Everybody makes this mistake once – Printing a wallcovering job from an architectural drawing. 99 times out of 100, the actual dimensions of the targeted wall are NOT the dimensions of the actual wall when it comes time to hang the wallcovering mural.
Why can I not rely on architectural drawings?
Drawings can be inaccurate, Carpets and mouldings can encroach from the floor up, mouldings and sills can creep from the cieling down, local ordinaces can require on-site changes of wall dimensions, and the most fun of all – YOU could be working from drawing Revision A, when the contractor is building from drawing Revision D!
Managing quick turn wallcovering installations
Because wallcovering or wallpaper murals are often one of the last items to be installed into a newly designed room or building, the biggest concern here is time. It’s crucial to get the expected mural installer into the site to take measurements. There aren’t rough estimates- these are down to the inch measurements.
Other options are to convince your customers to install the mural into or onto a fixed size frame. I’ve had clients that have had me create a drawing that is too small for the wall, and they frame around it after its done. I’ve also had clients install 1″+ plywood offset from the wall with blocks, and wrap the entire mural around the edges of the plywood- giving a wrapped canvas effect. Installing onto a FIXED size gives everyone expectations that CAN be met. This includes the contractor, designer, architect, the artist, and the printer.
Check out future blog posts and find out how to deal with errors in size – AFTER you’re printed mural is already half installed, or atleast on site!