Questions about how to paint a mural come up often. It is difficult to answer such a vague question like How to Paint a Mual. But when you ask me a question about a specific portion or painting technique for murals…well I can answer with some ease and carity. 
A recent letter with my typical (and somewhat helpful) style answers:
Hi Debra
I have enjoyed your tips and expertise.
I did some faux painting in our living room. I dragged 5" wide vertical stripes just a few shades darker than the base. This goes around the entire room 3/4 of the way down and a chair rail stops it. I love the soft effect. It is barely noticeable.
Now I would like to paint a soft floral design around the top of the walls. How do I achieve such an effect? I would like it to be soft and muted and look worn but barely there. Do you have any tips?
Thanks.
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl:
If you are using stencils to paint a mural:
For a faded look – I use the oil based stencil paints and with a stencil
brush and a tiny haze of color left on the brush. Like blush on your
face. Some openings will have color on one side and none on the other.
Like half a leaf or petal blended and faded to nothing.
Use less color than you think you need.
If the mural painting is to bright: Use original wall color with glaze to "haze over" the painting.
If you are painting on the mural with brushes: Here is a tip I use.
Draw the art on with water color pencils. (this tip will only work on
lighter colored walls) I use the different colors – like greens for
leaves.
Then with an artist brush – I use an oil painting brush because the
bristle is stiff (like a filbert style) and brush over the top of the
drawing with water only. Just dampen the brush. It will blend the
colors like a water color. It is really beautiful and so easy. Very
soft. If you need more color in a flower or ?? Just draw again and
blend with more water.
If you use straight paint - Don't go too heavy. Very thin. Donna
Dewberry style flowers are hard to have look faded. If you get too
heavy use the same idea as above to "haze over"
I have stenciled faux painted walls with heavy color and had the stencil
fade in and out around the walls. It is tricky to paint a mural to look old and faded with bright heavy color…It can be done but it is a pain.
I like paint a mural that is easy and fun.
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