Mural is a type of painting that is painted directly on a wall. So, how to paint mural correctly?
So that the mural is beautiful, there are some techniques that should be applied. For you who want to paint mural on your house wall, you should follow the tips on how to paint mural correctly and nicely.
To paint mural, you need to prepare it first. If you make the mural correctly though, it will give an entirely different atmosphere to your room.
These are some techniques on how to paint mural starting from the planning to the final stage of making it.
Preparation Stage
Before getting to how to create mural, these are some preparations that you have to do first.
1. Schedule a Whole Day to Prepare It
Wall that is painted in hurry will look dirty. The lines will look uneven and the colour will look not as bright as it should be.
If you want your work to look professional, make sure to have a whole day to prepare everything before you start painting it.
2. Choosing the Colour
So that you will not be confused in choosing the colour for your mural and new wall, you should consider these tips below:
- Choose the colours according to the dominant pattern in the room. It can be from carpet, paintings, or other things. Let those patterns guide your choice.
- From bright to dark colour, from ceiling to floor. If you want an easy arranging, follow these tips: bright colour goes up (to the ceiling), neutral colours on the wall, and dark colours on floor or carpet.
- Use the colour circle. The colours that are close to each other in colour circle usually work well with each other. The colours that are far from other colours usually need a bit more help to be adjusted to the colour scheme.
3. Prepare the Surface that will be Painted
The first thing you have to do is to place a layer of canvas on the floor. Cover the floor completely, fasten it using a tape to make sure the canvas stays there.
You also need to cover electric sockets using a tape. Paste a tape on every hardware that cannot be removed.
4. Scour the Wall
Scouring of the wall is really helpful because it will help the paint to be absorbed and dry quickly. When you are scouring the wall, wear a mask to prevent the dust from getting to you.
- Use a pole sander with 120-grit sandpaper. Move the pole sander from one side to the other side. Start from the upper part, then slowly go down.
- Try to find a good balance when using the pole sander. Do not push it too hard, but also not too soft. Push it normally.
- Change the sandpaper every time it is already full of dust or does not work well anymore.
- Do the first layer roughly. Wet the sanding sponge, keep the bucket filled warm water and dip the sponge there as often as possible. After that, finish it softly and smoothly, lubricate the damp sanding sponge as often as possible.
5. Clean the Wall
Using vacuum, clean the wall from dust and dirt that come from the sanding process. A clean wall will be easier to be painted on, and will give a good result too.
Using warm water and a bit of detergent, wash the wall lightly using sponge. Scrub the oily spots directly, especially on the dirty part of the wall.
Do it all over again to the whole wall using clean water and sponge, and you are finished.
6. Patch the Holes or Cracks Using Putty
Next, look at the condition of your wall. Are there any holes or cracks on the surface? If there are holes or cracks on the wall, you may need putty to cover the holes or cracks.
Using wet fingers, push the putty down to the cracks, then smoothen it so it will be well covered.
Use a joint knife to patch the holes. Depending the wall, you may have to use the same material to dry and patch the wall.
Smoothen it using 120-grit sandpaper once again after the material has dried off.
7. Decide Whether to use Painter’s Tape or Angled Brush
You do not want your paint to be messy and spilled to the ceiling or other different surfaces, right? For this reason, it is important to choose between painter’s tape or angled brush, since the two have its own advantages and disadvantages.
Painter’s tape needs more setups, but does not need stable hand. You have to apply the tape evenly to avoids leak. However, once it is applied on the wall, you do not need to worry about it.
Angled brush, on the other hand, need many setups, but it will result in mistakes if you do not have s table hand.
However, they can help you finish hours earlier if you feel comfortable using them.
8. Cover the Wall with a Layer of Base Paint
Base paint is a layer of light paint that will absorb colour well. You may have to apply the base paint on your wall, if:
- You are facing a newly-built wall that has never been painted before.
- The wall has been patched for the cracks or holes before.
- The wall is merged.
- The colour of your painting is darker.
Painting Stage
1. Paint the Edge of the Wall First
Dip the 2 ½ inch angled brush to the colour you want. Just dip 1/3 of the brush lightly to the colour, but do not brush it.
Apply about 2 inches of colour to the corner or the edge of the room with the angled brush.
2. Dip the Roller to the Paint
To apply the paint to the middle area, and also to the area that has not been painted yet, it is best to use a roller. Here are some tips on how to apply the paint to your roller.
- Wet the roller first before you dip it in to the paint. Wet it using water for latex type of paint.
- Wet it using thinners for oil paint
- Fill the bucket with paint. Make sure not too overly, because of course it will not be good.
- Dip the roller in to the bucket and pull it up again. Squeeze the excessive paint while making the layer of the roller even.
3. Applying the Paint to the Wall
Apply the paint to the wall in “W” or “M” shape. Do it all over again to cover the wall with paint. While you are painting the wall, make sure to remember that:
When you are doing the “W” or “M” move, do not stop the roll on the wall. Keep the roller on the wall until you need other means to apply the paint.
If the roller is starting to peel off, dot it all over again from the second step.
4. Let the Paint Dry for a Few Hours
After doing the steps above, let the paint be for a few hours, until it dries off.
5. Finish a Few Lines Using the Paint
You may or may not have a trim to paint mural. Once again, you have the option to cover the wall with painter’s tape (wait until the paint dry off before using it) or with hand.
If you are applying the pain to a wider area than the trim, use a wide paint brush. If you are applying the paint to a smaller area, use angled brush (1 to 2 inches)
6. Apply a Second Layer of the Paint, if Needed
Repeat the process of applying the paint for the best result.
