How to Create Long-Lasting, Safe & Meaningful Murals
- Rose Hill
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
At Co-Creative Connection (CCC), murals are so much more than paint on a wall. They celebrate identity, brighten everyday spaces, and give communities something they can feel proud of for years to come. But for murals to really last, physically and in the memories they carry, it’s about much more than choosing the right colours and designs!
Through years of delivering community-led mural projects, often in public and sensitive spaces, we’ve learnt that practical planning is just as important as creativity. Here are our top tips to make sure your mural is not only beautiful, but also durable, safe, and valued by the people it’s for.
1. Public Liability Insurance
Before you even pick up a paintbrush, make sure you have the right insurance in place. Public liability insurance is essential to protect both the artists and the public. It ensures peace of mind that, if anything unexpected happens, you’re covered.
2. Site Access & Permissions
No matter where your mural will be installed, whether on a wall, hoardings, or ACM panels, it’s vital to have permission to be there. This might mean applying for site access permits, coordinating with facilities managers, or gaining approval from councils, housing associations, or local groups. Taking care of this step early avoids delays and ensures the project runs smoothly.
3. Use the Right Materials
Not all paints and surfaces are created equal. For outdoor murals, weather-shield masonry paints are a must. For interiors, emulsion works well. Where drilling or permanent fixings aren’t allowed, ACM (aluminium composite material) panels or vinyl are a great option. Always match your materials to the environment so the mural can stand up to weather, cleaning, and everyday wear and tear.
4. Prioritise Durability & Safety
Murals live in public spaces, so safety and resilience are key. Choose materials that are fire-rated, non-toxic, and resistant to vandalism or heavy cleaning regimes. Protect the finished work with anti-graffiti coatings or lacquers so it continues looking cared for and vibrant, even years later.
5. Make It Accessible
Accessibility should always be at the forefront. Artwork should never obstruct paving, signage, or important lines of sight. Designs should also be inclusive and legible, so everyone in the community, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels welcomed and represented.
6. Co-Create with the Community
A mural lasts longer when people feel connected to it. At CCC, we always involve local residents, schools, and families in workshops to share stories, explore ideas, and when safe paint sections themselves. That sense of ownership makes all the difference in how a mural is cared for over time.
7. Keep Content Positive & Safe
Murals should uplift and inspire. Avoid controversial or upsetting content and instead celebrate joy, culture, and belonging. Creating a safe and welcoming design ensures the mural resonates with a broad audience and becomes a source of pride for the whole community.
8. Follow Health & Safety Guidelines
Public mural projects often mean working in busy spaces, sometimes with scaffolding, lifts, or specialist equipment. Carrying out risk assessments, wearing PPE, and following clear safety procedures keeps everyone safe, both the artists and the public.
9. Plan for Maintenance
A mural is never just “finished.” Even the best materials need care over time. Build in a maintenance plan, whether that’s touch-ups, cleaning, or training local volunteers to look after the piece. Choosing finishes that can be cleaned easily, or designs where sections can be replaced without redoing the whole mural, ensures the artwork continues to thrive.
10. Celebrate & Share the Story
The process is just as important as the finished wall. Capture the journey with photos, videos, and stories from the community. Sharing the mural’s impact helps demonstrate its social value, inspires future projects, and honours the voices of those who helped create it.
Final Thoughts
Murals aren’t just decoration, they’re powerful tools for connection, pride, and long-lasting change. By combining practical planning with community co-creation, you can create murals that are not only safe and durable, but also deeply meaningful to the people who see them every day!
Thinking about a mural project? Whether you’re dreaming up a brand new idea or looking for expert support in making it happen, we’d love to chat. Get in touch below and let’s bring your vision to life!
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