What is the best paint to use for an outdoor mural, and what are the benefits and downfalls of that paint?

Question

Yeah, that was too broad a question!!!

My experience is limited to painting murals on interior walls with acrylics... upcoming project is my first exterior so I'm interested in other people's experiences and knowledge.

I know that quality is important - from the brushes... to the primer... to the paint... to the sealant - and not the same as an interior due to outdoor exposure factors.

Currently... my understanding is that acrylic will be more durable and fade less (esp. with UV protectant added)... and not to use urethane...

In this case, I will be working on a wood fence. The fence will be painted to match the home (CC&Rs of the homeowner association) by a contractor so probably some sort of exterior latex.

Do I need to put some sort of primer on top of that or can that be considered a primer?

What acrylic brands have you worked with, which did you like most, and what sizes can they be bought in (I'll need more than a tube)?

I live in California - very dry, hot summers (+100F) and wet, rainy winters but rarely below freezing. The home is in the lower foothills so possibly a touch of snow. I believe the painted side of the fence will face the rising sun (east).

Answer 1

You can buy all kinds of fancy artist paints, but my favorite is 1 gallon sizes of exterior house paint. They are made to withstand the elements, most are now water wash and not very expensive. I even go through the paint department everytime I to to Lowe's, Home Depot, or Sherwin Williams paints and I check their "oops" section. They mix up something for a customer and if it's not exactly correct, they put it in the "oops" section for a cheep price, $2.00 maybe $3.00 a gallon. If it is a good color (and they all are) I buy it and add to my stash of paints. I'm never low on paint.

If you buy paints that are the same brand as the undercoat you probably will not need a primer, they will bond OK. If you don't know what the undercoat paint is, a sanding block, or some steel wool will scratch up the paint so your need paint will bond. The sun will even help to set them more permanently. Happy painting!

lyn

Answer 2

It depends entirely on the type of surface you're painting on. If you're painting on concrete or concrete block, you need a masonry paint that will stick. The advantages is that it will last a long time, the disadvantages is that there aren't that many available colors and you'll have to be pretty good at mixing colors.

If you're painting on wood, regular outdoor enamel or flat latex will work fine. You can seal the surface later with polyurethane if you like.

you can also use this method on concrete if it's clean concrete. Prime with white masonry paint first. For wood, prime with outdoor primer first. Any good paint department, store or hardware store can point you to the right products.

Answer 3

First what surface you are painting on.
Do you need to wash the surface first.
You need to use primer. I would use something like oil kiltz maybe.
Try oil paints they last long, but acrylic or latex exterior paint might do.
It all depends what surface and what part of the country, is it dry wet , ocean salt?
again a very broad question.
good luck.

Answer 4

What surface are you painting on?