Unveiling the Beauty: Exploring the World of Mural Painting

01-05-2023

Article By Joanna Perry - Mural Artist

How Do You Paint A Wall Mural?

Painting a wall mural can be a fun and creative way to add personality and style to a room. Here are some general steps to follow when painting a wall mural:

Choose your design:

First, decide on the design you want to paint. You can sketch it out on paper or use a projector to project the design onto the wall.

Prepare the wall:

Before you start painting, make sure the wall is clean, smooth, and dry. If necessary, fill any holes or cracks with filler paste and sand the surface smooth.

Apply a base coat:

Apply a base coat of paint to the wall. This will serve as the background colour for your mural. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Sketch the design:

Use a pencil or chalk to sketch the design onto the wall. Start with a light sketch and adjust it as needed until you are happy with the design.

Paint the mural:

Begin painting the mural using acrylic or latex paint. Start with the background and work your way forward. Use a variety of brush sizes and techniques to create depth and texture in your mural.

Add details:

Once you have painted the main elements of the mural, add details such as shadows, highlights, and texture to bring it to life.

Seal the mural:

Once the paint is dry, apply a clear sealant to protect the mural from damage and preserve its colours or use specialist waterproof paints.

Remember, painting a wall mural can be time-consuming, so be patient and take breaks as needed. Also, make sure to use high-quality paints and tools to ensure the best results.

What Paint To Use For A Wall Mural?

When painting a wall mural, you can use various types of paint, depending on your preference and the surface you are painting on. Here are some commonly used types of paint for wall murals:

Acrylic paint: Acrylic paint is a popular choice for wall murals because it dries quickly, is easy to clean up, and is available in a wide range of colours. It is also fade-resistant and durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Latex paint: Latex paint is another common choice for wall murals. It is water-based, easy to apply, and dries quickly. Latex paint is also available in a wide range of colours and is easy to clean up with soap and water.

Oil-based paint: Oil-based paint is more durable than acrylic or latex paint, but it takes longer to dry and requires mineral spirits for cleanup. It is often used for outdoor murals or on surfaces that require more protection, such as metal or wood.

Spray paint: Spray paint can be used for stencilling or creating large areas of solid colour. It dries quickly, is easy to apply, and comes in a wide range of colours. However, it is not ideal for creating detailed designs or adding texture to a mural.

When choosing paint for your wall mural, consider the surface you are painting on, the size of the mural, and the level of detail you want to achieve. Make sure to use high-quality paint for the best results and to protect your mural from fading or peeling over time.

How Much Does A Wall Mural Cost In The UK?

The cost of a wall mural in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size of the mural, the complexity of the design, the surface you are painting on, and the artist's experience and skill level.

For a simple, small-scale mural painted by an amateur artist, you might pay around £100-£300. However, if you want a larger, more intricate mural painted by a professional artist, you could expect to pay several thousand pounds. Please Contact Me for a bespoke quotation and to discuss what you would like painting on your wall.

Some mural artists charge by the square metre or by the hour. As a rough guide, you might pay between £50-£200 per square metre or between £50-£200 per hour for a professional mural artist in the UK.

It's important to remember that the cost of a wall mural can vary widely depending on the individual artist's rates and the specific requirements of the project. It's always a good idea to get a detailed quote from the artist before starting any work to ensure that the cost is within your budget.

Best Tips For Choosing A Wall Mural

Choosing the right subject for a wall mural can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to help you choose the right subject for your wall mural:

Consider the purpose of the room:

Think about the purpose of the room you want to paint a mural in. Are you painting a mural for a child's bedroom, a living room, or an office space? The purpose of the room can help guide your choice of subject.

Look for inspiration:

Look for inspiration in art, nature, architecture, or anything that inspires you. You can also look for ideas online, in magazines, or by visiting art galleries or museums.

You might even want a specialist plater or render style metallic finish

Think about the style:

Consider the style of the room you want to paint a mural in. Is it modern, traditional, or eclectic? Choose a subject that complements the room's existing decor.

Consider the size of the wall:

The size of the wall can influence the subject you choose for your mural. A large wall may be best suited to a landscape or abstract design, while a smaller wall may be better suited to a portrait or still life.

Consider the audience:

If you're painting a mural for a child's room, think about what they like and what will stimulate their imagination. If you're painting a mural for a public space, consider the audience and what will appeal to them.

Ultimately, the right subject for a wall mural is one that you love and that speaks to you. Take your time, gather inspiration, and choose a subject that will bring joy and inspiration to the space.

How To Find The Best Mural Artists

Finding a mural artist in the UK can be done through the following steps:

Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they know of any mural artists they would recommend.

Check online directories: Search online directories, such as the Dulux Select Decorator or the Painting and Decorating Association, for registered mural artists in your area or just google Mural Artist or contact Joanna Perry on this website and she will be happy to help your with your mural idea.

Mural Ideas

Browse online portfolios: Browse online portfolios on websites like Pinterest, or professional mural artist websites to see their style of work and find an artist whose work resonates with you.

Attend art events: Attend art events, such as exhibitions, art fairs, or street art festivals, where you can meet artists in person and view their work.

Use social media: Search for mural artists on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. You can also post on social media asking for recommendations or suggestions for mural artists in your area.

Contact local art schools or colleges: Contact local art schools or colleges to see if they can recommend any talented mural artists.

Once you have a list of potential mural artists, review their portfolio of work, read reviews from previous clients, and ask for references. Contact them for a consultation to discuss your ideas, budget, and timeline.

Joanna Perry is a professional mural artist based in the UK. She specializes in creating hand-painted wall murals for commercial and residential spaces, including children's rooms, nurseries, offices, and restaurants. Her mural artist website showcases her portfolio of previous work, which features colourful and imaginative designs, ranging from large-scale landscapes to intricate patterns and textures. Visitors to the site can also learn about the artist's process, commission a custom mural, and read reviews from satisfied clients. The website is well-designed and easy to navigate, providing a comprehensive guide to Joanna Perry's mural services.