How to Protect Mural Paintings During Construction
- 1). Cover the mural. Putting a protective layer over a mural is the most obvious solution and is often done during construction or renovation projects. In the summer of 2010, at the University of Rhode Island, murals depicting the Great Depression that had been covered up were rediscovered after 43 years during renovation of one of the lecture halls. The murals had been painted in 1930s and then covered during the 1960s to protect them during renovations.
- 2). Remove them from their location. This can sometimes be the best option, according to experts including Thomas Branchick, director and conservator of paintings at Williamstown Art Conservation Center in Massachusetts. The rediscovery of the murals at the University of Rhode Island prompted their removal so they could be preserved. This could involve inserting a spatula or some other cutting piece of metal to cut through the adhesive between the fabric and the wall. It can then be placed on a panel and moved off the construction site.
- 3). Clean it. Clean any dust off with a brush or cloth and then squirt on an appropriate spray liberally. Blot with a cloth until you have cleaned the entire mural. Leave to dry for 24 hours.
- 4). Go over the mural with a varnish polish and acrylic spray. This will help enhance the colors and maintain its general quality. If the mural is applied directly to a concrete or stucco wall and will remain there during renovation, a good way to protect it is to apply acrylic over the polish, which will give it extra protection, not just during renovation work but over a number of years.
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