Expert: Valerie Zwart - 4/3/2007

Question
Hello-

I have been hired to paint a mural. This is my first outdoor mural. The only
other mural I've done was indoors and I can't remember what kind of paint I
used. What is the best paint for outdoor murals?

- jeff

Answer
Hey Jeff,

Use good quality water-based white latex pigmented with 'professional artist' quality accrylic colour (or powdered pigment, but it's harder to use if you're not experienced). Best (and most efficient) practice sees you mixing up a generous amount of colour and then keeping it in airtight containers. Because making precisely the same colour twice is quite difficult. I won't surprise you when I say that my advice here is all about 'conditions' i.e. the weather. You need to apply the best quality paint you can find to a well-prepared i.e. totally clean and oil-free surface. And then be sure to protect your work with a varnish afterwards (a polyeurathane should do the job nicely- don't forget to select the matt/gloss/satin varnish finish you want). Additionally, and this is just something I've noticed personally over the years, you'll get your best results when doing really physical painting (and it's especially true when you're out of your studio) if you show up well-rested and relaxed to the wall/easel/site. So remember to take care of yourself and have a good time with the mural.