How Flagstaff Surface Solutions Revitalized an Iconic Mural
Hey Flagstaff! Zach here from Flagstaff Surface Solutions. Today, I'm excited to share the detailed process of how we brought new life to one of our town's beloved murals through expert pressure washing and surface preparation.
The Challenge: Restoring a 7-Year-Old Mural on Asphalt
When Discover Flagstaff reached out about prepping a seven-year-old mural for the Mural Mice to refresh, I knew we were in for a challenge. Years of weather, dirt, and wear had taken their toll on this iconic piece of Flagstaff public art.
My Game Plan: The Step-by-Step Process of Mural
Restoration
Step 1: Soak and Scrub
First things first, I laid down some heavy-duty detergent. Then came the real workout. I got down and dirty, scrubbing like my life depended on it. Seven years of grime doesn't come off easy, let me tell you.
Step 2: Pressure Washing Flagstaff's Iconic Mural
Then it was time for the high-pressure water. I blasted that thing for what seemed like forever before I could see the glass blended paint starting to chip away.
Step 3: Surface Cleaner Magic
Next, I brought in the surface cleaner. I had to be real careful here - too much pressure and I could damage the asphalt. It's all about finding that sweet spot when you're working alone.
Step 4: Turning Up the Heat
This is where it got fun. I cranked my pressure washer up to 180°F. At that temperature, I wasn't just cleaning anymore - I was literally melting away the old paint. But here's the tricky part: I needed to preserve the outline for the Mural Mice to work with. It was like a high-stakes game of Operation, but with a pressure washer and no room for error.
Step 5: The Rinse
After reducing the mural to a ghost of its former self, the most important part of the process came to pass: the rinse. They can't apply new paint to asphalt covered in chemicals and loose paint chips, so I rinsed the heck out of the entire mural until I was positive that they had a clean slate to start with.
Step 6: The Final Check
The next day, I headed back to the site to make sure everything was perfect. The Mural Mice gave me the thumbs up. That's the moment I live for - seeing a client's face light up when they see the results.
Why Professional Pressure Washing Matters for Public Art Preservation
This detailed process showcases why professional pressure washing is crucial for mural restoration and public art preservation in Flagstaff. By meticulously cleaning and preparing the surface, we ensure:
Better paint adhesion for the new mural
Preservation of original outlines for artists to work from
Removal of contaminants that could affect the new paint
A clean canvas that allows artists to achieve their vision
See the Transformation: Video Tour of the Restored Mural
I'm excited to share a couple of videos Midtown Media put together for us, showcasing the before, during, and after of this mural restoration project. Check it out to see the power of professional pressure washing in action: Part 1: The Fun Teaser that blew up on Instagram!:
Part 2: The Explanation:
Join Flagstaff Surface Solutions: Be Part of Preserving Our Town's Beauty
As Flagstaff Surface Solutions grows, I'm looking for passionate individuals to join our mission of beautifying Flagstaff through expert pressure washing and surface preparation. If you're interested in a career that makes a visible difference in our community, let's connect!
Watch the video to get a glimpse of the impactful work we do. Your next career move could involve transforming Flagstaff's urban landscape!
Stay tuned for more updates on local mural restorations and pressure washing projects. Remember, behind any beautiful mural, there might just be the handiwork of Flagstaff Surface Solutions!
Until next time,
Zach
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