Your Guide to Mural Painting on Wood
When you think of large murals, images of colorful concrete walls or brick likely come to mind. That’s because most buildings and outdoor spaces are made with these materials which are relatively easy to create art on.
But what about creating stunning murals on other materials, like wood? Mural painting on wood isn’t uncommon, but it does require a different approach than painting on concrete or brick. Read on for our tips and tricks for how to do mural painting on wood so you can transform a blank panel or fence into a work of art.
Mural Painting on Wood 101
Painting on wood comes with some unique challenges. But no matter if you’re an experienced artist or a novice DIY-er, the first thing you should do when mural painting on wood is properly pre-treat the surface.
Ultimately, you want to turn the wood into a smooth, clean canvas for your art. This can be difficult when working with a natural material like wood that’s susceptible to variations and blemishes. After washing down the surface (a pressure-washer can be beneficial for prepping outdoor mural painting on wood) you can often remedy any divots or imperfections with wood filler. Depending on the wood, you may also want to sand it down. Of course, this is easier for smaller wood panels. But even on a wall or fence, a little sanding can go a long way to help create a paintable surface.
Once your wood is completely dry , it’s time to seal it. This is different from primer and must occur as a separate step prior. A sealer protects the wood by creating a barrier between it and the paints and environmental factors. Then, it’s recommended to use two coats of acrylic primer on wood. If you’re creating a mural painting on wood panels, you may want to utilize a primer such as Gesso to make the surface slightly textured and ready to accept the acrylic paint rather than absorb it. If you skip this step, your mural may look great at first, but it will be more susceptible to flaking and damage from the elements in only a few years’ time.
Choosing the Right Paints
One of the most important parts of mural painting on wood is choosing the right materials. Acrylic paint is ideal for outdoor mural painting on wood because of its versatility, ease of application, and quick dry time.
Depending on the colors of your mural, you may consider applying a coat of acrylic exterior paint in white or black as a base. However, you can also go right into painting the details of your mural since the wood has been primed correctly.
When mural painting on wood walls, you can use a roller brush to paint a base coat, but traditional paint brushes (from small round brushes to flat brushes) can be used to create fine details and paint around curves. A foam brush or other techniques can also be used to add texture.
Finishing Wood Mural Paintings
Wood mural paintings can take anywhere from 24-48 hours to dry depending on the amount of paint used (and any elements it may be exposed to). It’s essential to give the acrylic paint the time it needs to dry completely before moving on to this final step.
Once your mural is dry, you should use a sponge brush or roller to apply a sealant or acrylic varnish over your artwork. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to let it dry and apply the right number of recommended coats. This final sealant helps to protect the piece from the elements, which is especially important for outdoor mural painting on wood or when creating a mural that naturally undergoes wear and tear throughout the years.
Other sealants, like a spray-on, may be best if you’re working on a smaller mural painting on wood walls or creating works of art on wood furniture pieces or shelving.
Wood Mural Painting Supplies
Now that you know how to do mural painting on wood, it’s time to collect your materials and try your hand at creating one. At Nova Color, we have the professional-grade acrylic paint needed for mural painting on wood and other surfaces.
From highly pigmented acrylic paint to a variety of primers and varnishes, Nova Color has everything you need to create a mural on wood that not only looks amazing but can also withstand the elements.
Shop our collection of acrylic paint today! Join the Nova Color Paint affiliate program which helps artists monetize their love of art and top-quality acrylic paint. Browse our FAQ page to find answers to all the questions related to our complete product range.
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Acrylic Paint FAQ
Nova Color paint is made specifically for artists and is recommended for everyone ranging from serious beginners to professional artists. Here you can find answers to all the questions related to our complete product range.
If you have any question, suggestion or issue, just send us an email or contact us directly and we will try to help as soon as possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Last Updated on March 19, 2021
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is comparable to the name brands of artists acrylic paint. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is not a student grade or craft paint. We use the traditional pigments found in all high quality artists’ paint as well as 100% acrylic resin as a binder. We do not skimp on quality of our ingredients or the amount of pigment we use. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint has been the first choice of artists in Southern California for decades.
We have been making Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint and selling it directly to the artist since 1965. The paint goes directly from us to you! You pay less because Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is not marked up by the retailer.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint has a heavy creamy consistency. Nova Color is more fluid than tube color or heavy body colors. It is not as fluid as fluid colors or airbrush paint. Nova Color spreads beautifully, which is one of its popular features.
Yes. Acrylic paint is excellent outdoors. See “Mural Painting/Tips for Exterior Mural Painting”.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is water-resistant but it is not water-proof. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint should not be used for underwater murals unless entirely sealed with a waterproof topcoat. Retaining walls should be sealed on the opposite side with a water-proof sealer. Painted flower pots should be sealed on the inside with a water-proof sealer. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint cannot be used on top of a water-proof sealer.
Yes. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint adheres very well to cotton, silk, rayon and blends of these fibers. Paint will stiffen the fabric. Adding water to the paint may cause the color to fade in washing. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is permanent when dry and does not need to be heat set. Hand wash and line dry painted fabrics. Let paint dry five days before the first laundering. Some dry cleaning solvents may affect the appearance or adhesion of acrylic paint. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint can be mixed with most water based fabric paints and fabric painting mediums.
Acrylic paint will not adhere to any slick surface such as oil-based enamel or artists’ oil paint. To insure good adhesion, thoroughly sand the surface and remove any dust.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint will not adhere permanently to glass–it can be scraped off.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint may be applied to a properly primed metal. To clean bare metal, wash with vinegar and rinse. Thoroughly sand previously painted metal surfaces. Prime with a metal primer designed to accept water-based acrylic paint.
Yes. New bare wood should be primed with Nova Color Gesso #200 or with a top quality water-based primer designed for bare wood. Previously painted surfaces should be thoroughly sanded and dust-free. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint will not adhere to some oil-treated wood finishes. If your item will get wear and tear, you may want to seal it with a clear topcoat designed for furniture or floors. Bare new wood can be stained with a dilute solution of Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint and water.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint will make colorful decorations and designs but it will scuff more easily than deck paint. You may use a clear topcoat designed for floors on top of your design.
Adding water dilutes the binder (glue quality) that makes the paint stick. Adding 10% water or less will maintain adhesion. In some fine art applications such as watercolor technique or some fine art airbrushing, (where there is no abrasion, washing, or wear and tear), the amount of binder is not as important. If you are painting a wall, a sign or clothing, you will want the binder to remain strong. If you mix any of the clear mediums, varnishes or gels with your color instead of water, the adhesion will remain strong. Adding a clear topcoat over your finished work will also protect any paint layers below that are weak in binder.
Good colors for demonstrating color theory or making a color wheel are as follows: Yellow; Hansa Yellow Light #107 or Azo Yellow Medium #144. Red; Quinacridone Red #129 or Quinacridone Magenta #147 Blue; Phthalo Blue #115 or #115-D or Ultramarine Blue #122. Transparent colors tend to give cleaner, brighter mixes than do opaque colors. Opaque colors such as cadmiums, cobalt, and most oxides tend to make dull secondary colors when mixed with each other. Opaque colors are more brilliant when mixed with transparent colors. Check your label or color chart for “opaque” or “transparent” identification.
Opaque colors tend to blot-out or obscure the color of the surface on which they are applied. Transparent colors tend to “show-through” the surface below. Translucent colors tend to be partially opaque and partially transparent. Pigments are by their nature opaque or transparent. Transparent colors can be made more opaque by the addition of white or other opaque colors or by applying additional coats of paint. Opaque colors can be made translucent by the addition of a clear medium such as Nova Color #204 Matte Medium, #205 Matte Varnish or #206 Gloss Medium & Varnish.
No. Paint can be thickened chemically and thickness may have no relation to the amount of pigment.
Titanium White #118 is heavily pigmented with titanium dioxide white pigment. Nova Color Gesso #200 has less of this white pigment. Gesso #200 also contains calcium carbonate (also known as whiting or marble dust) that gives it a flat (non-shiny) and toothy (faintly gritty) surface. Gesso #200 is also less opaque than Titanium White #118.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is permanent and can be removed with a paint remover designed to remove latex paint (products such as Goof-off). An alcohol, ammonia and water solution may remove small amounts of paint from tools and brushes. Commercial brush cleaners are also available. Hot soapy water will help remove paint from non-porous surfaces such as glass and plastic.
Most pearl colors may be tinted with small amounts of non-pearlescent paint or tints. Avoid using house paint or pastels as they mask the pearl quality. Strong transparent colors work best (such as #109 Carbon Black, #115 or #115D Phthalo Blue, #116 Phthalo Green, #147 Quinacridone Magenta, #103 Carbazole Dioxizine Violet). A pearl surface may also be achieved by mixing a clear topcoat such as #206 Gloss Varnish or #205 Matte Varnish with a small quantity of pearl color. Test this mixture first as the true appearance will not show until it is dry. For best results use Nova Color #180 Iridescent Base & Glaze for mixing.
A medium is a fluid or paste which can be added to paint without decreasing its adhesion.
A gel dries clear and can be mixed with paint without altering the paint color. Gels are used to create impasto paints. Gels remain flexible. Texture paste is usually used to build up or create relief in an underpainting. Texture paste contains fillers which aid in holding its shape. Nova Color #202 Texture Paste dries opaque, hard and sandable. #251 Lightweight Texture Paste dries opaque, stiff, and shrinks less than #202 . Color mixed with #202 Texture Paste or #251 Lightweight Texture Paste creates pastels. #218 Tintable Texture Paste has very little color change when mixed with paint and dries stiff and matte. #218 Tintable Texture Paste is not as stiff when wet and can be used as paint when mixed with colors.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is made with 100% acrylic-latex resin. House paint is generally made with a less expensive and less durable latex or vinyl-latex resin. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint contains a high level of acrylic resin. House paint may have only the minimum amount of resin required to make it serviceable. House paint is designed to “level” after brushing. Artists’ paint shows brushstrokes. House paints are usually opaque. Artists’ paint can be opaque, transparent or translucent. House paints tend to be pastels or soft colors. Artists’ paint is more brilliant and available in a wider range of colors and intensities. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is compatible with water-based latex house paint. House paint is not recommended for fine art as it is not made to last as long as fine art paints.
Paint coverage varies depending on the absorbency of the surface and how rough or uneven it is. Raw canvas, stucco, cement and rough wood will get low coverage. Gessoed and previously painted surfaces will get high coverage. Approximate coverage is: gallon, 240-320 square feet; quart, 60-80 square feet; pint, 30-40 square feet. Allow extra paint when mixing colors. Theoretical spreading rate @ 1 mil dry film thickness is 600 square feet per gallon.
Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint dries by evaporation so it is important to keep jars capped. Lids and jar threads should be kept free of paint to insure a tight seal. A few drops of purified water can be added to the paint surface before closing. Tap water, soiled brushes and stirrers, or reused food jars can introduce bacteria into the paint and cause mold. Clean brushes, tools and storage jars regularly with alcohol, bleach or other disinfectant. Store paint at 40-85 degrees F.
Hide: Degree of hiding power depends on the pigment used. Colors may be opaque, translucent or transparent. Check opacity chart. Drying Time: Air dry @ 70 degrees F & 50% R.H.: Dry to touch: 1/2 – 1 hour. Dry to recoat: 3 hours minimum. % Non Volatile (Solids): By weight 45-50% By volume 35-40% Volatile Organic Compounds (V.O.C.): 150 grams per liter maximum. 1.25 pounds per gallon. V.O.C. per color is available. Values given are typical. Give us a call if precise specifications are needed on individual products. Application Methods: Brush: No reduction necessary. Roller: Up to 10% reduction with water if necessary. Spray: Air sprayer–reduce 20%-25% with water. Airless sprayer–no reduction necessary; .013”-.016” tip @ approx. 2,000 PSI. D.O.T. Shipping Class: Water-based. Not regulated. Freight class 55. To check adhesion: Apply a test patch and allow to dry for 36 hours. Check by scraping. Clean up: Clean up with warm soapy water. Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic Paint is water soluble when wet; dries permanent and water resistant. Do not allow to dry on brushes, tools or clothing. Nova Color Artists Acrylic Paints conform with federal art material labeling guidelines and have been reviewed by a toxicologist.
Nova Color acrylic paints are offered as jars: 4oz, 16oz (pint), 32oz (quart), bottles: 1 gallon and pails: 5 gallons
All of the gels that we carry dry glossy and clear (Nova Gel #207, Super Nova #209 Gel, Flex Gel #213). The only exception is Matte Gel #208 which dries matte/waxy (as the name suggests).
The main difference between Nova Gel and Super Nova Gel is the consistency. Super Gel dries extra stiff but to the naked eye they look exactly the same. If you’re interested in our gels and have never used them before we suggest starting with Nova Gel #207.
Since our paints have a creamy fluid consistency, our gels can thicken the paint to create impasto.
SPARTASHIELD ®
SPARTASHIELD ® is a complete line of premium, ultra-low VOC, 100% acrylic exterior paints that provide exceptional hide, durability and versatility. SPARTASHIELD ® products apply easily, dry to a smooth, uniform finish and are low odor.
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Superior hide and durability
Exceptional balance of sag resistance and flow & leveling
Easy to apply and dries to a smooth uniform finish
Ideally suited for use on commercial and residential projects such as schools, hotels, hospitals and single family or multi-tenant housing
Very low odor and ultra-low VOC content
Applications
These are commonly used gloss levels for surfaces listed above. Gloss may be affected by texture, porosity of the surface and atmospheric conditions. Please contact a Dunn-Edwards representative or your local store for specific product availability.
Flat
| Product family application table head |
|---|
| Aluminum |
| Garage Doors & Gutters |
| Masonry & Brick |
| Soffit, Fascia & Eaves |
| Stucco |
| Vinyl Siding |
| Wood Siding |
| Doors & Fences |
| Doors & Windows |
| Shutters |
| Wrought Iron Gates |
Velvet
| Product family application table head |
|---|
| Aluminum |
| Garage Doors & Gutters |
| Masonry & Brick |
| Soffit, Fascia & Eaves |
| Stucco |
| Vinyl Siding |
| Wood Siding |
| Doors & Fences |
| Doors & Windows |
| Shutters |
| Wrought Iron Gates |
Eggshell
| Product family application table head |
|---|
| Aluminum |
| Garage Doors & Gutters |
| Masonry & Brick |
| Soffit, Fascia & Eaves |
| Stucco |
| Vinyl Siding |
| Wood Siding |
| Doors & Fences |
| Doors & Windows |
| Shutters |
| Wrought Iron Gates |
Low Sheen
| Product family application table head |
|---|
| Aluminum |
| Garage Doors & Gutters |
| Masonry & Brick |
| Soffit, Fascia & Eaves |
| Stucco |
| Vinyl Siding |
| Wood Siding |
| Doors & Fences |
| Doors & Windows |
| Shutters |
| Wrought Iron Gates |
Semi-Gloss
| Product family application table head |
|---|
| Aluminum |
| Garage Doors & Gutters |
| Masonry & Brick |
| Soffit, Fascia & Eaves |
| Stucco |
| Vinyl Siding |
| Wood Siding |
| Doors & Fences |
| Doors & Windows |
| Shutters |
| Wrought Iron Gates |
Gloss
| Product family application table head |
|---|
| Aluminum |
| Garage Doors & Gutters |
| Masonry & Brick |
| Soffit, Fascia & Eaves |
| Stucco |
| Vinyl Siding |
| Wood Siding |
| Doors & Fences |
| Doors & Windows |
| Shutters |
| Wrought Iron Gates |
SEE THE SPARTASHIELD® DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF
Applied hide test
SPARTASHIELD ® outperforms the competition in applied hide. Good applied hide ensures that maximum hide is achieved when the paint is rolled so that fewer coats are needed to complete the project.
Test Method:
A 4´x 8´ drywall board is primed with a white acrylic primer. After allowing the primer to dry for 24 hours, varied shades of painted black to gray stripes are applied to the primed drywall (evenly spaced). After 24 hours, the first coat is applied to the test boards by brush (on the edges) and roller (across the center). After 1 hour dry time, the second coat is applied by roller (across the center) and the results are evaluated.
SPARTASHIELD ® Flat outperforms the competition in its ability to resist efflorescense, which are white salt deposits that can develop in masonry surfaces. Painted surfaces that resist efflorescense look newer for a longer period of time.
Test Method:
All paints are applied to cement fiber boards (equal measured amounts and allowed to dry for 24 hours). Cement boards are placed paint side down over a warm water bath (100–120 degrees) for 48 hours. Boards are removed, allowed to dry at room temperature, and results are evaluated.
Flow & leveling test
SPARTASHIELD ® has better flow and leveling compared to competitive products of the same gloss level. Good flow and leveling ensures that the paint dries to a smooth, uniform finish without any unsightly marks or lines.
Test Method:
Paints are applied to black and white charts using a special blade. After drying horizontally for 24 hours, the charts are examined to determine the smoothness of the finish against a standard Leneta scale from 1 = Poor (Not Smooth) to 10 = Excellent (Completely Smooth).
