How Much Does it Cost to Have a Wall Mural Painted?

It's complicated, is the easy answer.

There are so many factors that go into commissioning a piece of art for a wall.

Firstly, consider this, how much does it cost to commission art on a canvas? And now, make that 20x the size. It's going to be a pretty penny. So, if that is something you are ready to invest in, then a mural is right for you!

Some of the factors that come into play when it comes to estimating what your potential dream mural might cost are 1) artist 2) subject matter, and 3) paint quality.

1) ARTIST

Much like any other field of art, like tattoos or nails or hair or interior design and so on, who you pick comes with varying price points. If you must have a popular artist, then you will pay more per hour and per project for them. If you are good with the results of asking someone to paint for free, then you need to be okay with those results too.

Now, murals aren't as permanent as say, tattoos, but they do make an impact, especially with you business. As more murals go up, more studies are revealing that murals generate business, by using the art as way-finding, branding, marketing, social media backdrops, and brand recognition on a large, public format scale.

If you like a certain artist's style, then you need to be ready to pay within their pitch range.

If you have an idea that you just need someone to paint, then you have a few more options.

2) SUBJECT MATTER

This one is easy to explain. The more complicated your mural idea, the more expensive it is going to be. More details means more paint means more time, and time is money, even on a project bid. The more colors your mural has the more it will cost, because switching between colors takes time and more paint colors means more money. If you are wanting a famous portrait, for example, consider a two-tone rendition.

3) PAINT QUALITY

Paint quality is the main factor in on wether or not your mural is going to last as long as it should. But, you guessed it, the higher quality the paint, the more expensive of a mural you are going to get. Lots of commercial grade paints mix compound, like water-based compunds with latex, and while this will garner you a better price point, this paint won't last AS long as a 100% acyllic paint will. There are different paints for indoors versus outdoors, and different top coats depending on if you want to protect against graffiti or against direct or prolonged sun-exposure.

The best practices when trying to figure out what your dream mural project is going to look like is this...

1) Find some example of what you want it to look like

2) Measure the space you want it on (the more precise the better)

3) Determine how many colors you prefer

4) Determine if there are any special additional factors (i.e. water, sun, graffiti risk, etc.)

5) Develop a price range you are willing to pay to meet the goal of your mural

And then, go shopping for an artist!

Good luck!