March 26, 2023

How to Protect and Preserve Murals

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We have proudly partnered with the SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center) based in Venice, CA in the development of MuralShield for the long-term protection and conservation of fine art acrylic and aerosol murals. SPARC is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of many large and important historic murals and have been advising artists, cities, and public planners since 1976.

MuralShield™ is a conservation grade coating that works as a consolidating protective barrier strengthening paint binders and adhesion. It protects against environmental damage caused by weather, UV sunlight, cleaning chemicals, pollutants, and water damage.

For graffiti protection we apply World's Best Graffiti Coating over the top of MuralShield which allows for the non damaging removal of graffiti vandalism.

This method of using both coatings together is designed to comply with conservation standards to preserve and protect public art vulnerable to vandalism and environmental wear.

Apply two to three generous coatings of MuralShield™, allow to dry thoroughly for 15-20 minutes.

Apply two to three generous coatings of World’s Best Graffiti Coating.

The final outcome will be a highly maintainable, durable and vibrant mural for many years to come.

How To Apply MuralShield & World's Best Graffiti Coating

MuralShield™ is generally applied upon completion of a new work or restoration of an existing mural.

World's Best Graffiti Coating is a 'sacrificial coating' and must be reapplied every time a repair is done. This allows you to clean the mural safely using our removal products as well as providing access to the original artwork so that changes or touch-ups can be made as needed.

MuralShield™ is a solvent based product and is best sprayed rather than brushed or rolled. You can use a conventional airless sprayer, HVLP ( High Volume Low pressure) spray gun, or acetone rated pump up sprayer. We can supply the Sprayers Plus20 ACT Acetone Sprayer if needed. These are convenient and easy to use especially in areas where you don't have access to power.

For murals that contain solvent based spray paints and even on freshly painted acrylics it is always best to lightly mist coat MuralShield first and then build up at least 2 subsequent coats. This helps seal the mural and protect against paint runs. If using a handheld sprayer make sure you are pumping it up enough and adequately atomizing the product before commencing application.

Always test first in inconspicuous areas before attempting full scale application.

Protect and Restore

Our Coating Technology

Ideal temperature for external applications should be between 45°F / 7°C - 95°F / 35°C. Minimum temperature is 40°F. Relative humidity must not exceed 95%. MuralShield™ should not be applied under very high humidity conditions or when the wall is moist.

Allow final coat to dry thoroughly for at least 30 minutes before applying World's Best Graffiti Coating (WBGC). Apply at least two coats of WBGC (or more if the artwork is highly susceptible to vandalism) using a clean sprayer, tight knit roller, or brush. Use a bristle brush to feather out any beading or drips.

Please read TDS sheets for more detailed application instructions or contact us for Expert Advice on your job before starting.

See application of MuralShield greatly enhancing color on this older mural ("to Protect & Servce" by Nina Olabisi) Video Courtesy of SPARC.

Graffiti Removal from Mural Protected with MuralShield and World's Best Graffiti Coating. Courtesy of Mural Rescue Portland.

Safety Precautions When Applying MuralShield

MuralShieldis flammable: Do not apply MuralShield near any potential source of ignition. Keep away from heat and open flame. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas using a facemask or respirator. Avoid applying in populated areas.

Personal Protection: Wear gloves and protective goggles to avoid skin and eye contact. Utilize either work clothes or a disposable protective suit, to avoid garment damage or accidental spillage.

Use adequate solvent-rated masks or respirator. We recommend solvent or paint stripping rated masks with a cartridge based re-breather.

Please read TDS / SDS sheets for more detailed safety information .

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tIPS FOR APPLICATION

Muralshield is best sprayed using HVLP, airless or a pump up acetone rated sprayer.

When using the 20ACT remove the small stainless filter in the tip in as it is not needed and has a tendency to block.

When you finish spraying, clean first with acetone and pump it through the wand. Then clean with water and pump plenty of water through the wand. You can do this by pressurizing the tank with water and locking the trigger in the 'on' position and letting the water spray out for a few minutes.

You can then use this sprayer to apply World's Best Graffiti Coating and use this same cleaning technique when you are finished.

PRECAUTIONS

Before commencing any large scale coating application, be sure to test thoroughly on an inconspicuous area to determine finish and compatibility with your materials.

Please be aware the use of solvent based sharpies for outlining your mural may bleed through paint after application of MuralShield. We do not recommend using sharpies for this reason.

When applying Muralshield, we find it is best to mist coat the first application in order to seal the mural, let it dry for at least 30 min and then begin to build up two subsequent coats. This helps avoid any runs or bleeding on vulnerable paint layers

When applying Muralshield it's important that you are sufficiently atomizing the product when spraying. Some cheaper handheld sprayers may not hold up well and will subsequently cause drips and runs in your mural during application. Please try to avoid this from happening by testing your equipment first!