If you’re looking to make a real statement in your home, how about painting a wall mural? Wall murals have instant impact and can be tailored to suit your colour scheme and aesthetic for a really cohesive look. And you don’t have to be an artist to paint one in your home, either!
Here’s our step-by-step guide with wall mural ideas to get the look.
Step 1: Inspiration and Design
Before you dive in with your brushes, think about the style you’re looking for. There’s tons of inspiration online, so have a search around and get an idea of what you like and what works for your space. Size is important here, too – if you have plenty of wall space to play with, a big bold design will work well, but smaller spaces may need something more delicate so the finished effect is nicely balanced.
Here are some inspirational ideas below!
Why not create a gorgeous landscape mural like @decohomes.fr
Or take inspiration from @OliversMaison and keep it simple but beautiful
Why not add some natural shapes like this leaf mural by @TheLittleWildFarm
Step 2: Gathering Materials
Make sure you have all your essentials lined up ready to go before you begin your project. To paint a mural, you’ll need:
- Pencil and paper
- Acrylic primer
- Acrylic paint
- Sealant
- Dust cloths
- Rags
- White spirit
- Soapy water
Step 3: Preparing the Wall
One of the most important steps in painting a mural wall is ensuring your surface is smooth, clean and prepped. Skip this step and your hard work could easily be ruined by a bumpy surface!
Wipe down your wall with a damp cloth, using soapy water for any stubborn areas. Let it dry fully before adding a layer of acrylic primer – this will help the paint adhere to the wall.
Step 4: Scaling and Sketching
Make a sketch of your design and draw a grid over the top, with each section around 1-inch square. Count the number of squares both vertically and horizontally – this is the same number you’ll use on the actual wall and will help you keep your design in proportion.
Use a pencil to transfer the grid to the wall, then add in the design by following the guide on your sketch. Focus on the large areas rather than the small details.
Take a look at @TheLittleWildFarm and how she painted her mural.
Step 5: Painting the Base Layers
With your design on the wall, now add the base layer colours – these are the large areas that spread across the wall and form the background of your design. Cut in at the edges first then fill larger sections, waiting for each area to dry before changing colours.
Step 6: Adding Details and Depth
Now you can add the finer details to your design. You can draw these on in pencil first if you prefer, then add in with a thin brush. Step back from the wall often to review your work and make changes as you go. Layer colours over each other to create detail and depth.
Step 7: Final Touches and Clean-up
When you’re happy with the details, step back for a final look. It can help to take a photo of the mural here, so you can zoom in on certain areas quickly. If you spot any mistakes, clean carefully with the edge of a rag dipped in white spirit.
Step 8: Sealing the Mural
Protect your hard work by sealing it in place using a clear and durable sealant. Make sure the mural is totally dry before you do this, otherwise you risk smudging your design – leave it overnight if you can.
Step 9: Admire Your Creation
And that’s it – you painted a feature wall mural! Rearrange your furniture so the mural takes centre stage in your room and invite your friends round to take a closer look… your work deserves the spotlight!
Hopefully this step-by-step guide on how to paint a wall mural has given you all the inspiration you need to get going with your own design. Still wondering what colours to go for? Find wall mural paint in our range by COAT paint.
