Black Light Impressionist Mural on Timber Wall at My Thai Manchester
Black Light Impressionist Mural on Timber Wall at My Thai Manchester
- Client: My Thai Restaurant
- Location: Manchester Piccadilly, One Portland Street, UK
- Theme: Abstract Impressionist, Pop Art, Black Light
- Dimensions: Four timber faces, each approx. 2m wide and up to 3.6m high
- Materials: Wood stain, primer, UV-reactive acrylic paints, brushes
- Objective: To transform stained timber walls into a black light impressionist mural that works in both daylight and UV, adding depth, colour, and atmosphere to the restaurant’s interior.
Ready to Glow?
Want to transform your venue with a mural that changes under black light? Send me a message and let’s talk about a black light painting that makes your space glow.
Design and Preparation
For this installation I worked directly on timber surfaces. Each face of the wall was stained in dark tones, which required several coats and a full day’s drying time. Once dry, I primed the wood. This step is essential in UV-reactive work, as the white base allows fluorescent colours to glow at their brightest and ensures a long-lasting result.
With the surface ready, I painted freehand using brushes and UV-reactive acrylics. Multiple layers of colour were built up for depth and dynamics, applying principles of chromadepth theory to create an immersive three-dimensional effect.
Rather than sealing the wood fully, I deliberately left the rustic grain visible. This gave the mural a unique character, merging the raw material of the timber with impressionist strokes layered over it.
Visual Impact
The mural appears as a controlled explosion of colour: part cosmic galaxy, part bouquet of flowers, part swirls of candy floss. The painterly brushstrokes evoke the energy of impressionist classics, refined for a contemporary restaurant setting.
At first glance, the mural could pass for a traditional abstract painting. Only when the black lights come on does the full effect reveal itself. The fluorescent layers ignite, transforming the work into a glowing, otherworldly piece. Guests may notice the mural shifting in appearance throughout the day, as sunlight filters in through the large windows and mixes with ambient UV lighting.
Placed strategically behind booth seating and near the feature wall, the mural brings warmth and vibrancy into spaces where guests gather and dine. It adds a sense of movement and energy, creating an atmospheric backdrop without overwhelming the overall design scheme.
Client Response
The client provided a rough digital mock-up as guidance. I took this starting point and expanded it with my signature trippy style, ensuring the final piece was both commercially suitable and artistically rich.
They were delighted with the result, commenting on the mesmerising depth of the mural and how beautifully it combined with the booth seating areas. For them, the timber wall mural added an extra dimension to the restaurant’s character, tying different design elements together into one immersive experience.
Style and Artistic Inspiration
This black light impressionist mural is the meeting point of street art attitude and painterly technique. It draws from impressionism, cosmic abstraction, and urban neon aesthetics, filtered through my own contemporary style.
While it complements the other murals in My Thai Manchester, it also stands on its own as a feature. By layering colour, depth, and fluorescent energy, the piece creates an environment that feels alive, a mural that shifts and surprises depending on the time of day and the lighting conditions.
Global Applications of Black Light Impressionist Murals
Black light impressionist painting is versatile and adaptable. This approach works not only in restaurants, but also in bars, cafés, hotels, galleries, clubs, and event venues worldwide. The style is scalable, from small timber features to entire wall installations.
Because UV-reactive acrylics can be applied with brush techniques, the result is richer than spray paint alone. This opens up creative opportunities for blending fine art impressionism with urban, neon-inspired aesthetics. For any venue seeking a unique, high-impact interior, black light brush painting on timber is a powerful option.
Why Choose a Black Light Impressionist Mural?
- Durability: Proper prep ensures long-lasting colour and glow.
- Atmosphere: Creates depth, warmth, and immersive ambience.
- Custom design: Adaptable to your theme, colour palette, and brand.
Send me a message and let’s talk about bringing your black light painting vision to light.
Want to see how this installation fits into the bigger picture? Check out the full project overview of My Thai Manchester.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you paint UV murals on timber?
The wood is first stained, then primed with white paint for brightness. UV-reactive acrylics are layered on top, with the natural grain left visible for texture.
Does it look like a black light mural in daylight?
Not immediately. In daylight it resembles a traditional impressionist abstract. Under UV, the hidden layers glow, creating a dual experience.
How long does a timber wall mural take?
Preparation and staining take around one day, followed by 1–2 days of painting depending on detail and size.
Is it durable in a busy restaurant?
Yes. With proper prep and high-quality materials, the mural withstands daily wear. Timber also adds resilience and character.
Can this be adapted for venues worldwide?
Absolutely. I take commissions globally and can adapt the process for restaurants, bars, hotels, and creative spaces anywhere.
