Introduction: Easy Silhouette/murals. No Talent Needed

Hi,

I'm going to show you a couple of ways to decorate your walls with a silhouette or an image of your choosing. These few easy steps require almost no artistic skills nor do they cost a lot to do.

All you need is:

-projector (you can also use an overhead projector for silhouettes).

-Paint. I will explain two methods, using acrylic paint (you'll need a brush) and spray paint (you'll need plastic sheets).

-Tape. painters tape or frog tape, it should feel like paper on the back.

-Utility knife or Exacto knife.

-Pencil.

ready?

Step 1: Preparing Your Image

The first step begins with choosing an image and a wall.

The wall part is easy, pretty much any wall will do so choose a wall you like because its going to stay there. About the image, silhouettes are easier since they are only one color, every color is another layer and a little more work. so find a picture you like, preferably in high resolution and move on to the projection.

Open the image in full screen on you computer and connect the projector. Adjust your projector at a straight angle from the wall you chose so that the image isn't distorted. Make sure you are happy with the location and the size, take into account any pictures or furniture that might come in later.

Once you are sure about the picture and its location move on to taping.....

***Using an overhead projector:

If you cant get your hands on a projector an overhead projector could work for a silhouette. just print out your image, trace it on a transparent plastic sheet with a sharpie and project it.

Step 2: Taping and Sketching (or Rather Tracing)

**If your using more than one color repeat these couple of steps for each color. If you only want to use a little black in addition to another color, you can use a black sharpie to fill it in.

Cover the edge of the projected image with tape.

Trace the Image onto the tape using a pencil (use a printed copy of the image to help you get the details right).

After making sure you got all the lines traced on tape you can shut the projector off (try not to move it if possible, you might want it for later). CAREFULLY go over the penciled line with a utility knife, make sure to do it gently but still cut well through the tape.

Peel all the unnecessary tape leaving the image part exposed (check twice before peeling).

Step 3: Paint!

There are two easy ways to paint your image. spay paint, which is quick to apply and dry and its glossy.However, you will need to cover anything you don't want painted within a 3 ft. radius around the image with plastic sheets. The other option is using acrylic paint, it take a little longer but has texture and creates less of a mess.

Spray paint:

First thing is taping plastic sheets to the edge of the image and get the wall nice and covered, spray paint can get everywhere and you don't want to have tiny paint marks on your wall. After double checking the cover, apply an even layer on the exposed parts of the wall (where your painting), try to paint from the tape inwards so that you don't accidentally peel it off. Let it dry for a while and add another coat if needed. Check you haven't missed any corners and let it dry for a few hours.

Acrylic:

Lay some newspapers on the floor so you don't stain it. You need very little paint for a pretty big picture so a small tube of paint should do. Apply a layer of paint with a brush, make sure you get all the corners and don't leave any drops. Take into consideration the direction of your strokes, they will effect the texture later. Let it dry for an hour and apply another layer if needed. When you're happy with the way it looks, leave it to dry for 24 hours.

**** If you are doing multiple colors you will let this color dry and repeat from step 2 on the next color.

Step 4: Done!

After the paint dries you can carefully peel off all the tape and enjoy your new room :)

make sure to take pictures of your work and upload your own instructables.

If you like my project, vote for me in the wall overhaul contest.

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