The Do’s and Don’ts of Wall Graphics for Schools and Businesses

Wall graphics are one of the most effective ways to transform a physical environment, whether you are looking to inspire students in a hallway or reinforce a brand in a corporate lobby. From vibrant educational murals to sleek office branding, well-designed wall graphics create a memorable experience for everyone who walks through your doors.

However, poor planning or incorrect material choices can quickly turn a great vision into a costly mistake. To ensure your project delivers long-lasting results, here are the essential do’s and don’ts of wall graphics.

DO: Understand the Purpose and Audience

Before design begins, define exactly why the wall graphic is being installed. The needs of a primary school classroom are very different from those of a high-end retail shop.

• Identify the goal: Is it for branding, wayfinding, student inspiration, or decoration?

• Know the audience: Is the space for young children, professional clients, or internal staff?

• Determine longevity: Does it need to last for a decade, or is it a temporary display for an event?

  
  

DO: Consider Lighting and Viewing Distance

Lighting plays a major role in how wall graphics appear. In brightly lit classrooms or glass-fronted offices, gloss finishes can cause distracting glare; matte finishes often provide better readability.

Additionally, consider the "viewing distance." Wall graphics in a large school hall need bold imagery and large text to be seen from afar, while graphics in a small meeting room can afford finer detail.

DO: Carry Out a Site Survey

Every wall surface is unique. A professional site survey allows for accurate measurements and an assessment of the wall’s condition (such as paint type or texture) before production starts. This step is vital to avoid:

• Poor alignment around doors or windows.

• Peeling caused by incompatible wall finishes.

• Unexpected obstacles like radiators or light switches.

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DO: Plan for Removal (If Required)

In both the education and business sectors, spaces evolve. If your wall graphic is for a temporary campaign or a specific school term, choose removable materials and correct adhesives. This protects the underlying surface and makes future updates much easier.

DON’T: Choose Materials Based on Cost Alone

When it comes to wall graphics, you get what you pay for. While budget-friendly vinyls are tempting, they may peel, fade, or mark walls prematurely—especially in high-traffic areas like school corridors.

• Consider the surface: Is it painted plaster, brick, or glass?

• Consider the traffic: Will people be brushing past it or touching it frequently? Using the right material from the start ensures a professional, durable finish.

DON’T: Overcrowd the Design

A common mistake is trying to communicate too much information. Whether it’s an educational timeline or a corporate history, an overloaded design reduces impact.

• Focus on key messages.

• Use strong, clear visuals.

• Allow the design to "breathe" with white space. A clean layout improves engagement and ensures your wall graphics don't feel overwhelming.

DON’T: Underestimate Professional Installation

Even the best-designed wall graphic can fail if installed incorrectly. Bubbles, creases, and misaligned panels are common "DIY" pitfalls. Professional installation ensures a seamless, clean application with minimal disruption to your daily operations.

Final Thought

Wall graphics are a powerful tool for branding and education when executed correctly. By planning carefully and working with experienced professionals, you can achieve a result that enhances your space for years to come.

At John E Wright & Co Ltd, we support our clients from the initial site survey and visual proposal through to the final installation. We ensure every wall graphics project—whether in a school, office, or public building—is delivered with absolute confidence.

Ready to transform your walls? Get in touch to discuss your wall graphics project or request a site survey today.