Mural Painting: General Information
Murals include a variety of techniques including fresco, encaustic, mosaic, stained glass and photography. The type of mural of most interest to contemporary artists is either painting on canvas, which is then attached to a wall or painting directly on the wall surface itself.
SELECTING A MURAL PAINT
The surface to be painted and the environmental exposure of that surface are important aspects to consider for selecting the right type of paint. The technique and painting style of the artist must also be included. No paint can withstand all environmental conditions such as sun, rain, cold, heat, acid rain and air pollution. Acrylic water emulsion paints however, have proven themselves to be one of the most durable paints available for exterior as well as interior mural painting.
ADVANTAGES OF USING LIQUITEX® ACRYLICS FOR MURAL PAINTING
Liquitex is the original artist's water-based acrylic emulsion paint. It offers the advantages of a wide range of unique permanent colors, great versatility in mediums, clear resin system, superior adhesion, detailed label information, and technical support.
Liquitex makes two types of acrylic paint suitable for murals: Professional Grade Soft Body Concentrated Artist Color (soft, semi-fluid) and Professional Grade Heavy Body Artist Color (heavy-bodied).
- Consistency similar to heavy cream. Can be spray applied.
- Dries to a smooth, even surface with good leveling that shows little or no brush marks.
- Pigment load is equal to Heavy Body Artist Colors and is ideal for large mural coverage. Available in large containers.
- Flat paint film catches less dirt and requires less cleaning over time.
- Heavy-bodied paints have a smooth, thick, and buttery consistency with oil-like performance.
- Used in mural applications for a heavy build up of paint texture (impasto) and brush stroke.
Coverage:
- Soft Body Concentrated Artist Color will cover approximately 400 sq. ft /gallon.
- Coverage is reduced with a rough surface.
- Coverage is extended when spray applied and surface is well sealed.
- To double paint coverage of either Medium or Heavy Body Acrylic, mix 1 part Acrylic Color to 1 part Liquitex Opaque Extender or Gel Extender Medium.
- Use these mixtures during underpainting of murals to economically double the volume of paint. For best permanence, the top layers of the mural should be painted using Lightfastness I rated colors with no Opaque Extender added.