Comprehensive Logistical Support for Your Mural Project
WXLLSPACE is committed to ensuring that every mural project runs smoothly from start to finish. A significant part of this commitment involves managing and facilitating key operational and logistical aspects. This article details how we handle crucial elements like wall preparation, protective coatings, artist travel, and materials.
Wall Preparation: Ensuring the Perfect Canvas
The Importance of Priming Proper wall preparation is essential for the success and longevity of any mural. Priming a wall correctly ensures optimal paint adhesion, enhances the vibrancy of colors, and contributes to the durability of the artwork.
When is Priming Necessary? The need for priming depends on the condition and material of the wall surface:
Bare Concrete/Brick: These porous surfaces require a masonry primer to seal them and prevent excessive paint absorption, ensuring even color application.
Previously Painted Walls: If the existing paint is in good condition (not peeling, glossy, or uneven), priming might not be necessary. However, if the surface is glossy, it may need scuffing and a primer for proper adhesion. Peeling or uneven paint will require scraping, cleaning, and priming.
Metal/Glass/Wood: These materials require specialized primers designed for their specific properties to ensure the mural paint adheres correctly and lasts.
Highly Textured Surfaces: Such surfaces may benefit from sanding (if appropriate for the material) and potentially a thicker primer application to create a smoother, more consistent base for painting.
WXLLSPACE Facilitation of Priming If required, WXLLSPACE can arrange and facilitate the priming of the wall on behalf of the property owner and artist, ensuring it's done to the correct standard for the upcoming artwork.
Protective Clear Coats: Enhancing Durability and Appearance
Benefits of Clear Coating Applying a clear coat over a completed mural can offer significant advantages, depending on the project's environment and requirements:
UV Protection: For murals exposed to direct sunlight, a UV-resistant clear coat is highly recommended. It helps prevent colors from fading over time and extends the artwork's overall lifespan.
Anti-Graffiti Coating: In public spaces or areas prone to vandalism, an anti-graffiti coating is a wise investment. This specialized coating creates a non-porous barrier, allowing for the easy removal of spray paint, markers, or other forms of graffiti without damaging the underlying mural.
Finish Options (Matte vs. Gloss) Clear coats are available in various finishes, typically matte or gloss. The choice depends on aesthetic preference and durability considerations, which can be discussed with the artist and WXLLSPACE team.
WXLLSPACE Facilitation of Clear Coating Similar to priming, WXLLSPACE can coordinate and facilitate the application of a suitable clear coat as part of the project's scope, ensuring professional application for maximum benefit.
Artist Travel and Accommodation
For projects that require artists to travel, WXLLSPACE manages the logistics to ensure a seamless experience:
Flights & Transportation: Travel arrangements, including flights, are typically coordinated and booked via our partner platform, Navan. This often allows artists to book within pre-set budget limits, offering flexibility.
Accommodations: We secure suitable lodging for the artist's stay, often using Navan or Vrbo (preferred for its refund policies over options like Airbnb).
Per Diem: Depending on the project agreement, a daily stipend (per diem) may be provided to the artist to cover meals and incidental expenses during their stay.
Ground Transport: If necessary for the project (e.g., travel between accommodation and mural site, transporting local materials), rental cars, rideshares, or other local transport arrangements are covered or facilitated.
Materials and Equipment Sourcing
WXLLSPACE ensures that all necessary materials and equipment are sourced and available on-site before the artist begins work or arrives, if traveling:
Paint & Supplies: We procure high-quality, mural-grade paints (e.g., acrylic, aerosol, or other mediums as specified by the artist) and other essential painting supplies.
Lifts & Scaffolding: For murals requiring work at height, we coordinate the rental and delivery of appropriate lifts (e.g., scissor lifts, boom lifts) or the erection of scaffolding in advance.
Brushes, Rollers, and Miscellaneous Tools: Specific tool requirements are discussed with the artist beforehand to ensure everything needed for the project is available.
Protective Coatings & Sealants: If the project scope includes priming, UV protection, or anti-graffiti coatings applied by the artist or a WXLLSPACE-coordinated team, these materials are also arranged.
By managing these operational details, WXLLSPACE allows artists to focus on their creative process and property owners to anticipate a professionally executed project.