Muralist Notes on iPhone: Wall Assessment, Surface Preparation & Commission Progress Records

Mural painting is architectural painting — subject to weather, moisture, thermal movement, and substrate chemistry that studio painting never encounters. A mural painted on a poorly prepared exterior wall may begin peeling within two years. A mural on an interior masonry wall may develop efflorescence behind the paint if moisture hasn't been managed. The muralist who produces durable, successful large-scale work documents the substrate decisions and material choices that determine longevity alongside the creative decisions that determine impact.

What to Capture in Nemos

Wall Assessment Notes Before any work begins: - Wall material: concrete, stucco, brick, drywall, wood panel - Surface condition: cracks, spalling, efflorescence, previous paint condition - Moisture readings (if measured) - Sun exposure and directional light assessment - Temperature and humidity range for the environment - Any structural concerns to address before painting

Wall assessment notes protect the muralist professionally — documenting known substrate issues before work begins.

Surface Preparation Records - Cleaning method used: pressure wash, TSP, wire brush - Repair work: crack filling, skim coat, sealers applied - Primer type and manufacturer - Any specialty coatings for moisture protection - Days allowed for cure before painting

Surface preparation is where mural longevity is determined. Document it precisely.

Paint and Medium Selection For each paint system used: - Brand and paint line (interior vs. exterior, acrylic, silicate, lime-based) - Any medium additions (retarder, flow improver, UV stabilizer) - Sealer planned at completion - Rationale for selection given environment

Paint selection notes justify the cost of professional-grade materials to clients and explain durability commitments.

Grid and Transfer Planning For each design: - Original artwork dimensions and final wall dimensions - Grid scale and approach (chalk grid, projector, digital grid) - Transfer order and sequence planning - Color mixing notes for matching reference artwork at scale

Commission Progress Documentation At each session: - Sections completed - Any design changes discussed or approved - Environmental conditions during painting (temperature, humidity) - Client feedback received - Photos attached at each milestone

FAQ

Can I use Nemos offline at outdoor mural sites? Yes. Full offline. Notes sync when back on WiFi.

How do I document multi-phase murals with long timelines? Add entries to the commission note at each session. The full project history accumulates with dates, conditions, and progress photos.

Is Nemos useful for community mural projects with multiple artists? Yes — track design approvals, material sourcing, and section assignments in the project note. Share relevant sections with collaborators as text.

Can I attach wall condition photos before and after preparation? Yes. Photo documentation of substrate condition before work is essential for any professional commission.

Related Reading

• /blog/mosaic-artist-notes-iphone — large-scale installation and substrate documentation
• /blog/stained-glass-artist-notes-iphone — installation environment and material documentation
• /blog/conservator-notes-iphone — surface assessment and treatment documentation
• /blog/safety-officer-notes-iphone — site safety and hazard assessment documentation

Sources

• Mural durability and substrate preparation: ASTM D4541 (surface adhesion testing) and PCA (Portland Cement Association) exterior coating guidelines
• Professional mural paint systems: Golden Artist Colors technical documentation for exterior mural applications

Download Nemos free on the App Store.