Drywall Surface Preparation

Handyman Services Prepares Wall for New Mural at The Joint Chiropractic Clinic in Bartlett, TN

In April 2023, Handyman Services was contracted to perform a specialized wall restoration project at The Joint Chiropractic Clinic located in Bartlett, Tennessee. The task: remove a previously installed vinyl wall mural and properly prepare the drywall for the installation of a new one. This wasn’t a simple aesthetic update. Instead, the project was necessary due to poor workmanship by a previous contractor who failed to properly prep the wall before applying the original mural. As a result, the wall surface had suffered, and a professional solution was needed to correct the problem before the new mural could be successfully installed.

Assessing the Wall Condition

Upon arrival, Handyman Services conducted a thorough evaluation of the mural and the wall behind it. It became immediately apparent that the previous application lacked the proper surface preparation steps. The vinyl mural had been installed directly over raw or poorly sealed drywall, which caused the adhesive to bond unevenly and led to bubbling, lifting edges, and long-term surface damage.

This oversight not only affected the appearance of the mural but also compromised the integrity of the wall underneath. Before any new vinyl could be applied, the entire wall needed to be restored properly to ensure lasting results.

A Weeklong Process of Precision and Patience

Over the course of one week—from April 3 to April 7, 2023—Handyman Services systematically removed the old vinyl wall mural. This was no small task. Because the wall hadn’t been properly primed or sealed beforehand, large sections of the drywall surface came up with the mural, leaving behind torn paper, rough textures, and residual adhesive.

To prevent further damage, the team used specialized removal techniques, including gentle heat application, non-abrasive scrapers, and adhesive removers that softened the backing without soaking the drywall. As sections of the mural were peeled away, additional care was taken to preserve as much of the wall’s structure as possible.

Repairing and Rebuilding the Surface

After all vinyl had been removed, the damage left behind was addressed. The technicians carefully cleaned the wall and removed all remaining adhesive. Then came the wall repairs. Joint compound was applied to torn or gouged areas of the drywall, followed by sanding to ensure a smooth, consistent surface across the entire wall.

These repairs were crucial. Any imperfections—no matter how small—would have shown through the new mural once installed. Handyman Services took the time to inspect every square inch of the wall, ensuring the surface was flawless.

High-Gloss Paint for Better Adhesion

Once the wall was restored and smooth, the final step was to apply a high-gloss paint finish. This step was essential for the long-term success of the new mural. Unlike flat or matte finishes, high-gloss paint creates a slick, sealed surface that allows vinyl murals to bond properly and evenly. It also prevents future issues with bubbling, lifting, or adhesive bleed-through.

Using premium, commercial-grade paint, Handyman Services carefully rolled and brushed the wall, ensuring full coverage and a smooth, reflective finish. Once the paint cured, the wall was ready for the next contractor to install the new mural with confidence.

Professional Results That Last

The Joint Chiropractic Center’s management expressed their appreciation for the meticulous work and high standards of Handyman Services. What began as a correction to a botched previous job became a full restoration that ensured the clinic’s branding and visual presentation would remain professional and durable for years to come.

This project underscores the importance of doing the job right the first time—and when that doesn’t happen, hiring the right professionals to make it right. Handyman Services continues to be a trusted name in the Bartlett and greater Memphis area for drywall repair, surface prep, painting, and mural support for both residential and commercial clients.

If your walls need more than just a touch-up, trust the team that brings over 29 years of experience to every project. Contact Handyman Services today for reliable, detail-oriented solutions.