When you are in the process of repainting your walls, there might be a time when you want to try something different and unique. One thing that might have crossed your mind is using watercolor paints on your walls to create an amazing look that no one else has.
So, can you use watercolor paint on walls? Yes! Watercolors are a great choice to use on walls because of the transparency of the watercolor, and you can create a dual color look with only one color of paint. Using watercolor paints on your walls is a simple process that only requires a few basic supplies.
Painting your walls with watercolor paints is a simple way to bring some life to your room. There are a few different techniques you can decide between when you want to paint your walls. You can try out a few on paper before deciding what you want your walls to look like. In this article we go over everything you need to know to successfully paint your wall with watercolors. Let’s read on!
How Do You Paint Walls with Watercolor?
The process of painting your walls with watercolors is called color wash. Watercolor paints are thinner and more transparent than other paints that you would use for a wall. Using this style for your home will give a unique, artsy look to your walls.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Watercolor Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
The process of mixing the watercolor paints and applying them to a wall is pretty simple. If you have flat walls without gloss, the mixture will need to be half watercolor paint and half water. If you have semi-gloss walls, the mixture should be one part water and three parts watercolor paint.
Mix the paint completely until you reach your desired color. Before you start painting, you should cover the floor and put on gloves. This will prevent the paint from staining your hands while you are painting and keep your floor safe from any drips.
For the best results, you will want to use a cloth instead of a paintbrush. Dip the cloth into the paint mixture and start to apply the mixture to the wall. It is best to move the cloth in a circular motion, continuing this until the whole wall, or the portion you want painted, is completely covered.
If you want to make stripes on your wall, mix your paint as instructed above. With the use of painter’s tape, create the stripes on your wall. Instead of moving the cloth in a circular motion, use a downward motion. Stripes will help smaller rooms look larger and will bring some brightness to the space.
If you want a pattern on the wall, you will first need to create the pattern. You will need acetate or an oil board to create a stencil that you can use, or you can buy a pre-made stencil. Tape the stencil to the wall where you want the pattern to show. Apply the paint in any way you wish.
You can also create what is called the gingham design on your wall. You can do this with tape and a couple of days. Measure your wall, and working from the top down, place a mark every seven inches. You will do the same thing from side to side.
Apply the tape vertically first. Paint the watercolor between the tape and allow it to dry overnight. The next day, apply the tape in horizontal stripes. Apply the paint as you did the day before. This will make some squares darker than others and you will have horizontal and vertical stripes.
There are so many more ways that you can paint your walls with watercolor than just these listed. You can create anything on your wall that you think will look great in your room. The process is so easy that you can do just about anything you want, and it will look great.
Will Watercolor Wash Off Walls?
Since watercolor paints are water-based, it does have the potential of washing off walls if the walls come in contact with water. Watercolor paints become reactivated when water is added back, so this is something to keep in mind when you are deciding where to paint.
It is not recommended to use watercolor paints in the bathroom or the kitchen. These areas constantly have water running, and the water can easily splash onto the walls. It is best to keep the watercolor paints in bedrooms or living rooms where it is less likely that water will come in contact with the walls.
While this can be frustrating if you aren’t expecting it, the ease of washing off can come in handy if you want to change up the design. All you need to do is get a sponge wet and rub the paint off the walls. This can be messy, so protect your floors with a cover to prevent any splashes that might stain.
When you have all of the watercolor paint removed from the wall, you can repaint with a different watercolor design. This makes it easy to switch things up when you change decor or just change your mind on what you want.
Can You Use Mod Podge to Seal Watercolor?
It is possible to use Mod Podge to seal watercolor paints, but it isn’t recommended to do so on your walls. Mod Podge is a product that can be used as a glue or a gloss finish on paintings. With the glue-like tendencies, it can potentially damage your walls.
It is recommended to remove any Mod Podge that gets on your walls immediately before it causes damage. Since it is water soluble, removing a small area of Mod Podge should be quick and easy with just some soap and water.
You can seal watercolor paints with Mod Podge on paper without any concerns. As long as you let the watercolor paint dry completely first, the paint won’t smear. It is recommended to let the watercolor paint dry for a few hours before applying the Mod Podge.
You will want to only apply one thin layer and avoid moving your brush back and forth more than one time in one spot. If you wish to add another layer, you can do so after the first layer has completely dried. You will want to very lightly move the paintbrush across the surface on the second layer.
Final Thoughts
If you want to paint your walls with watercolor, you can. It will create a unique look that you won’t find in other homes. You can create different designs on your wall with ease and brighten up any room within a few minutes.
Since watercolor paints are water-based, they become active again when they come in contact with water. You should avoid using watercolor paints on the walls in your kitchen or bathroom, because these areas come in contact with water constantly.
While it can be frustrating that watercolor will wash off so easily, it can also be a good thing. If you change your decor, or just your mind, you can easily change your walls with some water and soap. This will make it simple to repaint whenever you feel like.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your watercolor project turns out amazing. Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
