How to Use Rags to Paint Wall Murals

Painting a wall mural is a great, inexpensive way to add a fresh look to any room in your home. Even if you don't consider yourself artistic, with a little practice and some imagination, you can use rags to paint wall murals.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acrylic latex house paint
• Flat bristle paint brushes
• Painter's palette
• Chalk
• Rags
• Water
• Poster board

1. Apply a base coat for your mural. Allow the paint to dry a full 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.

2. Sketch the outline of your mural on the wall with chalk after the base coat has dried completely.

3. Use a rag dipped in paint to add texture to rocks and mountain areas within your mural. Start at the top, then dab and swirl your way down the mural to create a weathered look. Remember that different types of fabrics absorb paint differently. A loose weave with lots of holes is good for thin washes because it will hold water well.

4. Wipe away small areas of paint with your rag to add highlights to your mural. If you can't picture where the highlights should be, keep in mind that the foreground should be slightly darker than the background areas of the mural.

5. Dip the tip of a dry brush in a light mixture of diluted paint. Quickly jab it on your palette until the bristles separate. Use this jabbing motion to create background foliage within your wall mural. Layer darker paint on top of lighter colors to add depth to the design.

6. Paint ferns in the foreground of your mural. Use short, simple strokes and a brush with a slightly rounded tip.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, avoid using high gloss paint for the background. Eggshell or satin finish are better choices.
• If you're not sure how a particular rag will work for your mural, practice your painting technique on a piece of poster board first.