How to Paint a Mural with a Projector

Step 1: Make copies Make two copies of the image you’ve selected for the mural: one in color, and one black and white. Then use the black and white copy to make a copy on to a transparency.
Step 2: Position the image Put the projector on a tray or table a few feet from, and facing the wall; then plug it in. Place the transparency on the projector and turn it on. Position the projector so the image is the right size and in the right place on the wall.
TIP: Make sure the projector is directly facing the wall. If it’s at an angle it will distort the image.
Step 3: Trace the image Trace the image on the wall using a pencil, correcting mistakes with the eraser.
Step 4: Lay the drop cloth Lay a drop cloth in front of the wall to protect the floor from paint.
Step 5: Mix and paint Using the color copy as a reference, select a color to apply first. Pour the paint into a cup, or on to a plate and use a paintbrush to apply it to the wall everywhere the color appears. Rinse and dry the brush after use.
Step 6: Fill in and outline Move on to other colors until the mural is completely filled in. If necessary, wait until it’s dry; then outline sections of the painting with a fine-tip brush dipped in black paint. Voila! A masterpiece!
FACT: Did you know? In the 1930s, the WPA Federal Art Project, established to employ artists during the Great Depression, was responsible for 2,566 murals across the United States.

Lessons in this Guide