How to Order a Mural or Decorative Wall Finish — 9 Steps

The biggest barrier to ordering a mural or decorative wall finish isn't price. It's uncertainty. How does it actually work? Do I need a ready concept? Who prepares the wall? What if I don't like the design? Can I still live in the flat during the work?

I hear these questions every day — from clients who want a mural in their living room and from those considering Venetian plaster in a bathroom or faux marble on their columns. The process is very similar. The details differ, but the framework is the same: nine steps from first message to finished wall.

[PHOTO: hero — completed project from portfolio, mural or decorative technique in interior context]

Step 1. First message — three things are enough

You don't need a ready concept. Send me:

A photo of the wall — taken with your phone, straight on, in daylight.

Approximate dimensions — width and height.

A few words or inspirations — an image from the internet, a mood description ("calm, botanical", "something like concrete but warmer") or simply "I don't know yet, but I want to do something with this wall."

I reply within 24 hours.

Step 2. Talking about the space

A short conversation — by phone or on site — where we discuss the interior, its function, the colours already in the room, and which directions make sense. At this stage, "something with this wall" starts taking shape: a motif, a mood, a technique.

Sometimes a client comes asking for a mural, and after seeing the space I suggest Venetian plaster or travertine instead. Other times someone asks about decorative plaster, but the room really needs a focal point that tells a story — not a texture. I describe six popular techniques here: 6 decorative techniques that will transform your interior.

Step 3. Quote

Based on the dimensions and agreed direction, you receive concrete price brackets — with a clear breakdown of what's included (materials, labour) and what's quoted separately. No obligation — this is the moment you decide whether we proceed.

I've described my pricing principles for murals here: How much does a wall mural cost? Price guide 2026. Prices for decorative techniques (Venetian plaster, marbling, tadelakt, microcement) are gathered in one place: Glossary of decorative techniques with prices.

Step 4. Design — visualisation or samples

Here the process diverges slightly depending on what we're doing.

For a mural, I prepare a graphic design and overlay it on a photo of your wall — you see the artwork in your interior before the first brushstroke. There's room for changes: adjusting colour, shifting the composition, adding or removing elements.

For a decorative technique (Venetian plaster, marbling, travertine), the design stage looks different. I show colour and texture samples on small boards — so you can see and touch the material in your own lighting, next to your furniture. We choose the shade, the level of sheen, the character of the surface.

In both cases the same rule applies: I start working on the wall only after you look at the visualisation or sample and say "yes, this is it."

Step 5. Schedule and formalities

We confirm the timeline and payment terms. We sort out logistics: access to the room, working hours, furniture that needs moving.

For commercial premises I plan the work so the business doesn't have to close — in stages or outside peak hours.

Step 6. Wall preparation

A mural or decorative plaster is only as durable as the surface beneath it. The wall should be smooth, dry, and structurally sound — if it needs skim coating or repair, I mention this upfront at the quoting stage so there are no surprises.

I do the priming myself. I have a conservation degree, and I approach the substrate with the same care as the decorative layer. With Venetian plaster, choosing the right primer is a separate decision — the primer for acrylic plaster is different from the one for lime-based plaster, and mixing them up is a common mistake that ends in peeling after a year.

I wrote about wall preparation in detail here: How to prepare a wall for decorative plaster.

Step 7. The work itself

The best part — for both of us.

For a mural, I work from the pencil sketch on the wall to the last detail. A standard wall takes 2–7 days, depending on size and complexity.

For Venetian plaster or marbling, the process is shorter (usually 2–4 days per wall), but requires strict drying times between layers. Venetian plaster means at least three layers, and each one must dry before the next goes on.

You can live in the flat normally during the work. I protect the floor and furniture, and leave things tidy at the end of each day. The materials I use (water-based paints, lime, plaster compounds) are designed for interiors — no heavy fumes.

Step 8. Protection and handover

Where the wall is exposed to touch (hallways, children's rooms, restaurants), I apply a protective coating. For murals that's acrylic varnish; for Venetian plaster it's natural wax or a hydrophobic sealant. Both can then be wiped with a damp cloth.

At the end we inspect the work together, in daylight. This is your moment for feedback — I make detail corrections on the spot, before we consider the job finished.

Step 9. After the work — I don't disappear

I leave you samples of the colours used (for murals) or materials (for plaster) and a short care guide. If a scuff or scratch appears years later, a spot touch-up restores the wall to its original state without redoing the whole thing.

A well-executed mural lasts 10–15 years. Venetian plaster — 20–50 years. In both cases, durability depends on the substrate preparation, not the top layer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole process take, from first message to finished wall?

Usually 2–5 weeks. A few days for the design (mural) or samples (decorative technique), the rest depends on the schedule queue and scale.

Do I need to be present during the work?

No. Access to the room and phone contact are enough.

What if I don't like the design or sample?

We adjust until you do — that's why the visualisation stage exists. Work on the wall only begins after your approval.

I don't know whether I want a mural or a decorative technique.

That's normal. That's exactly what step 2 is for — the conversation about your space. We'll figure out together what works best.

Let's start with step one

A photo of the wall, dimensions, a few words — and within 24 hours I'll get back to you with a first proposal.

Considering a mural but unsure about wallpaper? I compare both options: Wallpaper vs mural — which to choose?

Interested in Venetian plaster specifically? I wrote about it in detail: Venetian plaster — what it is, how much it costs, and who it's for

Joanna Kruza — murals and decorative wall techniques. Fine arts conservation graduate (ASP Warsaw). Based in Kraków, working across Poland.