How much does a graffiti commission cost?

Some agencies don't give a price per square meter. We do. You should be able to do the math before we meet for the first time. Here you'll find our guide values, what the price includes and how the range turns into a fixed amount.

All prices in this post are net prices. 19 percent VAT is added.

How much does graffiti cost per square meter?#

An exterior mural with us costs €60 to €150 net per square meter. For interior walls, it's €120 to €150.

Where your wall falls in this range depends mainly on the motif. A color field with lettering is painted faster than a portrait that looks like a photo. You can see this in the daily output. An artist can fill around 50 square meters of plain surface a day. With detailed motifs, it's 10 to 15 square meters.

We give you the exact amount once we know photos, measurements and the condition of your wall. More on our Prices page.

Is there a minimum order?#

Yes, the minimum order is €1,000 net. Consultation, design, travel and setup are the same for eight square meters as for 80. And an artist spends at least half a day at the wall.

That's why we calculate by order value, not by minimum surface area. An elaborate motif on four square meters can exceed the threshold. A simple surface of twelve square meters might fall below it.

If your budget is smaller, we recommend a graffiti workshop or a painting on canvas. You can take a canvas down later and hang it up somewhere else.

How much does the design cost?#

The design starts at €500 net, depending on surface and scope. Two rounds of revisions are included.

You first approve only the design. Once it's done, we check whether it still fits the preliminary quote. If the motif has become more complex or simpler, we adjust the quote. Only then do you commission the execution. How this works step by step is covered in the post The process from design to sign-off.

Which four factors determine the price?#

Complexity, surface, working height and sealing determine the price of a wall. We list all other items separately.

• Complexity. A logo with clean areas takes less time than a photorealistic motif with lots of color gradients. That's why we discuss the style before we calculate.
• Surface. Best is a smoothly plastered wall without exterior insulation. Loose plaster, algae or old coats of paint need cleaning, priming and sometimes filling. Photos and videos are usually enough for a first assessment.
• Working height. Above a certain height we need a lift or scaffolding. Our first choice is a scissor lift. It is delivered to the site and leaves no anchor holes in the wall. If scaffolding is already up at your place, this item is dropped.
• Sealing. The two-layer anti-graffiti protection Graffiti Guard costs €35 net per square meter. For 100 square meters, that's an additional €3,500. Indoors it's almost never needed.

How long a mural lasts with and without sealing is explained in the post How long does graffiti last on a facade?.

What does a typical wall cost?#

Based on our guide values, an exterior wall of 20 square meters works out to €1,200 to €3,000 net for the painting. The design, starting at €500, comes on top.

If the wall is to be sealed, that adds €700 for 20 square meters. Whether a lift, surface prep or travel are added, we can tell from your photos and measurements. This example doesn't replace a quote. But it shows you the ballpark you can plan with.

What else appears on the invoice?#

Additional charges can include travel, surcharges for work outside normal hours and permit fees. Each of these items is listed separately in the quote.

• Travel. We don't charge for travel within 50 kilometers of the nearest of our locations. Beyond that, we list it separately. For longer trips, accommodation and meals are added. We calculate jobs abroad case by case.
• Rush job, weekend, holiday. For short notice or weekend work at your request, we charge a surcharge. We tell you the amount in advance.
• Permits and barriers. As the client, you take care of the necessary permits. We agree on any fees with you before execution. When a permit is needed is covered in the post Do I need a permit for a mural?.

Is the price in the quote binding?#

Yes, our standard is a fixed price. You know in advance what the wall will cost.

Our quote is valid for 30 days. You can place the order with a simple email referring to the quote. The invoice arrives one to two days after completion, and payment is due within 14 days.

We only ask for a deposit on large orders from around €20,000 to €30,000. In that case you pay 20 percent before the start, 40 percent when work begins and 40 percent after the final sign-off.

How can the price be lowered?#

We don't lower the price, we adjust the scope. There are four levers for that.

1. Area. We paint fewer square meters. A single motif on eight square meters often has more impact than a fully painted facade.
2. Motif. We keep the design simpler, for example a logo instead of a large image.
3. Prep work. You handle the priming or base coat yourself.
4. Protection. We skip the sealing or replace it with simple UV protection.

We also offer discounts for several surfaces at the same location and for commissions across several locations. Travel and setup are then charged only once. For example, we've painted transformer stations for several municipal utilities, including in Offenbach, Marburg, Bad Nauheim and Haiger.

Why isn't a mural cheaper?#

Because a mural is handmade. A photorealistic portrait takes much more time than a color field. On top of that come design, preparation, travel and materials.

We don't cut corners on materials. Cheap paint covers worse, chalks sooner and visibly loses its vibrancy after two summers. For a work meant to last many years, paint is the wrong place to save. We use Montana Gold for spray cans and Brillux for facade paint.

If you have a cheaper quote, compare the items. Has the surface been checked? Who handles prep work, the lift and permits? Is sealing included? If the other quote delivers the same and costs less, take it. If you're thinking about spraying the door or wall yourself, the post Have your garage door painted or spray it yourself? covers the typical pitfalls.

Can I deduct a mural from my taxes?#

Check that with your tax advisor. The tax treatment depends on your situation and the commission. We issue an invoice listing the individual services.

Many cities also offer funding, such as municipal facade programs or urban development grants. Programs vary from place to place. We'll tell you if we know of anything for your city. For offices and company buildings, you'll find more tips in the post Wall design for companies and offices.