San Francisco Bay Area Murals: A Case Study on Creating Murals on ACP Panels
With many years of muralism under my belt, I've had the chance to work on a wide variety of surfaces. This year, I added a new substrate to my toolkit: aluminum composite panels (ACP). I had the opportunity to create two different projects using ACP, and I thought it would be a great case study for other muralists and clients to explore.

The first project was for the Tractor Supply Company in Suisun, CA. They wanted a mural on the side of their forage shed, which was made of corrugated metal coated in hard enamel paint. After discussing the project, we decided that using panels would be the best approach. This led us to explore ACP and collaborate with Western Sign Co. in Fairfield, CA. While the sign company had extensive experience with printing and installing on ACP, they had never worked with a muralist painting directly on the panels.

If you are not familiar with aluminum core panels, they consist of two thin sheets of aluminum sandwiching a plastic core, finished with a hard, shiny coating of paint. They are available in various sizes and colors. We decided to install the panels first and then paint them. This approach offers muralists the flexibility to paint on a portable surface indoors year-round, and then install the mural on a wall once completed. ACP panels also have the advantage of being removable and relocatable if ownership changes or the building is demolished. Unlike wood, ACP panels are weather-resistant, do not swell or buckle with moisture, and can be cut into shapes or bent into curves.
If you plan to use ACP panels for a mural, here are some steps to ensure proper preparation and paint adhesion:
1.  Remove the Plastic Film: ACP panels arrive with a protective plastic film that needs to be removed. For larger panels, it’s helpful to have an assistant.
2. Â Sand the Panels: Lightly sand the entire panel with 100-grit sandpaper. Avoid heavy sanding as you do not want to expose the bare aluminum; just dull the sheen and provide some texture for the primer.
3. Â Clean the Panels: Thoroughly remove all dust with a damp cloth and let the panels dry.
4. Â Prime the Panels: Use Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Interior & Exterior Primer. This primer is available at most home improvement stores for about $30 per gallon.

For the Tractor Supply Co. mural, we installed the panels before priming due to space constraints. I used a roller to apply the primer and, once dry, began painting with acrylics and aerosols to create the mural. After completing the mural, I added two clear coats for graffiti and UV protection to ensure longevity and color vibrancy.

Soon after completing this project, another client reached out for a free-standing mural on ACP panels to be used as a photo opportunity backdrop for passengers traveling to Victoria, BC. In the case of this free-standing mural, the panels were installed before I got on-site so I followed the same steps above for prep but didn't need to wait for the build-out.
It's funny how I had never worked with this substrate before, and then I had two projects in one year! I enjoyed working with ACP panels and look forward to exploring more creative possibilities, like cutting shapes to enhance future murals.
 If you'd like to learn more about the creative process behind the mural or discuss future artistic collaborations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
California Mural Art Â
Call or text: (916) 550-3466 Â
Email: john@californiamuralart.com
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About California Mural Art
Based in Danville, CA, California Mural Art has been a trusted name in the mural art industry since 2016. We specialize in creating stunning interior and exterior wall murals and commissioned paintings that grace the landscapes up and down the West Coast. With a passion for artistic expression and a commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, our team has been commissioned by arts organizations, cities, corporations, local businesses and residential clients. We take great pride in our ability to translate the unique visions and aspirations of our clients into breathtaking works of art. From the initial concept and design phase to the final brushstroke, we collaborate closely with our clients to ensure their complete satisfaction. We believe that the success of a mural lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its ability to resonate with its surroundings and engage the local community.
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