Do you want to know how to paint a wall mural? If you choose to do it freehand, trace the general lines of the design, perfect them, and add details. At this point it is vital to demand precision, and to define the marking as much as possible.
That is because correcting the proportions of the design later may involve additional internal costs of materials and time. Once you draw the sketch on the wall, it is time to paint it.
How to Paint A Wall Mural – The Best Tips
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A) How to Trace a Drawing on the Wall
If you are wondering how to draw on the wall, you should realize it normal to find it hard. However, there are ways to trace a drawing on the wall. The best ways are:
You project the design on the wall with a projector, and trace it with a pencil or chalk. The more resolution and power the device has the better (at least Full HD and 3,000 lumens).
The downside of this technique: It requires darkness, and a point of light to connect it to the power. In addition, you require enough distance to project the whole wall (or it will have to be done in parts).
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B) How to Project a Drawing on the Wall without a Projector
How to Paint A Wall Mural – Organic Grid
The quickest and easiest way to project a drawing on the wall without a projector is to grid a surface. This allows us to guide ourselves and copy our design in parts by simply scribbling.
Then, we will take a photo with a mobile phone. Using an app, we will put our design with some transparency on a top layer. This way, we will be able to see which elements must match what.
Geometric Grid
One way to pass the drawing to the wall is to grid our design, and then represent a grid on the wall to be copied square by square.
To avoid marking lines on the wall that will later have to erase, you can make a grid by taping threads to it. Remember it is essential to use a meter to ensure that the grid is perfect.
Fill In the Largest Surfaces
Based on the marking, we can begin to fill in the drawing. It is preferable to do it from the top to the bottom. This reduces the risk of staining an already finished part.
Adding Details and Perfecting
Once we have given the first layer of color in an area, we can start to detail it.
Techniques for Painting Murals
The techniques used to paint traditional murals are tempera, oil, and fresco, although in many cases mixed techniques are used. You can use different tools to paint murals such as brushes, paintbrushes and rollers, spray cans, airbrushes, and even paint markers.
How to Paint A Wall Mural – The Best Technique for Painting the Wall with Acrylic
The best technique for painting the wall with acrylic will depend on the surface. For example, rollers, sprays and airbrushes cover better than brushes and paintbrushes. However, you should keep in mind the latter tools are ideal for finishing details.
Mural Painting
What Paint Should I Use To Make A Mural?
You can paint a mural with plastic paint or acrylic paint, using a brush or paintbrush. However, to fill in walls of about one meter or to make it blurred, the spray is usually more efficient.
What Paint Should I Use To Draw On The Wall?
The best paint to use for drawing on the wall is quality water-based paint. That is because it is more environmentally friendly, dries quickly, and does not smell.
It means you can use plastic (or latex) or acrylic paint. Further, it is also important that it is vegan and if possible close.
Plastic or latex paint is the most popular for indoor wall painting, although depending on its composition, you can also apply it outdoors.
Furthermore, you can easily wash water-based paints with soap and water, as long as they are not dry.
Acrylic Paint for Murals
Acrylic painting is best for wall murals because of its resistance to the sun, the amount of colors available, and its small formats for painting small elements.
Brushes and Paintbrushes
Synthetic brushes and paintbrushes with wooden handles are the most sustainable and animal-friendly. They are ideal for finishing off and painting small details on murals. Depending on the level of detail and the thickness of the strokes you require, you should use wider or smaller brushes.
Painting large walls is more efficient with a roller or spray. Aerosol is more practical for blurring or covering surfaces with recesses (such as brick walls). Moreover, the roller stains a little less because it does not leave volatile paint particles in the air.
The Best Painting for an Exterior Mural
The best paint for an exterior mural can be either plastic paint or acrylic paint.
Painting for Outdoor Murals
Of the various techniques for painting a mural, sprays are the most effective because of their rapid drying, coverage of virtually any surface, and their versatility.
Mastering the spray requires practice, but it is a very versatile and powerful tool. However, nozzles often get clogged up as soon as the paint dries, so it is vital to have a few in reserve.
Conclusion – How to Paint A Wall Mural
Although we prefer water-based paint without solvents, the inhalation of the fumes and paint from aerosols is not exactly beneficial to health. Not only that, the powder paint sticks to the nostrils, and is super uncomfortable and difficult to clean.
That’s why we use a double filter mask. Furthermore, it is difficult to remove the paint from the hands, especially from the nails (acetone or solvent must be used), so we wear reusable gloves.
