How to Prepare Your Wall for a Mural
It's critical to properly prepare your chosen wall before installing your mural to ensure it has a long and healthy life. A brief guide to prepping your wall is below.
Plaster
Make sure your plastered wall is free of contaminants and is clean and dry. Finish with a good-grade sealer/primer.
Painted walls
If your wall is painted, we recommend using only matt emulsion paint for the mural. Remove and sand any old, flaking paint to get a flat surface, then finish with a high-quality primer or wall sealant. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for freshly painted walls to dry before adding your mural.
Walls with wallpaper
Remove any old wallpaper before installing your wall mural, and do not use lining paper behind it. Seal/prime the surface before installation.
How to Install a “Paste the Wall” Mural
1. Lay Out Your Wall Mural
Your mural is supplied in panels. When you first open it, inspect it well, place the panels in the correct order (numbered left to right) and lay them out flat for at least 5 hours to settle.
2. Draw a Straight Vertical Line
Using a spirit level and tape measure, draw a straight vertical guideline a panel's width in from the edge of the wall. Remember to allow for the bleed.
3. Apply Paste to the Wall
Using a medium-pile roller, apply the supplied paste to the wall where the first panel will go. Apply the first panel to the pasted area and smooth out any excess.
4. Match Up the Panels
Paste the wall before each panel. Place the second and subsequent panels up next to the first, edge to edge, double-checking that the pattern or image matches as you go. Slide each panel into position.
How to Install a “Peel & Stick” Mural
1. Lay Out Your Wall Mural
Your mural is supplied in panels, numbered in the order they are hung, from left to right. Lay them out flat for at least 5 hours, and sponge the wall clean before you begin.
2. Draw a Straight Vertical Guideline
Using a spirit level and tape measure, draw a straight vertical line a panel's width in from the edge of the wall, allowing for the measurement.
3. Peel Off the Backing
Take your first panel and carefully peel a small amount from the top away from the backing paper. Apply the top of the panel to the wall, aligning the right-hand edge with your vertical guideline.
4. Continue Applying the Panels
Apply the second and subsequent panels edge to edge — without overlapping and without leaving gaps — making sure the pattern or image matches at every join.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about installing your mural, our team is happy to help at help@featurewall.co.uk.