How to Paint a Wall Mural Even If You’re Not an Artist

We may take in tax revenue from the product available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›

Many domicile decorators have present the enigma of what to do with a large empty wall . alternatively of stare at a blank space , considerpaintinga wall painting for a individualized plan affirmation . According toZillow ’s 2024 home vogue report , mural are gaining popularity . The report bring up an 18 pct addition in mural quotation in their home list .

“ mural elevate the aesthetic appeal to any blank space in an expressive way that is really one - of - a - variety , ” sound out professional creative person Meg Solebello , the owner ofThe Cranford Creativein Cranford , New Jersey . She says , “ A mural service as a focal point in a elbow room , grabbing attention and bestow visual interest . ”

A tropical scene is depicted on a wallpaper mural behind a dining room set.

Photo: grahambrown.com

Solebello , a former NYC advert originative turned professional mountain lion , says murals connected with her “ cryptical love for paint gravid , fast , and loose . ” Those who can refer may want to essay painting their own . Since a coat of rouge willcover upa labor gone wrong , it ’s a scurvy - stakes DIY risk that even unpaid artist can give it a go without much concern . Get started with the following helpful tips for how to paint a wall painting .

1. Evaluate the space.

Before getting started on any home projection , it ’s substantive to evaluate the pauperism of the distance . look at how the area is used , the intended mood , logistics , and furniture placement . Solebello says not to eliminate littler rooms or field withlimited innate lightwhen deliberate a mural location . “ A mural can create an phantasy of space , visually opening up a elbow room to make it feel larger and more inviting , ” she says .

2. Come up with a concept.

The next step is to occur up with a design concept . Consider factors such as skill degree and the destine time commitment for a DIY mural . beginner may desire to choose for simpler designs or one that are easy to map out , such as geometric designing with larger shape that can be scale withpainter ’s tape . mural are one of four vogue the designer atFrogTape brand painter ’s tapesee as big in 2024 ( wainscoting , stand - out kitchen islands , and bluff colors in unexpected space are the other three trends ) .

3. Practice on a smaller canvas.

Solebello recommends practicing the design concept on a small scurf first . “ Before you set off painting , be after your intent in picture element or on theme , ” she says . This type of drafting allows the artist to pluck their design as needed before jump-start to a prominent - scalepaintproject .

4. Pick a color scheme.

“ You want to make trusted the color pallette is balanced and working together when selecting your key swatch , ” says Solebello . She recommends holding options against the current paries color to control they complement it and fend out enough . To encounter a palette , moot tryingcolorson the smaller canvas to control various tones flirt well together .

5. Gather supplies.

The least expensive products may not be the best option when frequent for supplies . “ mellow - quality paints and brushes will make a difference , ” pronounce Solebello , lead in better coverage , durability , quicker dry out prison term , and cleaner lines and brush strokes . Other possible picture supplies are sandpaper for smoothingtextured wall , painter ’s tape , a masquerade , and a roller for larger section . “ Do n’t forget a drop textile to protect floor and furniture , ” remind Solebello .

6. Prep the wall.

A unruffled and clean wall is the good canvas for a mural . “ Before you open that can of paint , verify the wall surface is neat , smooth , andprimed , ” says Solebello . “ absent any dirt , dust , or grease , and patch up any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand down . ”

7. Scale the design.

Scaling a blueprint include ensuring the artwork is represent out effectively on the paries . Some artists utilise a grid of squares to localize the different elements in the correct part of the bulwark . To scale up the size of it of the design , artist can project the image for a moreaccuratetransfer to the wall . Solebello uses white chalk to outline her basic shapes before getting started and painter ’s tapeline to accomplish clean line .

8. Have fun with it.

wrick up the music and put on some overalls ; it ’s time to commence house painting . Do n’t hurry the process;take timeto step back and evaluate with each increase . “ revel the originative process — embrace imperfections and determine along the way , ” says Solebello . “ Your mural is a reflection of your creativity and personal style , so let your imaginativeness soar ! ”

9. Create a removable mural.

For those who want an easy - to - move mural , such as renters , deliberate produce a removable mural . When one of her clients requested a mural they could move with them when they relocated , creative person and bloggerHaley Badenhop Leeperhad to get originative . She used aMasonite wallboardas her canvass to suit their request . She also recommends polytab material and pre - primed canvass as other possible backcloth .

10. Try alternatives to drawing.

Stencils can be a helpful dick for those who feel overwhelmed by absorb simple embodiment . Especially useful in children ’s elbow room , options like thesewoodland tree animals from TheStencilStudioon Etsy , make it simple to position and paint . And if stencils still sense too overwhelming , there ’s wallpaper made to expect like a wall painting , such asthese from Graham and Brown .

11. Hire a pro.

Still not convinced ? Whether it ’s a lack of enough clock time it takes to paint a mural or skills , rent a professional can be a great alternative . conceive theinvestmentsimilar to that of fine prowess . A mural is a one - of - a - kind art piece that ’s scale put it on showing for everyone in your domicile to see and apprise .

This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation

Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we count this restoration the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .

A fox in a forest is painted on a wall in a bold style.