Direct answer: Painting murals on wood, metal, and glass is mostly a surface-prep and primer problem. If you clean, degloss, and prime for the substrate, the paint system has a chance to last. If you skip prep, even great artwork can peel.
Quick takeaways (substrates change everything)
- Clean first. Oils, dust, and residue are the #1 adhesion killer.
- Degloss where needed. Slick surfaces need tooth or a bonding primer.
- Prime for the material. “One primer fits all” is rarely true.
- Test a patch. A small adhesion test is cheaper than repainting a whole wall.
1) Wood: seal and stabilize
Wood moves with humidity and can have tannins/resins that bleed. Plan for:
- cleaning + light sanding
- sealing/priming to reduce absorption
- edges and end-grain protection (common failure points)
2) Metal: remove rust and create a bond
Metal needs clean, bare bonding surfaces. If there’s rust, remove it, then prime appropriately for corrosion protection.
3) Glass: slick surface, high risk of peeling
Glass is non-porous, so adhesion depends on the right prep and products. You typically need:
- thorough cleaning/degreasing (no residue)
- surface deglossing or a bonding primer designed for slick surfaces
- careful handling during cure time
“Bonds to glossy surfaces without scuff sanding.”
— Rawlins Paints (product description), Zinsser Bulls Eye 1‑2‑3
Whatever system you use, follow manufacturer compatibility and cure guidance—especially on glass and metal.
4) A simple substrate checklist (use this on every project)
- Surface cleaned and residue-free
- Loose material removed (flaking paint, rust, chalk)
- Surface deglossed or bonding primer selected
- Primer fully cured before paint layers
- Finish/protection plan matches the environment (touch, moisture, sun)
FAQ
Can I paint a mural directly on glass?
Sometimes, but it’s high risk without proper prep and the right bonding system. If the mural needs to last, treat glass like a specialty substrate and plan accordingly.
What’s the best way to prevent peeling?
Clean thoroughly, remove loose material, and prime appropriately for the substrate. Most peeling is adhesion failure, not “bad paint.”
Want help choosing a paint system for your surface?
Send photos of the wall/material (close-up + wide shot) and tell us whether it’s indoor/outdoor. We’ll recommend a prep and finish approach that fits your location.