A painted mural can be a fabulously eye-catching feature, indoors or outdoors – and it isn’t just for experienced artists. The possibilities are almost endless, whether you are looking for something to brighten up a child’s room or to create a visual focus in an elegant living room. With a bit of planning and practice, and with the help of the various aids on the market, painting an attractive mural is within reach for most of us.

Inspirations for Murals

Paint what you like looking at! Rural landscapes are one popular theme for murals, especially suited to large wall spaces. You might want a view of lakes and mountains, or for a child’s room, an exotic jungle. Faux picture windows and trompe l’oeil paintings (literally, paintings that ‘deceive the eye’) are one option, creating the impression of a view of mountains or sea or even a cityscape.

You can also use murals as the equivalent of hanging pictures. You can choose motifs that match your decor and the architectural style of your home. The old-world look of Tuscany is created partly by the use of painted murals, including views of vineyards and olive groves and decorative grape and foliage motifs.

Floral designs always look decorative. A geometric or abstract mural can add pizazz and style to a contemporary room. For the workplace, including offices and schools, appropriate imagery can banish that institutional look, adding color and warmth.

First Steps

Your finished product will only be as good as your surface. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth, unless you’re looking for a flat, glossy finish. It does need to be well cleaned and grease-free. Any holes and cracks must be filled with putty and sanded. The last step before painting is to apply a good quality primer or sealer as a base coat.

Paints

For indoor murals, you can’t go wrong with water-based acrylic paints. Outdoor murals need a paint that is weatherproof and waterproof. If the mural will receive direct sunlight, choose paint with a built-in sunscreen. You may need to seal your handiwork with a high quality clear sealer.

Realizing Your Design

If you are creating a scene such as a landscape, you will typically start by covering your surface with the background color(s) and building up your image in layers. Your final layer will be the fine detail. Once you have a background coat you can sketch out your design. Few of us can do this freehand! Work from a picture, which you can then scale up, marking the design contours onto your wall. (There is computer software that can help you do this.)

Stencils are the answer for many murals. A staggering range of motifs and designs can be bought, or you could make your own stencils. There are kits on the market that help you transfer a design from a paper pattern onto a surface. That means you just have to apply the paint in your chosen colors.

For a stylish finish indoors or outdoors, or as a worthwhile work or community project to brighten your workplace or neighborhood, painted murals are hard to beat.