Faux Finishing - Watercolor Mural

Hi there!

I've been asked to paint some murals for our church nursery. I'd like to do this in a watercolor style--my goal is luminous color in a semi-realistic painting style. Our budget is pretty limited, but I think I can do it this way:

Paint the walls bright white with an eggshell paint. Or would flat be better?

Use glaze as my "watercolor" paint. Use either wallpaper paste or white glue as my glaze base. Paste is cheaper, but I wonder if white glue might not be more durable. I do plan to cover the walls with a protective clearcoat once the project is finished. I've used wallpaper paste before to make glazes and been happy with the results--anything wrong with doing this?

I would color the glaze with either store-mixed paints in the colors I want or with Mason (or other) ceramic stains. I need to experiment to see if using paint will make the glazes too opaque. Paint would certainly be easier. Are there any other options for custom tinting my own glazes and getting fairly brilliant colors?

Finally, add in any opaque passages I may want, then clear-coat the walls. The varnishes offered for this specific purpose are pretty expensive. Any suggestions for an equally effective but cheaper alternative?

Thanks for any help. I'll check back here, or you can e-mail me directly at cindy@jennygulch.com

Cindy Strnad

You can buy a gallon of faux finish glazing liquid for about $30 at lowes or home depot. Actually it's only 3 quarts because you are supposed to add up to a quart of paint to color it. This is a clear glaze medium that you add color to. You can color this with any acrylic paints, I use the little bottles or squeeze tubes from any arts and crafts store. Just play with the amount of paint to get the desired effect you want, less paint for watercolor or more for a more solid look.
As far as a base coat always use flat or better yet primer, everthing sticks better to flat. If the wall has any sheen to it sand it first. I wouldn't really be to sure about using white thou. It would depend on the colors of the picture. Your colors will remain true'er on a gray background. (don't know if I spelled that right) Lighter gray for lighter colors darker for darker colors or just neutral gray for both. As for sealing you can buy a gallon of faux finish sealer and protector from lowes or home depot for about $20 but you have to pick from satin or gloss. There is a product called "dead flat varnish" that isn't varnish but a flat acrylic sealer/protector but it's can run $60 a quart. Hope this helps
jray2212@yahoo.com

Generally, you glaze over an eggshell surface--a flat paint will suck up your glaze too quickly to be workable. You should not have to sand your base coat.

I would not recommend using any type of past as a glazing medium. That is a recipe for disaster. Use a professional product, of just paint. What purpose does the glue serve? Try aqua glaze and/or golden's glazes. Glue is glue, glaze is glaze. Since you are painting a mural, the time you have to work the glaze is probably not your first concern--however, for slightly more money you can get a quality glaze. there are plenty of sources on line. Golden makes a dead flat, as does Modern Masters (available at many reputable paint stores) which is available for substantially below $60 a quart. However, for your purposes, you could probably try a plain ol' gallon of satin poly.

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the help.

Cindy