Fabulous Wall Art Using Joint Compound
When decorating your home, you have many decisions to make that include style, mediums, and colors. For the do-it-yourself individual, a new form of wall decor can put your artistic talents to good use. Although, even for those who feel they do not have an artistic bone in their body, this decor project is totally obtainable! Fabulous wall art using drywall joint compound can be accomplished by anyone who has patience and time to devote to the project.
Primarily, this is a stencil project using joint compound, also known as wall mud, acrylic paints, small paint brushes, clear nail polish, and/or matte, semi-gloss, or gloss brush-on sealant. This kind of art is excellent for a themed room, whether it be a bathroom, a bedroom, or even a living room. The art appeals not only to adults, but to children, as well. The 3D quality of the art is fascinating and unique with many possibilities from small scale single images to large scale mural representations.
The first choice to be made: into which room you would like to incorporate your joint compound 3D wall art. As an example, a beach/ocean themed bathroom or bedroom using each available wall is a great choice for children. Purchases of relating stencils can be made at a local craft store, or from an on-line store, as can the acrylic paints, and sealant. Some stencils can be downloaded and printed from your personal computer for free. If you choose to use nail polish for your sealant, it may be purchased at any department store or online store. The joint compound can be purchased at home stores and some department stores.
It is also very important to purchase a roll of painters tape, a fine sandpaper, a sponge, and joint knives, also known as taping knives or putty knives. These may be purchased at your local home store or department store. Generally, sets of knives are available for ease of use, such as a 2″, 4″, and 6″ set, or a 6″, 8″, and 10″ set. The size of your project will determine which set you should purchase. The smaller set is usually very suitable for the artwork. In addition, you may want to purchase a drywall mud pan to hold your mud in as you work, or you may choose a washable bowl from your own kitchen. Working straight from the compound bucket is feasible, as well.Once you have chosen your stencils, begin by taping the stencil to the wall you wish to place the 3D art. Taping the stencil all around the edges; you just want the stencil to be held tightly in place. Then, determine which size joint knife that is most comfortable for you to use, then, dip some joint compound out onto the knife. Spread the compound over the stencil pattern, making sure that the top of the layer is as smooth as possible. Experiment with different thicknesses until you find the one you desire. Choosing a thinner one “coat” application is also perfectly acceptable. Next, you will gently remove the tape, then the stencil from the wall and the design.
Drying time will be listed on the compound bucket, usually 24 hours, but if you choose more than a 1/2″ thickness, the drying time will increase. Running a fan in the room can also speed drying time, and in a bathroom using the vent fan to pull humidity out of the room will also help the drying process. Once the joint compound is dry, you may want to lightly sand the top portion of your art for a smooth finish. You may also choose to take a damp sponge to smooth the rougher areas and edges. In some instances, choosing to leave texture in the compound is preferred. It is a matter of personal taste and the look you want to achieve.
Once the compound is dry and sanded, it is time to begin painting the object stenciled. Use one solid color or a mix of colors to achieve the level of intricacy you desire. Don’t forget to paint the “sides” of your stenciled object, as well! Let the paint dry for a few hours. Then, apply a coat of fingernail polish or sealant onto the design, including the sides. This will ensure your art will last for some time to come.
When you decide it is time to change your art, removal is very easy by using a spray bottle of water, misting and soaking the object you wish to remove. Then, using the joint knife, carefully scrape the art from the wall. Use care not to gouge the wall, but if you do, once all of your design is off, more joint compound can fix it quickly! Lightly sand the area the art used to be on and you are ready to repaint your wall!
As an example for the bathroom beach/ocean scenes, use sandcastles, sand pails and sand scoops, various sea creatures, waves, a moon, a sun, a sailboat, and a lighthouse. You can also make your own little island, shaping it as you desire, then add sand to the paint to give it an authentic beach feel. Then, include an umbrella, sunglasses, small starfish, and a beach ball on the island and a sun in the sky for a vignette on one wall.
Another wall may hold different fish and sea creatures. Yet another wall, may hold a sandcastle, daubing little ripples of “sand” using the joint compound and sand, then adding sand pails and scoops. You may wish to paint the names of your children or grandchildren on the sand pails. Additionally, combining a lighthouse on a small island, a boat, some waves, and a moon in the sky can create an excellent scene. Also, finding nautical symbol stencils, rope stencils, and a life-saving rescue tube stencil can be combined for a scene representative of the sea life.
You may choose to use quotes on the wall such as Ahoy Matey, Every Seashell Has A Story, Seas The Day, Beach Happy, or Ocean Air Salty Hair. You may choose to paint them freehand or use letter stencils. Whatever you decide upon, there are so many different combinations to turn your bathroom into a miniature beach scene reminiscent of the real thing! If you can’t go to the beach, then bring the beach to you!
A different idea for a bedroom or living room is to purchase a vase stencil and flower stencils. These may be used in any room. For an extra added touch, hang a frame around your art with the design in the center. Purchasing ivy stencils can make a lovely border around a room at the top of the wall or at the mid-section of a wall. Mosaic stencils can be used to create your own masterpiece of small parts to make a stunning visual art. You may also choose to create your own stencils using cardboard for larger murals, as well as smaller ones. The possibilities for creativity are endless! Happy 3D Art Creating!