When it comes to painting wall murals, are you confused? If so, its no wonder! Should you use oil-based paints or acrylics? Varnish or no varnish? How much site prep is really necessary? And whats up with brushes!

Step One: Properly Prepare Your Site for Painting

The first step is to properly prepare your site. Painting wall murals is just like any other painting project. To do it right, pull out the masking tape and drop cloths. Many people also apply a fresh coat of paint to the room before painting wall murals. Use a satin finish or eggshell finish latex wall paint for the best sheen and chose a color that will look great with your mural. If you are not putting on a fresh coat of paint, make sure the wall surface is completely clean to ensure the best adhesion. Use a product specially formulated for cleaning walls for best results.

Step Two: Choose the Right Paint

You may read elsewhere that oil-based paints are the way to go when painting wall murals. If you are a professional muralist, that statement is probably true. However, if youre just an average homeowner that wants to do something creative and original with your home, acrylic paints are actually your best option. Acrylic paints are quick drying and water soluble. They are very similar to latex wall paints, but can be purchased in smaller sizes. You can find acrylic paints at your local hobby store or even the craft section of your local Wal-Mart.

Do you have some latex wall paint left over from another project? If you want to use it, go ahead! Latex wall paints and acrylic craft paints are compatible products and can by used interchangeably when painting murals.

Step Three: Choose the Right Brushes

As tempting as it may be, now is not the time to raid your sons crayon box for the paintbrush that came with his watercolor set. However, a quick trip to the craft store may leave you scratching your head. There are so many options when it comes to paintbrushes. How do you pick the right one for your project?

Paintbrushes are made with natural animal hair, synthetic fibers, or a combination of both. The best brushes for use with acrylic paints are high quality synthetic brushes. The heads on brushes also come in many different shapes and sizes. For painting wall murals, you will need more than one type of brush. At a minimum, you should purchase a wide, flat brush for painting the large areas of your mural and a round paintbrush for adding details and outlining images.

Step Four: Applying Varnish

When painting wall murals, the last step is to protect your finished masterpiece. After all, you want it to look great for many years to come, right? If your mural is located in a high traffic area, such as an entryway or busy hallway, it is especially important that you seal it with a water-based varnish.