Mural Painting Techniques for the Beginner

It can be quite expensive to hire a professional mural painter.  So many of us have a bit of talent and would like to attempt painting a mural ourselves, but just don’t know where to start.  I would like to help you become more confident and give you a few tips on how to Do It Yourself.

Here is a question that a reader sent in earlier this week.

“I am in the process of doing a wall mural for the kids area of a church. I draw & love to do water colors but never painted on a wall. I need tips as to how to proceed, the type of paints to utilize & smart techniques. I am considering a noahs ark theme or a garden of eden kind of concept. Is there a site that has illustrations/demos?”

photo credit: danielle_blue

As a beginner, painting a wall mural can be intimidating.  But it really doesn’t have to be if you have done your research and you are prepared.

Here area few simple steps for you to follow in order to be ready to “Get Your Paint On”.

1.  Gather Reference Pictures – Take some time to research the subject matter of what you will be painting.  In your case, you will be painting either a Noah’s Ark or Garden of Eden theme.  Choose one theme and then do a Google image search.  For instance, if you choose to do the Noah’s Ark theme, then search with these words – “Noah’s Ark Murals”.   You will find so many great ideas this way.  Print out your favorites and use them as reference for you to choose the different elements and colors that you would like to include in your mural.

2.  Purchase Materials -  Now that you are set on a theme, you will need to gather your materials for the job.  Here is a list of things that you will need.

• Drop Cloths
• Brushes (all different sizes)
• Small Roller
• Acrylic Paint (take your reference picture with you to make sure you get all the colors that you need)
• Latex Paint (I use this for all my background painting.  It is easiest to roll on those areas – cuts your painting time in half)
• Bucket for water to clean brushes between colors
• Roll of Paper Towels / Rags to dry brushes
• Table to work off of
• Medium – this helps keep acrylic paints movable
• Overhead Projector – this is one of my favorite items to use and it is great for beginners to get an image on paper onto a wall keeping the exact proportions.  All you have to do is trace the outline and fill it in with paint.  So eas, especially when doing cartoon characters, animals, and other designs.

Overhead Projector, 2500 Lumens, 14-1/4 x 16-3/4 x 28

3.  Organize your Materials. I always like to set the stage before I start painting.  I make sure I have a very organized work space and that everything is easily accessible.  I have all my paints in one bin, all my brushes in another.  I have drop cloths laid out and my bucket of water ready.

4.  Start Painting the Background. Like I said, the best way to paint the background is by rolling it on.  If you are painting a landscape, for instance, land & sky.  Start at the top with the sky – roll it out and then do the bottom.

5.  Project images onto the wall. Trace the outline onto the wall with a soft pencil.  You don’t want the lines to be visible under the paint, so press lightly when doing the outline.  You can also use watercolor pencils which blend well once painted.  I sometimes even use chalk on darker base colors.

6.  Get Your PAINT on!!! Use your reference pictures and paint away!

This should help you get started at least.  If you are still unsure of yourself, you may want to practice with your paints on a sample board.  But really, the best tool to use for a beginner is the overhead projector. Good luck all you DIYers out there!  You can do it!!