Behind the Scenes: Our Handmade Mural Process
Ever wondered how a blank wall becomes a piece of art? Join us on the journey from the first pencil sketch to the final textured 3D sculpture, built entirely by hand.
The very first step of a new 3D mural. We start by sketching the design on the wall, then scratch the surface so the plaster will have a strong grip.
Sketching the initial design for a new project. This is where every custom mural begins, with an idea and a pencil.
Here I am applying the first layer of cement to create the trunk of a tree. This is the foundation of our 3D sculptures.
A time-lapse of the cement work for a contemporary tree mural. You can see the rough shapes being blocked out before detailing begins.
A work-in-progress video of a large "Tree of Life" being sculpted on a staircase wall. The scaffolding allows us to reach every part of the double-height space.
Our team working on a large 3D leaf mural for a staircase. This shows the challenging angles and heights we often work at.
Progress on a 3D mural in Thrissur. We are building up the layers of plaster to create the embossed effect. Your support means a lot to us, friends.
This staircase wall in Thrissur is becoming a main highlight of the home. The integrated lighting already creates a beautiful ambiance on the unfinished sculpture.
The process of creating a 3D bamboo mural. After sketching, we apply plaster for each leaf, building it up to a 4-5mm thickness.
Sanding the 3D bamboo mural is a very important step. It's a dusty job, but it's necessary to get a perfectly smooth and finished surface.
About The Artistic Process: From Wall to Wonder
Before a single drop of paint touches your wall, we spend hours preparing the surface. We do not just paint over existing plaster; we manually chip, roughen, and prime the wall to ensure our cement-based relief work bonds permanently. This deep, mechanical bond is the reason our 3D murals withstand years of humidity and wear without peeling or cracking, unlike standard wall stickers or wallpaper.
Creating a mural at Artkada is not about slapping on a pre-made design. It is a slow, methodical process that we execute directly on your walls.
The Sketch
Everything begins with a pencil. We don't use stencils or projected prints. I sketch the layout freehand based on your wall dimensions and the specific vibe of your room. This allows us to work around light switches, ceiling slopes, and furniture placement perfectly.
Building the Foundation
Once the design is mapped, the heavy lifting starts. We use high-grade cement compounds, white cement, and specialized bonding agents to build the relief. For 3D elements like tree trunks, peacock feathers, or bamboo stalks, we sculpt layer by layer to a thickness of 4mm to 8mm. This isn't mass-produced; it's sculpted in real-time.
The Fine Detail
After the structure cures for 1-2 days, we move into the detail work. Sanding is the messiest part of the job, but it is non-negotiable. We sand every contour to ensure a smooth, professional finish before we even open a paint can.
Finishing Touches
We use premium acrylics or emulsions to add color and depth. Whether you want a rustic metallic antique finish using gold and copper dust, or vibrant nature-inspired greens, the painting process is designed to seal the sculpture against dust. The final layer is always a professional varnish, turning a raw cement relief into a durable, wipeable, and permanent piece of your home.
This approach takes time, but it ensures that your wall art is as solid as the structure of your house.
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