Outdoor Mural Preparation
Outdoor murals brighten your garden, your neighborhood or your business. Preparing the surface properly will increase the longevity of your mural, just as using high-quality sealant ensures the lifespan and vividness of its color quality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Clean the Surface
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Clean grime and remove old paint from concrete surfaces with a pressure washer. Use a pressure washer or a tri sodium phosphate (TSP) solution on wood surfaces. Allow ample drying time. Smooth wood surfaces with sandpaper and repair any cracks in concrete.
Primer
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Choose the highest-quality exterior latex primer you can afford to give your mural longevity. Use two to three coats of primer to seal your surface.
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Layout
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If you are uncomfortable drawing out the mural freehand, try using an overhead projector. Use a dry erase marker on acetate sheets to trace your design. Place the sheets one at a time on the projector for a guide.
Color Preparation
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If your mural calls for large amounts of one color, mix enough for the entire project before starting. Combine multiple cans of the same premixed paint into one 5-gallon bucket to avoid unwanted variations in color.
Tips for Finishing
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Always seal exterior murals with two coats of clear exterior sealant. The best choices offer protection from ultra-violet (UV) sunlight. Maintain the vivid colors in your mural by gently cleaning and re-applying sealant once each year.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit kids mural. image by Paula Gent from Fotolia.com
