How to install a wall mural ?

Do you want to change your decoration by adding a wall mural? ? Maybe are you wondering if you can install a wall mural yourself easily?

Yes, most people install wall murals themselves at home. However, it is important to follow certain rules in order to obtain the best possible result. In this blog post, we will guide you in installing a wall mural step by step. 

To install a wall mural, you must first take the measurements of the wall on which you want to install it. Choose the type of wall mural you want to install: self-adhesive or non-self-adhesive murals. Then, make wall surface smooth by removing hooks, applying primer and peeling the surface. Apply some adhesive on mural papers, and you will be able to stick it on your wall.

In this article, you can learn about how to install wall murals, including:

• What are wall murals
• What are the types of wall murals
• A step-by-step guide to installing wall murals
• The wall mural materials

You will be able to install a beautiful wall mural by the end of the article. So let's get started!

 I) What is a wall mural?

A wall mural is a digital photograph or a drawing that stands out in the room. It is not repetitive patterns, but an image. You can apply wall murals to the ceilings and walls for decoration, and it will definitely add color to your home decor. 

Wallpapers are also used for decoration purposes, but there is a difference between wallpaper and wall murals. A wall mural consists of a single big image, but wallpaper usually consists of repetitive patterns. Wall murals can be applied to a single wall. They do not look good on all four walls; the wallpaper can be pasted to all four walls.

You can also change your decoration frequently if you get bored with the old wall mural. Because wall murals are easy to remove. They do not damage the paint of the wall. You can also reuse most of the wall murals. If you want to remove your wall mural frequently, use self-adhesive wall murals. Self-adhesive wall murals are easy to peel from the wall. So you can get a new look at your room at every event or whenever you want without worrying about the wall.

II) Types of Wall murals

Before the installation process, you need to know the type of your wall mural. Different types of wall murals are available in the market. They are installed differently according to their category.

1) Self-adhesive murals

Self-adhesive murals are best if you change your decoration now and then. It can be easily removed without damaging the surface of the wall. They already contain glue on them and do not need any extra glue. You just have to apply them to the wall after buying.

2) Non-Self-adhesive murals

These murals do not contain pre-applied glue. You have to glue them before applying them to the wall. You need to use a brush roller for the glue paste before hanging it. It takes longer than self-adhesive wallpapers, but they are permanent. 

3) Which type of wall mural should you choose?

The choice totally depends on the type of design you want. For example, if you want the design to last for more than several years, you should choose non-self-adhesive murals. The non-self-adhesive murals are available in different designs and colors compared to self-adhesive murals.

If you are in a rental house and want the mural just for some years, you should choose self-adhesive murals.

III) Steps to install wall mural

Here is the step-by-step guide for installing a wall mural. Please follow all the instructions to get a flawless wall mural installation.

1) Make wall surface smooth

A smooth surface without hooks and cracks is mandatory for the installation of a wall mural. 

A) Remove hooks

Remove any hooks or material attached to your wall. Hooks will provide hurdles for wall mural installation. It also can damage the wall mural. 

B) Cracks filling

Fill the cracks in the wall with the help of sand or spackling compound before installation. The cracks look bad if you apply the wall mural without filling them. 

C) Applying primer

You can apply primer to the wall to make it smooth. You can also use latex paint to make the wall surface cleaner and smoother.

You can get the flawless and proper appearance of the wall mural if your wall is smooth. After this step, your wall is ready for the wall mural.

2) Understand the pattern

Firstly, lay down all the mural papers so that you can understand the pattern and apply it accordingly. Most murals also contain numbers on their back.

3) Exact measurements

Never cut and trim the mural before measurement. You need to make measurements of the wall and mural papers and draw the guidelines on the wall. 

4) Peeling and sticking of self-adhesive wall mural

This step needs extra care because it is a crucial step. Follow the instructions carefully.

A) Peeling

Do not peel all of your wall murals before applying them to the wall. First, just peel a little bit from the top of the wall mural.

B) Sticking

Stick the top area that you have peeled to the wall. First, attach that section of the wall mural carefully. Then peel a little bit more from the wall mural and stick again. 

If lines or wrinkles appear on the wall, rub them gently to remove wrinkles. Do not use force to finish the lines.

If the lines are harsh, and you cannot remove them, try to peel the paper from the wall and then reapply it.

5) Alignment

After the first panel of the wall mural, ensure its alignment. If your first panel is aligned, all others will also be aligned. Now take the second panel and apply it. It should overlap the first panel. 

Do not apply the second wall murals panel beside the first panel without overlap. The overlap gives a smooth and beautiful finishing look. 

Apply the panels one after the other and repeat the same process. Ensure the ends of the mural walls are attached firmly to each other.

6) Elimination process

Eliminate all the excess material from the wall murals. From the ceiling and corners, remove excess. Trim the panel carefully with sharp blades or knives. Do not forget to change the blades from time to time to ensure clean cuts.

7) Applying adhesive on mural papers

If your wall mural is traditional, it will need the adhesive. Apply the coat of glue on the wall mural with the help of a brush roller evenly. 

Try to apply more in the corners to ensure firmness. Allow the adhesive to rest on the paper for some time to ensure proper adhesion. Carefully pick the wall mural and apply it to the wall.

IV) Materials used in the wall mural

The material used in the wall mural is vinyl. Vinyl is the short name for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a plastic material.

Two types of vinyl materials are used to make wall murals: 

1) Cast vinyl

Cast vinyl is more durable as compared to calendared vinyl. The name of the cast vinyl is because it is first made in liquid form and then poured into molds or casts. The cast vinyl gives a highly smooth and beautiful finish.

Cast vinyl is stretchy as compared to calendered vinyl. You can apply them on non-smooth surfaces or surfaces that contain different edges. They have more beautiful and vibrant colors as compared to the calendered vinyl. Its average life is more than 7 years. Cast vinyl is used for long-term usage.

2) Calendared vinyl

The calendared vinyl is named because it is a solid material, and different types of rollers are used to make it a thin sheet. The calendared vinyl cannot be wrapped around corners like cast vinyl. They are used for large images and big walls. Its material is thicker than compared to cast vinyl.

Calendered vinyl is used for the short term because it is not weather resistant. It also shrinks and deteriorates with time.

3) Which type of material should you use?

It depends on where do you want to install the wall mural. If it is placed outside or inside. If you use wall murals for outside usage, you need water-resistant and sunlight resistant material. The cast vinyl can be used in this case because it is more weather resistant than calendered vinyl.

Moreover, it can also be decided based on how long you want your wall mural to last. If you want it to stay temporarily, then calendered murals are best. But if you want your wall murals permanent, cast vinyl is the best choice.

As you can see, you don't need to be a decorating expert to install a wall mural. It is however imperative that you follow the steps mentioned above.

Choose the type of material of your wall mural according to whether you intend to keep it for a long time or not. Provide yourself with the necessary tools (glue, scraper, etc.) and you will be able to install your wall mural without any difficulties!

It is also important to choose a model that matches the style of your interior decoration. For example, if your living room is decorated with a vintage style, you can perfectly add a wall mural with a black and white picture.

Does your wall mural take up a lot of space, and your other walls seem a bit empty? Complete them with original canvas prints. Many visuals are waiting for you on our online store! 

To thank you for having read our blog post so far, take advantage today of a 15% discount on your order with the coupon code: BLOG15.

See you soon.

Splash of Arts Team.