Wall Art Solutions

If you aren't artistically inclined and can't afford to hire someone to paint a mural, WallTat might be just what you need to add some unexpected and fun art to an otherwise boring space.

If you would like an easy do it yourself option you'll need the following:

• Wall with very smooth surface (level 4 or 5 for gypsum walls)
• Projector
• Clear contact paper
• Fine Tip Permanent Marker
• X-Acto Knife #2
• Interior Paint

After you have your supplies together (the projector is optional if you are really good at free-handing designs onto vertical surfaces but most people aren't), cover the wall surface where you'd like to add wall art with the clear contact paper.  It is important that this wall is smooth because any bumps will prevent the contact paper from properly sealing and you'll end up with non-crips edges.  After you have covered the surface and removed any air bubbles, project your desired design onto the wall and trace it using the permanent marker.  After you have traced your design very carefully use the x-acto knife to cut around the traced image and remove the portions of the contact paper where you wish to apply paint (or where you wish to apply the first color of paint if you are going to use multiple colors).  In addition to not cutting towards yourself you'll want to be careful to not cut into the wall, very light pressure is all you need if you are using a sharp blade; change blades as often as necessary.  Next just roll on the paint in as thin a coat as possible to achieve full coverage.  You are better off using multiple thin coats than one thick coat because thick coats increase the likelihood of paint running under the contact paper and of it sticking to the contact paper along edges during removal.  After paint has dried remove the contact paper very slowly making sure that it is not pulling up any paint along the edges.  If you find that it is damaging the paint you may be able to correct the issue by tracing along the edge with the x-acto blade to remove the connection between the paint on the wall and the paint on the contact paper.  Then you are done and can enjoy your masterpiece...it's certainly a much more interesting conversation piece when you can tell people you painted it yourself.