The many considerations an artist will face when embarking on a mural project may be imperceptible to a casual viewer of these large, often public, artworks. There are many different types of murals and mural applications, and each type presents its own set of challenges. The muralist will want to ensure the mural's integrity by practicing a sound methodology, accounting for manifold factors that will influence the project's success.

Whether the mural will be indoor or outdoor is a major factor that will affect the artist's methodol- ogy. For an outdoor mural, an artist will need to consider the mural s potential exposure to light or weather and prepare and protect the substrate accordingly. For an indoor mural, exposure to chemicals, humidity, contact or abrasion needs to be considered and accounted for.

The art materials used might also change based on whether the mural is interior or exterior. Certain colors are more lightfast and are more appropriate for outdoor work where there is a lot of exposure to light. Some colors are known to fade rapidly and may only be suit- able for indoor applications. Artist- quality varnishes may offer the best protection for any mural; however, alternative solutions may need to be explored in indoor settings such as hospitals or schools.

Because of the large scale of most mural projects, expenses can quickly add up. Knowing how to get the most out of money spent, or learning some ways to cut costs without jeopardizing the integrity of the mural is important. Also, it is important to be realistic about the quantity of materials needed so that unexpected expenses won't add up late into the project.

Climate will greatly affect out- door mural work. Climate changes can affect the drying rate of materi- als as well as the mural's exposure to certain types of weather and extreme temperatures. An under- standing of the specific climatic conditions of each individual proj- ect will help artists choose the right time to work and the right materials to work with.

Creating artwork for an environ- ment where many people have the opportunity to see it is one of the most rewarding aspects of mural painting. This should also suggest the great responsibility of the mural artist. A mural is intended to enhance an environment, not clash with it or degrade it. If improperly done, the "work of art" can quickly become an eyesore. Many mural sponsors are now requesting that artists guarantee their murals for a certain period (usually 10-20 years). These agreements can be legally binding, which means artists will be held liable for problems occurring with the mural during this time. Careful planning, thoughtful prepa- ration, and use of quality materials will help finished murals to have an impact that matches the artist's good intentions.

Using Acrylic Products for Mural Application

Golden Artist Colors, Inc. has conducted testing and research on using acrylic products for mural application. The following para- graphs contain our specific recom- mendations for preparing substrates, selecting materials and giving pro- tective finishes to murals made using GOLDEN Acrylics. For more information about using acrylics on mural projects, visit our website at: www.goldenpaints.com/murals.htm