MURAL TIP #18 | 10 Things I wish I knew Before I started Painting Murals

If you’re just starting out as a muralist, it’s definitely in your best interest to learn from those of us who have done a lot of trial and error throughout our painting careers. Below are ten things that will guarantee you have a better time if you’re just starting out with mural painting:

1. Plan ahead

   Being prepared is half the battle of painting a mural. Make sure you have a clear vision for your mural - I always bring along both my iPad with the drawing and also a printed-out version to hang on the wall in case I’m working high up. In your head, it’s smart to have a plan for how the design will be laid out on the wall - you need to make sure your design is going to look professional and not warped on the wall. Always get your materials ahead of time and gather the items you know you’ll need the night before - I like to keep a running list of what I know I’ll need, there’s nothing worse than getting to a site about to start and realizing you didn’t bring a pencil of painters tape.

2. Choose the right materials

   Don’t cut corners when painting murals, it isn’t worth it. Choose high-quality paints, brushes, and tools that are suitable for the surface you're painting on. If you aren’t sure what is best to use, google exactly what type of wall you’re painting on and get input from people who have done it before.

   Quick list of my materials is right HERE.

3. Prepare the surface properly

   Even though it’s tempting to just jump right in, if you don’t start with a clean surface, your paint could potentially crack or rub off at the end. So, clean and prime the surface thoroughly before you start painting to ensure a smooth, even surface with good end results.

4. Consider the lighting

   It’s a good idea to chat about lighting if you’re doing an indoor mural - you may have a client that needs colors to be perfectly correct and the wrong light can definitely make a difference. Keep in mind how the natural and artificial lighting will affect your mural, and adjust your painting techniques accordingly.

5. Practice, practice, practice

   Just like any other creative skill, no matter how good you are, you’ve gotta keep practicing. Perfect your techniques before you start on your mural in order to save time and frustration later on.

6. Take breaks

   Murals can be time-consuming, so take breaks to rest and avoid burnout. I used to work 16-hour days just so I could finish my murals really quickly. Then, I started taking breaks to eat, sleep, and walk around and it made for a much for enjoyable time (not to mention a lot less stressful!)

7. Be patient

   Additionally, remember, murals can be huge and can take time to complete, so be patient and don't rush the process, it will turn out better for everyone I promise.

8. Get help if needed

   Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, especially for large murals, complicated designs, or murals that require a lot of coats. My mom has helped me with multiple murals, and it’s so nice to not have to do 3 coats myself. Even my husband will help occasionally - there’s always a part that is almost “paint by number” so it can be the perfect area to hand off.

9. Take photos and document your progress

   Content, content, content, amirite? People love to see the process of your mural come together and hey, if it goes viral, you’ll probably get more work! Plus it’s always good to document your progress with vids and photos so you can look back on your work and see how far you've come.

10. Celebrate your success

    When you've finished your mural, it’s truly important to take a step back and appreciate your hard work. You could even celebrate your success with friends by hosting a mural unveiling event…or simply take yourself out to dinner for a job well done!

Use these tips and I promise you will have a more successful and enjoyable experience with mural painting.

I talk about all of this and more in my mural courses HERE, or simply sign up below for my newsletter and to get more tips and tricks sent right to you!