Painting Your Kid's Mural, Steps 1-3

Step 1

If the existing wall has a glossy finish, lightly sand it and wipe it down with a
damp rag. If the existing wall is painted a dark or medium color, prime it. If it's glossy and dark then sand it and prime it.

Step 2

Use artists' acrylic paints. We use a local brand called Nova Color
(novacolorpaint.com). If you have a tiny project or if there are some elements of your mural that need only small amounts of one particular color, you may be able to use some paints in tubes. But for the most part you'll want to purchase paints in jars.

Step 3

If your mural has a large background field of just one color--usually a sky or
perhaps a field of grass, you might get away with using a high quality house paint (latex acrylic, eggshell or satin finish) for that element. Don't be stingy. Put on at least two coats. Don't mix house paints with artists' paints. For all detail work use artists' paints as directed above.