A well-executed wall mural can be the defining design moment of a commercial interior. It tells a brand story, establishes a sense of place, and creates the kind of visual impact that photographs well and gets remembered. But specifying a mural for a commercial space is different from an art installation — there are substrate requirements, scale considerations, production timelines, and installation logistics that require a knowledgeable partner. 

Here’s what you need to know before you spec. 

Substrate Matters More Than You Think 

Not every wall is mural-ready. Before specifying a wall mural, assess: 

• Surface texture — smooth drywall is ideal; heavily textured surfaces can affect appearance and adhesion 

• Surface condition — peeling paint, moisture damage, or previous wallcovering adhesive must be addressed before installation 

• Surface composition — concrete, brick, and CMU block require different adhesives and prep 

MetWest’s field estimators conduct site visits early in the process to evaluate substrate conditions and flag any prep requirements before production begins. 

Scaling Your Design for the Space 

What looks stunning as a concept rendering can fall flat if the scale isn’t calibrated to the actual space. Key considerations: 

• Viewing distance — a design seen from 5 feet reads very differently from one viewed across a 40-foot lobby 

• Ceiling height — horizontal compositions feel wider in high-ceiling spaces; vertical compositions add perceived height in lower-ceiling environments 

• Furniture placement — confirm which areas of the mural will be obscured by furniture or fixtures 

MetWest produces elevation drawings that show the mural in the context of the actual room dimensions, so you can verify scale before production. 

Print Production: What In-House Means for Your Project 

When you specify through MetWest, production happens in-house. That means: 

• Faster turnaround — no third-party print vendor in the chain 

• Tighter quality control — our team reviews prints before they ship 

• Color accuracy — we produce strike-offs for your approval before full production 

• Flexibility — last-minute design changes are easier to accommodate 

Installation Sequencing 

Wall murals are typically installed after painting and flooring, but before furniture installation. Make sure your project schedule accounts for: 

• MetWest site visit for field measurement  

• Sample and elevation approval  

• Installation scheduling  

• Production  

Sustainability Considerations 

MetWest offers sustainable wall covering options, including products with low VOC adhesives and materials that meet LEED-friendly specifications. If sustainability is a project priority, ask about our eco-conscious product lines.