Acrylic Paint Wall Covering

Painting walls with acrylic paint can transform any room. With the right prep and techniques, acrylic offers a versatile, durable, and creative paint option for walls .

Compared to other types of paint , acrylic has many advantages for wall applications. It dries fast, comes in endless colors and finishes, resists moisture, stands up to cleaning, and creates a vibrant, long-lasting look. By following key tips for surface prep, paint selection, application, and care, you can unleash the full potential of acrylic paint on walls .

Prepare the Wall Surface

Proper wall preparation is crucial for successful acrylic paint results. Start by cleaning the walls thoroughly with a mild cleaner and warm water to remove any dirt, grease, or soap residue. Address any cracks, holes, uneven textures, or peeling areas through filling and sanding.

For the best acrylic adhesion and protection, apply a high-quality acrylic primer or sealer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. On glossy or slick surfaces, sanding provides "tooth" for the paint . Wipe away dust before priming.

Clean and Repair Walls

• Remove dirt, grease, soap with mild cleaner
• Fill cracks and holes as needed
• Sand down high gloss finishes

Apply Acrylic Primer/Sealer

• Use Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or similar
• Aids paint adhesion and durability
• Let dry fully before painting

Choose Your Acrylic Paint

With acrylic paint , you can pick from different finishes and endless colors. A matte or eggshell finish hides imperfections well. Satin offers gentle sheen. High-gloss accentuates details and depth. Sample paint cards help visualize the hue in your space.

For best results, select a high-quality acrylic formulation intended for walls and architectural applications, like Benjamin Moore Aura. Budget-friendly options like Glidden Essentials also perform well. Calculate the paint needed based on the wall area.

Consider Finish and Sheen

• Matte - flat, hides flaws
• Eggshell - soft glow
• Satin - mild gloss
• Gloss - reflective shine

Pick Durable Acrylic Paint

• Benjamin Moore Aura
• Glidden Essentials
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald

With limitless colors and finishes to pick from, acrylic paint makes it easy to achieve your dream aesthetic on walls . Carefully test samples before selecting a hue, and choose a quality acrylic formulation designed specifically for home interiors and wall applications.

Prepare Your Supplies

Painting walls requires having the right acrylic paint supplies on hand. Key tools include high-quality nylon or polyester angled sash paintbrushes, foam roller covers, paint roller frames, paint trays, and painter's tape for edging and protection. Drop cloths safeguard floors and furniture.

Pour the acrylic paint into roller pans and clean buckets. Don't apply direct from the can. Stir thoroughly before and during the painting process. Use paddle mixers to combine all pigments smoothly.

Essential Wall Painting Supplies

• Angled sash brushes
• Paint roller covers
• Roller frames, paint trays
• Painter's tape, drop cloths
• Paddle mixer, stir sticks

With high-quality applicators like Purdy angled sash brushes, Wooster short-nap rollers, and 3M painter's tape on hand, you'll have the ideal tools to create smooth, consistent acrylic paint coverage on walls . Protect surrounding areas from drips and spills, and stir your paint thoroughly before and during painting.

Application Techniques

Approaching walls methodically by section helps the paint application process go smoothly. Use angled sash brushes to first "cut in" along edges, corners, and ceilings with vertical strokes. Apply the acrylic paint in 3 to 4 foot wide sections using a roller in light, even coats. Maintain a "wet edge" blending each section together as you move across the wall .

Let the first coat dry fully (at least 8 hours), then apply a second finish coat. Roll in the opposite direction from the first coat to ensure thorough coverage. Avoid pressing too hard or overrolling, which can create excess brush marks and bubbles.

Smooth Paint Application Steps

• Cut in edges with angled sash brush
• Roll 3-4' sections lightly
• Blend from wet edge to wet edge
• Let fully dry before second coat

By working methodically in sections and maintaining a wet edge as you blend each rolled section into the next, it's easy to achieve seamless results painting walls with acrylic . Allow thorough drying between first and second coats.

Achieve Special Finishes

Beyond basic wall color, acrylic paint opens possibilities for all sorts of special finishes. Sponging adds subtle texture for visual depth without overwhelming a space. The color-washing technique creates a translucent, washed out appearance by heavily diluting the paint . For a speckled, Moroccan-style look, flick droplets of contrasting colors onto the wall with a brush.

During the drying process, very gently score or etch patterns into the paint to achieve textural designs. Place cardboard cutout shapes against the wall while rolling over them with a contrasting tone to make outlined geometric patterns pop. The options are endless!

Unique Acrylic Wall Finishing Ideas

• Sponging for subtle texture
• Color-washing for translucent tint
• Flicking speckles with a brush
• Sgraffito etching for texture
• Taped shapes for sharp designs

Beyond basic color application, versatile acrylic paint offers endless options for adorning walls with special finishes. Explore sponging, color-washing, speckling, etching, geometric shapes, and more for gorgeous dimensional style.

Clean Up and Care

Finish your flawless acrylic paint wall makeover by promptly cleaning brushes and other tools with soap and water. Never let acrylic dry on roller covers or brush bristles. Wipe spills right away with a damp cloth. Let the paint cure fully for at least 30 days before cleaning by gently wiping with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.

To refresh the finish coat after a few years, clean thoroughly and use a small roller to apply another layer. Touch up any damaged areas using the original paint color. With basic care, acrylic paint creates a durable, vivid look for walls over the long term.

Caring for Painted Acrylic Walls

• Promptly clean tools before paint dries
• Gently wipe spills while still wet
• Use soft cloth to dust walls when fully cured
• Touch up chips and damage as needed

By cleaning tools right after painting, gently wiping any spills, allowing proper curing time, and touching up wear and tear over the years, your beautiful acrylic paint wall finish will maintain its vibrant style for many years before needing refreshed.

Thanks to fast drying times, endless color choices, moisture-resistance, and standout durability, acrylic paint offers many advantages for creative and protective wall applications. Properly preparing surfaces ensures great adhesion. Careful section-by-section application creates flawless results. And special finishes open exciting decorative possibilities far beyond basic wall color.

With the right paint selections and accessories, effortless techniques, and ongoing gentle care, acrylic paint on walls unlocks stylish, artistic potential while standing the test of time. Transform any living space by unleashing acrylic 's versatile potential for painting incredible walls .