Approval, Deposit & Scheduling

Once the design direction and quote are approved, we confirm the project schedule.

This stage may include:

• Deposit payment
• Final design approval
• Confirmed installation dates
• Site access confirmation
• Safety or induction requirements
• Equipment booking
• Weather planning for outdoor murals
• Coordination with builders, schools, councils or property managers

For commercial spaces, we can discuss after-hours or weekend painting where required to reduce disruption.

For event-based projects, we can also plan live painting, temporary walls, pre-painted sections or removable artwork options.

For live painting and events, visit our live art and brand activations pages.

Step 5: Surface Preparation

A strong mural starts with a properly prepared surface.

Depending on the wall, surface preparation may include:

• Cleaning
• Priming
• Sealing
• Base coating
• Removing loose paint
• Patching minor cracks
• Masking nearby areas
• Protecting floors or surrounding surfaces

Not every wall needs the same preparation. A smooth interior wall may require minimal prep, while rough brick, concrete, weathered walls or public-facing surfaces may need additional treatment.

Proper preparation improves durability, finish quality and long-term performance.

Step 6: Professional Mural Installation

Once the wall is ready, our artists begin painting the mural.

The installation process may involve:

• Laying out the design on the wall
• Blocking in major shapes and colours
• Building detail, shading and linework
• Applying lettering, characters, realism or graphic elements
• Refining edges and finishing details
• Checking the artwork against the approved design

We use professional mural painting techniques and high-quality materials suited to the surface, environment and artwork style. For aerosol-based projects, this may include professional spray paint systems such as Montana Colors, along with brushwork, rollers, acrylic paint, airbrush or a combination of techniques.

For graffiti-led projects, explore our graffiti art services. For broader mural work, view our mural portfolio.

Step 7: Final Touches, Cleanup & Client Sign-Off

After the mural is painted, we complete final checks and clean the site.

This stage may include:

• Final touch-ups
• Edge refinement
• Removal of masking or drop sheets
• Site cleanup
• Client review
• Final sign-off
• Completion photos
• Final invoice

We aim to leave the site clean, professional and ready to use.

Step 8: Optional Protective Coatings & Aftercare

For outdoor murals, public-facing walls, schools, commercial sites and high-traffic areas, protective coatings can help improve durability.

Optional finishes may include:

• UV-protective coatings
• Anti-graffiti coatings
• Clear sealers
• Exterior-grade protective finishes
• Touch-up planning
• Maintenance advice

Protective coatings can increase the upfront cost but may help extend the life of the mural and make cleaning easier if the wall is tagged or exposed to weather.

For some projects, we may use professional coating systems from trusted paint brands such as Haymes, depending on the wall surface, exposure and project requirements.

For more detail on coating and pricing factors, visit our mural costs page.