Why Murals Beat Vinyl Every Time: The Case for Hand Painted Art on Your Walls

Me in front of a patriotic military garage mural

When it comes to transforming a space—whether it’s a business storefront, an office interior, or a cozy corner of your home—you have a big decision to make: Do you go for a custom-painted mural, or do you slap on a vinyl decal? While vinyl may seem like a quick fix, murals win every time when it comes to impact, personality, and staying power. Here’s why:

1. Murals Are One-of-a-Kind Works of Art

A mural is hand

painted. It's created with your space, story, and vision in mind. No two are exactly the same. Vinyl, on the other hand, is mass-produced and easily duplicated. If you’re looking for something that truly sets your space apart and reflects who you are or what your business stands for, a mural painted by a muralist, delivers on every level.

2. Murals Create an Emotional Connection

Art speaks. For me personally, murals have depth, texture, and a soul. They make people stop, smile, and remember. Vinyl tends to feel...flat. It’s functional, sure, but it doesn’t draw people in the same way a brushstroke on a wall can. A mural turns a blank wall into a conversation or interactive piece—a moment of beauty that sticks with people. They can even extend that emotional connection to social media with an interactive "Instagrammable" moment as customers take selfies with the wall.

3. Murals Are Built to Last (and are more cost-effective in the long run)

High-quality murals painted with professional-grade materials can last years, even decades, when properly maintained. They don’t peel, bubble, or fade the way vinyl often does, especially when exposed to sun, humidity, or heavy traffic. A mural ages with character—vinyl just ages. Not to mention, murals are cheaper in the long run because they are painted vs glued to a wall.

You may want the cheap upfront cost of vinyl to save money in the short term, but when it comes time to swapping out that imagery, or removing the vinyl due the materials' short life-span, you can spend more money and time dealing with the removal in the long term. It also requires a vinyl installation professional to initially lay the vinyl on the wall to get it right and looking good, which can be just as expensive or more than a mural that is hand painted by a muralist. So make the initial investment, and do it right first by hiring a muralist to paint something that is going to last and save you money down the road.

4. Murals Work with the Space, Not Against It

A mural artist can design around windows, corners, textures, and odd architectural features to create something that flows seamlessly with your space. Vinyl? Not so much. If your wall isn’t perfectly smooth, forget it—wrinkles, air bubbles, or peeling edges are inevitable.

5. Murals Support Real Artists, Not Mass Production

When you hire a muralist, you’re not just decorating a space—you’re supporting someone’s craft, creativity, and livelihood. Every brushstroke represents hours of planning, passion, and hands-on work. Vinyl graphics are often designed and printed in bulk, with little connection to the person or the purpose behind the project. Find a muralist who you'd love to support, because hiring their services supports their small business, which pours back into your town, city, state, and nation's economy, which helps you. You may even be supporting a bigger why behind that small business owner, like contributing to a family legacy, helping them build a future for their children's children. About 20% of my revenue goes towards my daughter's college fund. She is the why behind my small business.

6. Murals Tell Stories That Stick

Whether you want to share your brand’s mission, inspire your customers, or add warmth to a public space, murals tell stories in a way vinyl just can’t match. They invite people in, encourage photos (hello, social media marketing!), and help build a sense of community.

Final Thoughts

Sure, vinyl has its place—it’s quick, clean, and sometimes cost-effective. But when it comes to making a space memorable, there’s no competition. A mural is more than a decoration—it’s an experience.

So if you’re looking to make a bold statement, create something meaningful, and leave a lasting impression, choose a mural. Always.

Now go hire a muralist near you!