A fellow artist recently asked me to assist them paint their first mural. They’re a fabulous exhibiting artist, but new to painting murals. I am no expert (yet!) but it gave me the inspiration I needed to get organized and ask myself, “What are the best supplies to paint a mural?” From conversations with your client, to organize the proper insurance, it can be a lot to keep track of.
Here’s a helpful list of the best mural painting supplies for you (AND ME!) to eliminate the guess work.
Mural Paints
Exterior-grade acrylic paints that is weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use
Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) as well as black and white for mixing
Additional colors as needed for your mural design
Spray paint cans
Paint Brushes
Various sizes and shapes for different details and areas
Larger brushes for broad strokes and filling in large areas
Fine brushes for intricate details
Paint Trays and Palette
Disposable or reusable trays for holding paint
Palette for mixing colors
Recycled jars and Tupperware to mix and store paints
Painting Surface Preparation
Primer suitable for outdoor use to prepare the wall surface
Drop cloths to protect the ground and surrounding areas from paint splatter
Drawing and Sketching Supplies
Chalk or charcoal for sketching your design directly onto the wall
Measuring tape for accurate proportions
Safety Gear
Gloves to protect your hands
Eye protection to shield your eyes from paint splatter
Spray paint project respirator to filter aerosols and organic vapors
Ladders, Scaffolding or Lifts
Depending on the height of the mural, you may need a ladder or scaffolding to reach higher areas safely
Scissor or boom lift rentals to reach high or out-of-reach locations
Sealant/Topcoat
Cleanup Supplies
Rags or paper towels for wiping brushes
Paint thinner for cleaning brushes (if using oil-based paints)
Soap and water for cleaning up afterwards. Meyers Clean Day soap
Plastic to wrap rollers and paint brushes
Paint brush and roller spinner to clean and dry off paint quickly and easily
Design Reference
Mural design created by hand, in Adobe Illustrator or Procreate
Printed or digital copies of your mural design for reference while painting
Design Transfer
Projector to project designs on wall during the night
Use a doodle grid, and transfer design one square foot at a time
Use transfer paper which is a graphite-like material that can be used with a pen to transfer images onto a surface
Miscellaneous
Water containers for cleaning brushes and thinning paint
Masking tape for creating clean edges between different colors or sections
Moisture meter to gauge the dryness or dampness of your mural surface
Hand-warmers for cold weather outdoor projects
Lawn chairs to take a break between mural phases
Business cards or branded "Mural In Progress" signage
And lastly, for exterior murals, be sure to check the weather forecast. Paints need time to dry and cure.
Comments