Frequently Asked Questions

click on each question below to be taken to the answer

Questions

1. How long does it take for you to complete a mural?

2. What is the process involved in commissioning a mural from you?

3. Do we need any special equipment to see the glowing painting?

4. Do you need the room prepared for a painting??

5. How long until you can start a project?

6. What sort of rooms do you paint?

7. Do you charge travel expenses?

8. What type of surfaces can you work on?

9.  What sort of paints do you use?

10. Do you fit the special lights for ultra violet murals?

11. Are the lights safe?

12. How do you paint two images over one?

13. What is the payment method?

14. Does your work last?

15. How did you get to work on Grand Designs?

16. Do you provide ideas?

17. Can we be guaranteed a unique Work of Art?

18. Do you work on a large scale?

19. What ideas have you always wanted to do?

20. Do you do commissioned sculpture?

21. What is the process of commissioning a mural?

 

 ANSWERS

1. How long does it take for you to complete a mural? back to question
A mural can take almost any amount of time to complete. It really depends on the level of detail required for each individual piece. This is agreed upon early on in the process. I would say that the average full wall mural takes between 4 days to 2 weeks to complete. Big projects can however take longer.

2. What is the process involved in commissioning a mural from you? back to question
Well click here to find out this link goes tomy commissioning advice page

3. Do we need any special equipment to see the glowing painting? back to question
Yes, you will need a black light or ultra violet bulb which can be fitted above the painting about 3 to 4 feet from the wall with the art. This can be worked out during the consultation process or even during the painting of the mural. it is also possible to have a fitting where the blue light is aimed only at the wall and soft normal light can fill the room.

4. Do you need the room to be prepared for a painting? back to question
Yes, ideally the room will have all the furniture removed so I can lay down my sheets and paints with room to move and see the whole painting.... if this is not possible I can cover furniture in the center of the room.

5. How long until you can start a project? back to question
This will always depend on my situation at the time. This year is going to be very busy... so if you are interested in a mural the best thing to do is contact me ether through email or by phone to find out when I am free to do your project. Click here for contact details

6. What sort of rooms do you paint? back to question
What sort of room do you have? I can, and do, paint in all sorts of unusual places. One guy I know wants me to paint his plane. I have painted buses, boats, vans, festival walls and even a fridge in the past. Types of rooms I have painted include dining rooms, bedrooms, kid’s playrooms, cinema rooms, conservatories and nightclub chill out rooms. I aways love a challenge so get intouch if you have any unusual project to be done.

7. Do you charge travel expenses? back to question
I travel a lot around the UK and Europe. I ask for my fuel costs to be covered to each project destination this is for the initial meeting. However once the project has begun my van is a full camper to and I am more than happy to find areas nearby to stay till the work is done.
For work further abroad I have my flights and accommodation fully paid for. Get in touch through email for further details.

8. What type of surfaces can you work on? back to question
The best surface is a flat wall, as it really helps the paint flow smoothly. It is possible for me to prepare surfaces with a basic plaster layer but I advise that you get a professional plasterer to prepare the surface before I arrive to the job.

9. What sort of paints do you use? back to question
I use acrylic paints. I find that this type of paint is extremely durable and strong also it is fast drying. I also use some fluorescent paints brought from a specialist supplier.

10. Do you fit the special lights for ultra violet murals? back to question
No the best bet is to find a local professional electrician to do the job properly. However it is not a necessity to do during the painting as I bring my own light to work with........... So it is possible to show you the final result. After completion or even during the process the lights can be fitted again. I provide links of companies that provide the best lights see the links page

11. Are the lights safe? back to question
Yes I have done much research in to this and the bulbs used are not the same as the bulbs used in tanning saloons these bulbs work on a much lower frequency. See the links page again for more information on this

12. How do you paint two images over one ? back to question
This is where my skill has developed to help me stand out from the crowd, as I insist on making my murals look great in day time and night time. It is the part of the process which takes time to think and work out how to blend the colours to come up with the best results as the fluorescent colour are extreme and getting them to sit right with a more normal palette is the hardest part of what I do.

13. What is the payment method? back to question
I do not accept bank cards but personal checks are fine. I have to take a 50% deposit on the job once the final fee is agreed. This must be cleared at least a week before the painting starts. With this I pay for supplies of paint and my camping. Then half way through the project I have 1/4 of the amount settled and the 1/4 is paid on completion. for details about this process see the commissions page

14. Does your work last? back to question
Acrylics are tough tough paints I have painted vans in Australia which went through the deserts to return with little damage and minimal fading. so a wall in a home is guaranteed to last a long time I also cover them if needed with a varnish for extra protection. this provides extra strength and means you can wipe it down safly with a wet cloth.

15. How did you get to work on grand designs? back to question
Well you know the old saying right time right place. kelly Neville the builder of the hexagonal house is a good friend of the hearts of oak crew.Tthey are the chainsaw carvers who created the stair case for kellys house and are great friends of mine. So as soon as I knew he was on grand designs I went along to show him my paints and talk ideas.

16. Do you provide Ideas? back to question
Inspiration ideas are my job..... So if you are short of ideas I will be able to provide several in the early process.... this I do whilst talking about what you want on site any themes you might like to have and even blending subtle effects and softer paintings to fit decor and furniture of the choosen space.

17. Can we be guarantied a unique piece of art? back to question
Absolutely this is one of the things I insist on is that no two painting are the same and that way my style keeps developing and I stay fresh with each new challenge

18. Can you work on a large scale? back to question
Yes we will have to arrange for scaffolding and this is found locally and payed for by the client.

19. What ideas have you always wanted to do? back to question
There are many many ideas I am looking forward to doing in the future here I will list a few and if you are looking for some inspiration for ideas for rooms this may help you find your painting and help me do the work I look forward to doing: hanging gardens of babylon, rainforest temples, space stations and ships, castles in the clouds, formal gardens, invisible murals in white rooms,

20. Do you do commissioned sculpture? back to question
Yes I do. However as I live such a mobile Life I can be a bit dependent on being in one place for big projects so if you are interested in getting me to sculpt then get in touch early on especially if you have a deadline to achieve.

21. What is the process of commissioning a mural?
Well click here to find out this link goes tomy commissioning advice page

 

 

 

 

 

contact me with any questions you have regarding commissions

email: uvarts@googlemail.com

or call: (+44) 07910 769918

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