Painting Wall Murals - Projector Method

If you watch home improvement shows, you may be familiar with this method of painting wall murals.

You transfer an image or design that you want to use for your mural to the wall using an overhead projector and transparency sheets. Here’s how:

STEP ONE:

Select the image or design that you want to use for your mural. Prepare a color copy and black and white copy of the image.

STEP TWO:

Using the black and white copy, make a transparency of the image. Most office supply stores have transparency sheets available for purchase.

You can use a copier or scanner to make the transparency, or have a local office supply store or copy center assist you.

STEP THREE:

Borrow, rent or purchase a projector. You may be able to borrow an overhead projector from your employer or a local school. Most office supply stores also have projectors available for rent.

Or consider purchasing a projector. Did you know that you can purchase an art projector, such as the Artograph Tracer Projector for less than a hundred dollars? Find out more below.

STEP FOUR:

Turn the projector on and project the design onto the area you plan to paint.

STEP FIVE:

Put your transparency image on the projector and adjust the projector until the image is the desired size. Make sure the projector is squarely situated in front of the wall. If it is angled, it will distort the image.

In case you need to move the projector before you are finished, mark the position of the projector with masking tape.

STEP SIX:

Trace the projected image on the wall with a soft pencil.

STEP SEVEN:

Using the color copy of the image, purchase the paint you need for your mural. Use acrylic paints, although interior latex paints are a feasible option for large areas of color.

STEP EIGHT:

Paint the large areas of your mural first, using a wide, flat paintbrush. Add details and outline images with a round paintbrush.

For more helpful information regarding selecting the right paints and brushes, check out our painting wall murals tips page.

STEP NINE:

After the paint is completely dry, erase all pencil marks.

Whew! - Now that wasn't so hard, was it?

Have You Heard About Art Projectors?

Let go of any preconceived notions you have regarding projectors for painting wall murals. Sure, you will still come across those big, clunky machines that your teachers used in school – and you may even be able to borrow one so that you can get started on your project.

But if borrowing an overhead projector is out of the question, you may want to consider purchasing a projector instead of renting one. That’s right, I said purchase. Did you know that you can buy a projector for less than a hundred dollars?

I’m referring to a handy little projector known as the Artograph Tracer Projector - a portable 3 lb. projector that can project your 5” x 5” image up to 14 times its original size.

And, you can skip step two – no transparency is necessary! The Artograph Tracer Projector can project graphics, patterns, photos, even small 3-dimensional objects.

After you finish painting wall murals in your home, don’t stash it in the closet. You can use the Artograph Tracer Projector for several other projects. Just think about it - eye catching garage sale signs, personalized birthday decorations, school projects, and more!

Or, if you need something a little more advanced, Artograph does make an entire line of art projectors that are all very affordable. I encourage you to check it out! You can also find an affordable price on one at eBay. Take a look at these current auctions...