MURAL TIP #25 | What Paint to Use for Murals

Murals are more than just art—they're an experience, a story told on walls. As an artist who thrives on transforming spaces with bold, colorful designs, one of the most common questions I get is: "What paint should I use for my mural?" Today, we're going to dive into the world of mural paints, comparing three popular options: Latex House Paint, Golden Acrylic Paint, and Nova Color Acrylic Paint.

Latex House Paint: The Versatile Choice

If you've ever tackled a DIY project, you're likely familiar with latex house paint. It's widely available, relatively affordable, and comes in an array of colors. This makes it a go-to choice for many muralists, especially for large-scale outdoor projects. I use latex interior paint for the majority of my interior murals, unless the mural is particularly bright, as latex doesn’t have neon properties (although you can still achieve quite bright hues.)

Pros:

• Coverage: Latex paint is excellent for covering large areas quickly, making it ideal for big murals. It’s also often the most budget-friendly.

• Durability: Designed to withstand the elements, latex house paint is highly durable for exterior murals.

• Accessibility: Easily found in hardware stores, and you can even have it custom-mixed to get the perfect shade.

Cons:

• Detail Work: While great for broad strokes, latex paint can be tricky when it comes to fine details or intricate designs.

• Drying Time: Latex paint can take a bit longer to dry, especially in humid conditions, so plan accordingly.

• Finish Options: While latex paint is available in various finishes (matte, satin, gloss), it lacks the richness and vibrancy that acrylics can offer.

Golden Acrylic Paint: The Artist's Favorite

Golden Acrylic Paints are a favorite among fine artists and muralists alike. Known for their rich pigments and high-quality finish, these paints offer a professional-grade experience. I currently use golden for my fine art projects, mainly because of the high price-point, but if you have a project that has a nice budget for paint, I would say go for these!

Pros:

• Color Intensity: Golden paints are renowned for their vibrant colors and smooth application, perfect for creating eye-catching murals.

• Versatility: Available in a variety of viscosities, from fluid to heavy body, giving you flexibility depending on your mural's texture needs.

• Lightfastness: These paints are highly resistant to fading over time, ensuring your mural looks fresh for years.

Cons:

• Cost: High-quality comes at a price—Golden Acrylics are on the pricier side, which can add up, especially for large projects.

• Availability: While readily available at art supply stores, they may not be as easy to find as latex paint.

Nova Color Artist Acrylic Paint: The Muralist’s Secret Weapon

Nova Color Acrylic Paints are somewhat of a hidden gem in the mural world. Specifically formulated for muralists, these paints combine the best of both worlds: the affordability of latex and the vibrancy of professional acrylics. I’ve have around 50 Nova colors in my studio and love to use them for any bright mural I have. If you’ve never checked them out, take a look at the colors HERE!

Pros:

• Affordability: Nova Color paints offer professional quality at a more budget-friendly price, making them a great option for large-scale murals.

• Pigment Quality: These paints are known for their vibrant, long-lasting colors, specifically designed to endure both indoor and outdoor conditions.

• Ease of Use: With a smooth application and quick drying time, Nova Color is ideal for both broad strokes and detailed work.

Cons:

• Limited Distribution: Nova Color is not as widely available as other brands, often requiring online orders.

• Finish Options: While Nova Color offers a beautiful matte finish, those looking for different finishes might need to experiment or add a varnish.

Which Paint Should You Choose?

Choosing the right paint for your mural depends on a few key factors: the location of your mural (indoor or outdoor), your budget, and the level of detail you want to achieve.

• For Large Outdoor Murals: Latex house paint is a solid choice due to its durability and ease of coverage. It's perfect for murals where you're covering vast areas and don't require a lot of fine detail.

• For Detailed, High-Quality Work: Golden Acrylics are ideal if you're looking to create something vibrant and lasting, especially for indoor murals where you want every detail to pop.

• For the Best of Both Worlds: Nova Color Acrylics are fantastic for muralists who want professional quality without breaking the bank. It's versatile, durable, and gives you the vibrant colors that make murals truly stand out.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best paint for your mural is the one that fits your vision, budget, and the environment in which your mural will live. Whether you're painting a massive outdoor mural or a detailed indoor piece, there's a perfect paint out there for you. And remember, the right tools—like the right paint—can turn your creative dreams into a stunning reality.

So, next time you're gearing up to paint a mural, think about what you want to achieve and choose the paint that will help you bring your vision to life. And if you ever need more tips or inspiration, I'm always here to help. Happy painting!