FAQ
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At Ketteran Studios our goal is to provide the best product and service possible for each individual client. In doing this we have developed a process that may be a bit different that what you have seen in the past. Please take a minute to read through this article. We hope it will help to answer many of the questions you may have.
You said you do your painting “in the studio”
but I thought murals were painted directly on the wall.
Murals actually come in all shapes, sizes and applications. Throughout history murals have been painted both directly on the wall and on canvas and then applied to the wall.
At Ketteran Studios we have chosen to use an updated version of the canvas mural. The updated part of this process is the materials. We use the best paints and paint on either muslin or TFR. The use of muslin or TFR is determined by the shape, size and placement of the finished mural. This is not a decision you need to make. Over time we have learned which material works best for each individual application and we chose the material accordingly.
Why would I want to use this process?
• Having a mural painted in your home means having a muralist working in your personal space for 1 week to up to 6 months or more. Having the work done in the studio means your household is disrupted for only the 1-2 days it will take to install the mural.
• The murals are removable. A mural is a very personal and sometimes large monetary investment. If you should ever move, your murals can be taken down and put back up in your new home. ( We have had several clients who said they would never move and then called a year later to say thank you because they were able to take their murals with them.)
• Having a mural painted in the studio can reduce the cost. If your mural is going on a high wall, in a stairwell, or on a ceiling, there would be an additional cost to work in a difficult area. This additional cost is virtually eliminated if the painting is done in the studio.
• Don’t worry, you can still keep an eye on your murals progress by making a visit to the studio or asking to have photos of the mural in progress e-mailed to you.
Does Ketteran Studios do the installation of the murals?
No. Ketteran Studios specializes in the designing and painting of murals. You will be working with a paperhanger to actually install your mural.
If I have to hire a paperhanger, doesn’t that mean
this type of mural is more expensive?
No. In some instances it will even save you money.
In all situations Ketteran Studios has not added the cost of driving to your home everyday, cleaning up the workspace everyday and the additional tools needed to work in your home to the price. These expenses could add anywhere from $400-$2000 to the cost of your mural. Instead of paying Ketteran Studios that money, you will be paying a paperhanger approximately $400-$800 to install your mural. This means the total cost will be the same or maybe even less if the mural is located in a position which is difficult to paint.
I don’t know any paperhangers and I don’t
really want to spend the time to find one.
Over the years, Ketteran Studios has built relationships with several highly qualified paperhangers in the area. We are happy to give you the names of these companies or we can make the initial call for you. All you will have to do is sign a contract and write a check to the company. If you have any questions about the company or its contract, you will need to speak directly to them.
If you have a paperhanger that you prefer to use, Ketteran Studios is happy to speak with him or her about the exact materials used and we will even provide them with a sample to work with before they hang the actual mural.
This is starting to sound like wallpaper. How is it different?
• This is still a custom designed, handpainted mural. It is not a printed design that you can buy at a store. We are using this technique to make the entire process easier for both you and Ketteran Studios. An easier process means a better product in a shorter period of time.
• There are no seams. Wall paper is hung in many strips, these murals are painted on one large piece of fabric. In most cases the only seams will be in the corners if you are having a “whole room” mural painted.
• There is no paper involved. When you remove your mural it will come off the wall in one large piece. It will not shred like wallpaper.
Will the mural come off the wall? Can I clean it?
The mural will stay up until you choose to take it down. We only work with highly qualified paperhangers to insure your mural is installed properly. If there is any question about the mural’s stability on a wall or ceiling, we will let you know before the design process begins so that it may be addressed before a complication can arise.
You can clean your mural. All the murals are sealed so they can be wiped down with a damp rag. Any mural that will be in a high traffic area or in a kitchen or bathroom will have additional sealant, so that it can also be lightly scrubbed occasionally.
As always, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any other questions you may have. We want you to be completely comfortable with your decision and would rather you ask 100 questions than go into a mural project unsure.
"My wife and I are extremely pleased with the excellent canvas murals that you have custom designed for our new home.
"We have received nothing but accolades and praise from family and guests who view them - they are stunning, and your attention to detail and our color scheme has been outstanding.
"Thank you very much for all your hard work and your professionalism. We will continue to mention your name to all who ask and we will continue to enjoy your work for years to come."
– Dr. and Mrs. Elliott Gorbaty
