How to Transfer a Drawing to a Wall

A projector can help transform a sketch into large-scale artwork.

Recreating an image in a larger scale may pose a dilemma if you haven't done it before -- it would be hard to freehand copy an image on a large scale, such as on a wall, and keep the original scale and flair intact. An opaque projector, sometimes called an art projector or tracing projector, is ideal for transferring a drawing to a wall -- the proportions will be correct and the design can be made as large as you like.

Things You'll Need

• Static cleaning cloth
• Opaque projector
• Dark room
• Chalk or pencil
• Permanent markers
• Dropcloth

Instructions

1. Wipe down the project wall with the static cleaning cloth to remove any dust and dirt from the art area.

2. Place the opaque projector on a table or raised flat surface near the opposite end of the room with the lens facing the art wall. Plug in the projector.

3. Insert your drawing into the projector as indicated in the projector's instruction booklet. On some models you may have to place the artwork underneath the projector. Check the manual to be sure. Turn on the projector to ensure the image is oriented properly on the wall. Turn it off again and rotate the sketch if necessary. Turn on the projector again to align the image on the wall where you'd like to create your transfer. You can make the image larger or smaller by moving the projector farther away or closer to the art wall.

4. Darken the room by closing curtains and doors and turning off the lights.

5. Grab a pencil and trace every line of the projected drawing. Make sure you trace everything before turning the projector off. If you're not sure, turn the lights on in the room and double check your work. Turn the lights off again if you need to resume work.

6. Turn the lights on in the room after all lines are traced. Turn the projector off.

7. Trace over the pencil lines with a dark permanent marker in your chosen color. Use a fine-tipped marker for thin lines and a thick marker for bold lines. Reference the original sketch if unsure how thick to make the lines. You could turn the projector on again as well if need be, to get the details exact.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, you can paint on the wall drawing, adding colors with different paints. Use acrylic or latex paint over latex wall paint; oil paints on oil-based wall paint.

• Murals can be made using this projector method.

• The projector needn't be an expensive model; even those meant for children are suitable for tracing artwork.

• Be sure to turn the projector off when done working, so it doesn't overheat. Be extra careful when tracing lines with the permanent marker, as they can't be erased.

Resources

• Art is Fun: Art Projectors: An Easy Guide on How to Enlarge Your Image