How to Paint Wall Murals

Creating large-scale artwork on an interior or exterior wall requires planning, preparation and the optimum selection of tools and materials. Modern acrylic paints have superior weathering capabilities and light-fast properties that make them ideal for outdoor applications. Acrylics dry more quickly than traditional oil-based paints, and the residual odors are far less noticeable than oil colors, which is a feature that is preferable for indoor use. When applied on a prepared surface, acrylics provide one of the most durable and colorfast mediums for the artist.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Charcoal pencils
• Grey kneaded eraser
• Plastic drop-cloths
• Painter's masking tape (blue)
• Large house-painter's brushes
• Universal wall primer
• Acrylic artist's gesso
• Acrylic paint
• Set of art brushes made for use with acrylic paints
• Palette knife
• Acrylic matte painting medium
• Large artist's palette
• Denatured alcohol
• Acrylic matte varnish
• Optional: an image projector, such as a slide projector or 2D art projector

1. Measure and mark the area of the wall that the mural will cover. Use charcoal pencils for making any lines or marks. The charcoal pencils will also be used to draw elements of the painting. (Charcoal is used because it is chemically inert and does not react with paints or sealers.)

2. Mask off the areas of the wall that will remain unpainted, using the painter's masking tape and plastic drop cloths. Cover any areas of the floor or ground that need protection with plastic as well.

3. Seal the area of the wall the mural will cover with a universal wall primer. Use a large house-painter's brush to apply the primer. Ensure that the primer has dried thoroughly per the manufacturer's recommendations.

4. Apply the acrylic artist's gesso over the dry primer coat, using a large house-painter's brush. Gesso provides a stable ground that paint will adhere to firmly, without shrinking, cracking or peeling. Ensure that the gesso has dried thoroughly per the manufacturer's recommendations.

5. Sketch or draw the pictorial elements of your artwork directly onto the gessoed surface. As an option, an image projector can be used to project small sketches, drawings, photos, slides and transparencies that you wish to include as pictorial elements. The images are then traced with the charcoal pencils onto the gesso. Remove drawing mistakes with with the kneaded eraser.

6. Mix the acrylic paints to the desired tint or shades with the palette knife. Mix directly on the artist's palette. Add drops of acrylic matte medium to the mixed paint, periodically mixing with an artist's brush until the paint reaches a fluid, easily-applied consistency. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying medium. Use denatured alcohol as a solvent to clean brushes or remove mistakes from the painting's surface.

7. Brush on the painting mixture with the art brushes. Fill in broad areas of flat color first to establish the main shapes or forms. Add blended shades or tints of color on top of the flat colors to add dimension to the shapes or forms. Work from the darkest areas to the lightest using gradations of tone. Finish the smaller details last. When painting on the mural is completed, let it dry for one week, then apply a coat of acrylic matte varnish over the entire surface.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several types of commercially available film or digital image projectors. Many artists still use ordinary slide projectors. There are also commercially-available 2D art projectors that use a light source combined with prisms or mirrors to project non-transparent drawings or photos.
• Many artist's paints contain hazardous compounds or chemicals. Read all warning labels and keep all paint, related materials and solvents out of the reach of children. Use sealers, primers, paints and solvents only in well-ventilated areas.

References

• Painting Murals Step by Step; Charles Grund; 2000