Mural is becoming a very popular form of artistic interior decoration. To which interior does it fit? What should be kept in mind when painting it at home?
A mural is a large wall painting, which is part of street art. Initially, murals were used only to express a particular idea. With time, they became a decoration of underground passages and tunnels. Eventually, they found their way onto walls of apartments.
A mural goes well with any interior. However, it is necessary to choose an appropriate technique and colors. Before painting it is worth remembering that it needs space. The bigger its area is, the greater distance it should be viewed from.
A street graffiti or a mural imitating architecture looks best in interiors. Portraits are not painted on murals because they are difficult to read.
For a mural to look beautiful on a wall at home, you should keep a few things in mind.
Choosing the right surface is the key to success. Murals do not like sunny walls. The sun can change the optical perception of colors. The ideal surface is dry and out of sunlight. The wall on which the mural will be painted must be in good condition.
Once the wall has been chosen, it needs to be properly prepared. If it has been painted before, the paint residue must be removed. If the wall was covered with oil paint, it is a good idea to sand it gently so that the mural has good adhesion. When the wall is thoroughly cleaned, it should be covered with two coats of primer. If the mural will be done on a board, it’s also a good idea to apply priming paint to the edges.
Acrylic paints will be the best for making a mural at home. They adhere well to the wall and are moisture permeable. Acrylic resins can also be used to create a mural at home, but not every type is suitable. Latex and latex-vinyl resins are not very moisture resistant.
Many artists recommend dispersion acrylic paints for home murals. They are very subtle and do not have a latex coating. This makes them look beautiful in the interior.
Mural in the interior should have subdued colors, because with intense colors other objects in the interior become bland – the principle of color relativity. When the interior is poorly lit, dark colors appear even darker, and thus the interior can look gloomy.
The optimal temperature for painting a mural is between 18℃ and 30℃. When painting, don’t add too much water to the paint, as diluted paint will not adhere well to the substrate.
To make the mural durable, it should be additionally protected with varnish after it dries. It must be applied evenly. This is best done with a paint roller
