I’ve always wondered why murals get treated like some kind of magical, self-cleaning wallpaper. You’d think if a building owner is excited enough to commission a mural, they’d want to keep it looking sharp, right? But yeah, most of the time, it’s like, “Here’s your wall, good luck!” and then the artist is left babysitting it for years.
I get that property managers have a million things on their plates—leaky roofs, HVAC drama, tenants who think their lightbulbs are haunted—but still, if you’re going to invest in public art, shouldn’t upkeep be part of the deal? I mean, we wouldn’t install solar panels and just hope for the best. There’s a maintenance plan, inspections, all that jazz. Why not murals?
I do think there’s a missed opportunity here. If murals were baked into the building’s regular maintenance schedule, maybe even with a little budget line for touch-ups, they’d stay vibrant way longer. Plus, it’d show the community that the art’s valued, not just a one-off PR stunt.
But then again, maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe some folks like the faded, weathered look—it does have a certain charm, like those old ghost signs you see on brick buildings. Still, I can’t help but wonder if we’re losing out on the real impact these murals could have, just because nobody wants to add “mural checkup” to their to-do list.
Curious if anyone’s seen a building where the mural actually gets the same TLC as the landscaping or the lobby plants. Or is that just wishful thinking?
I’ve actually seen a couple of high-end condos downtown where the mural gets regular touch-ups—like, the same crew that trims the hedges is out there with a paintbrush every spring. But honestly, that’s rare. Most places just let them fade and call it “character.” I agree though, if you’re investing in art, why not keep it looking fresh? It’s wild how landscaping gets more love than a mural that’s supposed to be the building’s statement piece. Maybe it’s just easier to ignore chipped paint than overgrown bushes...
STREET MURALS ARE POPPING UP EVERYWHERE—GOOD IDEA OR TOO MUCH?
I’ve worked on a few buildings where the owners wanted a mural as a “wow factor” but then treated it like an afterthought once it was up. Drives me nuts. You’d never let your lobby get grimy or your signage fall apart, but somehow chipped paint on a mural is “artsy.” I’ve had to push clients to budget for upkeep—sometimes they get it, sometimes not. Honestly, it’s way easier to repaint a wall than replace dead shrubs, but somehow the shrubs always win... go figure.
STREET MURALS ARE POPPING UP EVERYWHERE—GOOD IDEA OR TOO MUCH?
Maintenance is always the sticking point, isn’t it? I’ve seen murals go from vibrant to faded in just a couple years because nobody planned for weatherproofing or touch-ups. It’s funny—people will debate paint colors for weeks, but ask them to set aside a bit for annual upkeep and suddenly it’s “not in the budget.” Do you think part of it is that murals aren’t seen as permanent, like landscaping or signage? Or maybe folks just underestimate how much exposure those exterior walls get...
STREET MURALS ARE POPPING UP EVERYWHERE—GOOD IDEA OR TOO MUCH?
Maintenance is always the sticking point, isn’t it? I’ve seen murals go from vibrant to faded in just a couple years because nobody planned for weatherproofing or touch-ups.
This is spot on. People get caught up in the excitement of a new mural, but the follow-through is where it falls apart. I’ve worked with clients who are all-in on the idea until we start talking about UV-resistant sealants, anti-graffiti coatings, and scheduled touch-ups. Suddenly, the enthusiasm cools off.
If you want a mural to last, you really have to treat it like any other exterior investment. Here’s what I usually recommend (and honestly, most skip at least one step):
1. **Surface prep:** If the wall isn’t cleaned and primed right, the paint won’t stick. I’ve seen murals start peeling in less than a year because someone skipped this.
2. **Quality materials:** Cheap paint fades fast. Weatherproof, high-pigment paints cost more upfront but save a ton of headaches later.
3. **Protective coatings:** A clear UV sealant is non-negotiable in my book. If you’re in an area with a lot of sun or rain, you might need to reapply every couple years.
4. **Budget for maintenance:** Nobody wants to hear this, but you need a line item for annual touch-ups. If you’re not willing to do that, maybe a mural isn’t the right choice.
I do think part of the problem is that people see murals as “temporary art”—almost like a pop-up installation—so they don’t feel the same responsibility as they would with landscaping or signage. But ironically, when a mural starts looking shabby, it drags down the whole vibe of the street way more than a dying shrub does.
One thing I’ll push back on: I don’t think it’s always about underestimating exposure. Sometimes it’s just wishful thinking—people hope it’ll magically stay fresh without any work. I get it, but that’s not how paint works outdoors.
Murals can be great if you go in with your eyes open and plan for the long haul. Otherwise, it’s just another thing that looks cool for a summer and then becomes an eyesore by next spring.
