If you were one of the millions of people around North America and beyond who have had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, you likely would have had the thought of what you could do to kill time while spending all your extra time around home. Many people took up different hobbies and pastimes to assure their mental health remains positive. They look to puzzles, crosswords, re-watching old movies, and one of the most popular – art. It is looking more and more that we will be spending some more time at home, so you may be looking for something new to do to pass the time. For those who have extra space in their home, one of the leading trends right now is creating a mural. If you are one of those people and have some extra time on your hands and have an interest in art, there are several things you need to do before that paintbrush hits the wall.
Beginning the Mural Creation Process
When taking the next steps to create a beautiful mural in your home, you must take all the proper steps to make sure the final product is a beautiful visual. First off, make sure your wall is clean and there is no water damage or structural problems, such as cracks or holes. If you notice problems in the wall, but be aware that it could be larger structural issues that could cause a problem visually for your finished product down the road. You should further examine your wall closely for marks of mold, dirt, wax, oil, or grease. Clean your wall carefully, and be cognizant of any underlying issues that caused any of the dirt, it may cause you problems in the future. Even if the wall looks clean, it is a good idea to wash it anyway with soap and water.
Getting To Work
The next step you need to take is arguably the most important step in the mural creating process. It is key to prime your wall as it will help the paint stick to the wall. You can apply primer directly to pre-existing paint on the wall, and the mural should be fine. However, it does depend on how much effort you want to put into the project. If you are concerned about the longevity of the mural, there are measures you can take before panting that will help you with that. For a longer lifespan and having an easier time working with the acrylic paint, sand the existing paint off the wall with a sanding block. You can reduce the amount of dust and dirt caused by sanding by dipping the sanding block in the bucket of cleaner. If you chose to take down the old paint, be sure to let the wall dry after using the cleaner before beginning the primer process.
Finding the Right Paint To Suit Your Ideal Final Product
After the wall has dried, get ready to apply the first coat of acrylic primer over the entire wall. You can get your primer and paint at a local hardware store or you can get it online from places like here if you are looking for a variety of options. There are a few options for you when it comes to painting the wall. You can paint directly to the wall, you can add texture to the wall by applying plaster, or if you prefer to paint on canvas, you can stick a large piece of pre-primed canvas to the wall, similar to the way you would hang wallpaper in a room. Doing a project like this is meant to be an enjoyable time for you. Do what is easiest and most comfortable for you. All of these options will result in a product you can be proud of. At this point in the process, you should have an idea of what you would like your mural to look like. The next step is to sketch a pencil outline on the wall.
Being Proud Of Your Work of Art
Now the fun begins! The time you will spend painting your mural will be an enjoyable one for you. You get to kill time by doing something you love and enjoy. For some, art can be a stress reliever and a time to reflect. To make sure you make the most out of this experience make sure any distractions or impediments are out of the way. An area that is being used to create a wall mural like this is not the friendliest place for cats, dogs, or young children. Their curiosity for the project may set you back.
Throughout your time painting the mural, be sure to take a moment time-to-time to step back and look at your mural from a distance. This will give you some time to understand the progress you’ve made on your project, as well will give you a chance to correct any little mistakes you may not notice being close up. Taking all these steps will assure you have a piece of art to appreciate and admire for years to come.
