What are the Best Supplies to Paint a Mural?

A fellow artist recently asked me to assist them paint their first mural. They’re a fabulous exhibiting artist, but new to painting murals. I am no expert (yet!) but it gave me the inspiration I needed to get organized and ask myself, “What are the best supplies to paint a mural?” From conversations with your client, to organize the proper insurance, it can be a lot to keep track of.

Here’s a helpful list of the best mural painting supplies for you (AND ME!) to eliminate the guess work.

Mural Paints

• Exterior-grade acrylic paints that is weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use

• Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) as well as black and white for mixing

• Specific colors as needed for your mural design

• Spray paint cans

Paint Brushes

• Various sizes and shapes for different details and areas

• Larger brushes for broad strokes and filling in large areas

• Fine brushes for intricate details

• I love Zibra brushes

Paint Trays and Palette

• Disposable or reusable trays for holding paint

• Palette or trays for mixing colors

• Recycled jars and Tupperware to mix and store paints

Painting Surface Preparation

• Primer suitable for outdoor vs. indoor use to prepare the wall surface

• Drop cloths to protect the ground and surrounding areas from paint splatter

• Spackle and sandpaper for surface preparation

Drawing and Sketching Supplies

• Chalk or charcoal for sketching your design directly onto the wall

• Light blue/yellow paint for painting outlines if preferred

• Measuring tape for accurate proportions

Safety Gear

• Gloves to protect your hands

• Eye protection to shield your eyes from paint splatter

• Spray paint project respirator to filter aerosols and organic vapors

Ladders, Scaffolding or Lifts

• Depending on the height of the mural, you may need a ladder or scaffolding to reach higher areas safely

• Scissor or boom lift rentals to reach high or out-of-reach locations

Sealant/Topcoat

• Clear, weather-resistant sealant, often comes as anti-graffiti

• For ground murals, choose concrete and masonry surface protection

Cleanup Supplies

• Rags or paper towels for wiping brushes

• Paint thinner for cleaning brushes (if using oil-based paints)

• Soap and water for cleaning up afterwards. Meyers Clean Day soap

• Plastic to wrap rollers and paint brushes

• Paint brush and roller spinner to clean and dry off paint quickly and easily

Design Reference

• Mural design created by hand, in Adobe Illustrator or Procreate

• Printed or digital copies of your mural design for reference while painting

Design Transfer

• Projector to project designs on wall during the night

• Use a doodle grid, and transfer design one square foot at a time

• Use transfer paper which is a graphite-like material that can be used with a pen to transfer images onto a surface

Miscellaneous

• Water containers for cleaning brushes and thinning paint

• Tape measure and/or leveler

• Masking tape for creating clean edges between different colors or sections

• Moisture meter to gauge the dryness or dampness of your mural surface

• Hand-warmers for cold weather outdoor projects

• Lawn chairs to take a break between mural phases

• Business cards or branded "Mural In Progress" signage

And lastly, for exterior murals, be sure to check the weather forecast. Paints need time to dry and cure. Happy painting!