To get the best results when creating a mural it’s important to understand the different kinds of paints you can buy and the tasks they are best suited to. Consult with your paint retailer or supplier to make sure you’re choosing well, since mistakes can be expensive and unsightly.

* Creating murals isn’t just about applying your design. It starts with preparation of your wall surface. You’ll need a special sealer for fresh plaster or concrete and any holes or cracks that you’ve filled will also need sealing before painting over. Once you’ve completed your mural you may need to protect it with a clear glaze that will also give it a shiny finish.

* Remember to choose your paint according to whether it is for interior or exterior use. Also consider how much wear it will receive and what it will need to withstand. For example, murals in kitchens and bathrooms will need a paint that is water-resistant. It’s never worth skimping and buying cheap paints, so shop wisely.

* You will need to look at your base coat carefully since it will affect the paint applied to it. Standard interior paint is a matte finish, water-based paint often called ‘flat paint’ because of its low-gloss quality. This is the worst kind of base coat. Subsequent layers tend to dry quickly, leaving you without the ‘wet edge’ you need to create a good finish. Also it tends to flatten color on subsequent layers. Paints with a higher gloss content, known as satin or pearl paints (depending on manufacturer) are always a good base for faux painting.

* For interior murals you can’t go wrong with acrylic or latex paints. These water-based paints are user-friendly and make cleaning brushes and splashes simple. (Latex paints today typical use resins that aren’t rubber and may be labelled ‘acrylic latex’.)

* A golden rule in painting is that oil and water don’t mix. Remember that latex and acrylic paints are water-based and therefore can’t be mixed with oil-based paints. It’s also best not to apply acrylic and latex paints on a high-gloss base coat, since they may not adhere properly.

* As well as considering the composition, texture and reflective qualities of your paint, you will be looking for the ideal colors for your design or room makeover. Always remember that colors change according to various factors. Most will appear more intense when applied over a large area than they appeared on the tin or sample strip. The same color can also look very different in a sunny or shady room. It’s worth trying out colors before you begin. If it’s too light or dark, you can always adjust it by mixing – bearing in mind the oil and water rule.

If you know what paints are available and what their properties are, then you are ready to experiment with interesting effects. You can have a lot of fun with the many novelty paints available, with finishes ranging from texture, to metallic to fluorescent!