From Blank Wall to Statement Piece: How a Mural Is Made
From Blank Wall to Statement Piece: How a Mural Is Made
There is a moment in every mural project where the world around you fades, the colors take over, and a blank wall becomes alive. The process looks magical, but behind the magic is structure, method, planning, problem-solving, and craftsmanship.
From years of working on murals across the Netherlands, I’ve learned one truth:
A mural isn’t painted, it’s built.
Layer by layer. Idea by idea.
Whether it’s in a business interior, a private home, a hotel, a gym, or an event location, every mural transforms the feeling of a space. But how does it actually happen? What steps turn a white surface into a bold visual identity?
Below, I’ll take you inside the full journey.
1. Space Analysis & Vision Direction
Every mural begins before pencil or paint ever touches the wall.
First, I walk through the space:
lighting
colors
textures
height
architecture
movement of people
brand identity
emotional atmosphere
I’m not just looking at the wall, I’m looking at how the wall will speak to its environment.
A business mural needs to align with branding and purpose.
A residential mural needs to connect with personality and experience.
This stage defines direction.
2. Concept Design & Visual Strategy
Now the ideas take shape.
Sketches. Notes. Digital drafts. Color plans.
Sometimes minimalistic, sometimes explosive. Always tailored.
Here I focus on:
composition
scale
balance
typography
style language
emotional tone
storytelling elements
Clients receive concept visuals so they can imagine the finished work long before the paint begins.
3. Surface Preparation (The Foundation)
A mural is only as strong as the wall it’s painted on.
Preparation may include:
sanding
priming
cleaning
repairing cracks
sealing moisture
adding base layers
This ensures the wall grips the paint, resists ageing, and stays visually sharp for years.
4. Layering Paint & Building the Artwork
This is the part most people see, and absolutely the longest stage.
From background colour fields to dripping textures, precise line work, portrait layering, gradients, stencils, shape blocking, and detailing, every step builds depth.
Here is where the artwork shifts:
from flat → dimensional
from quiet → emotional
from wall → voice
It’s physical, intense, and deeply instinctual.
5. Finishing, Sealing & Protection
Once the artwork is complete, the final step is preservation.
A mural is sealed to protect against:
sunlight
dust
wear
scratches
For commercial spaces, this is essential.
How Long Does a Mural Take?
Anywhere from 1 day to several weeks depending on:
design complexity
wall size
detail level
texture
drying time
A mural is a collaboration between creativity and time.
Why Murals Leave Such a Strong Impact
A mural does more than decorate:
It defines a space.. emotionally, visually, architecturally, socially.
Guests feel it. Workers feel it. Customers remember it.
A mural turns plain surfaces into signature elements; into identity.
FAQ — How Murals Are Made
What materials are used?
Professional mural-grade paints, primers, sealers, brushes, sprays, stencils, and mixed media depending on style.
Can the mural match brand colors or themes?
Always. Murals can integrate logos, fonts, palettes, and values.
Will the paint last?
Yes, with proper preparation and sealing, murals remain strong for many years.
Can murals be removed or changed later?
Absolutely! They can be painted over or updated.
Final Thoughts
Every mural has a story. Every wall has potential. And every space deserves to feel like a destination, not just a backdrop.
If you’re curious about transforming your wall into a statement piece, feel free to reach out through contact. I’d love to help shape your idea into something unforgettable.
— Asko Art
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