How to Paint an Exterior/Outdoor mural with polytab

Creating a mural using the poly-tab method allows artists to paint on lightweight, durable fabric that can be adhered to various surfaces. This technique, popularized in Philadelphia, offers flexibility and ease of installation for indoor and outdoor murals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an exterior mural that's permanent. 

Gather Materials:

• Polytab Fabric: A non-woven material suitable for murals
• Acrylic/spray Paints: Durable and vibrant for outdoor use.
• Brushes and Rollers: For applying paint and adhesives.
• Adhesive Gel: To attach the polytab to the wall.
• Protective Coating: To seal and protect the mural.
• Projector or Grid System: For transferring the design onto the polytab
• Acrylic Gesso

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Analyze the Wall/surface:
one of the first priorities when preparing to use polytab is to analyze the wall for texture, measurements, and other obstructions that may impede a smooth installation. 

• The smoother the texture the better. Rougher textures will require more effort to align polytab pieces and polytab  pieces may stand out slightly more.
• Measure the wall so that you are able to know how much polytab you will need to complete you mural.
  procure the right amount of polytab that you need. We always say to procure a few extra yards for spoilage

Prepare the polytab:

• This step is optional but preparing you polytab with a layer of gesso is beneficial
• Thick gesso should be diluted with matte medium to get the gesso to a glaze-like consistency that can be applied with a foam roller.

Prepare the Design:

• Transfer you design by scale your mural design to the polytab. Use a projector or a the grid system to ensure the design is scaled to the desired
• Lightly sketch the design onto the poly-tab with a pencil, light-colored marker, transparent paint or however you feel comfortable

Paint the Mural:

•  Paint directly onto the prepped polytab using your desired medium (acrylics, spray paint, house paint, etc...).
• Ensure the paint is evenly applied to prevent cracking.

Prepare the Wall Surface:

• Clean the wall to remove dirt and debris.
• Apply a primer if necessary to ensure proper adhesion.

 

Install the polytab

• Carefully position the polytab onto the wall. Use tape or tacks to hold the position if you don't have extra pair of hand helping out.
• You can then lift the bottom of the polytab and to access the back and then apply the gel medium to the bottom 3/5 of the polytab. You can then firmly press the polytab back to the wall and then peal back the top half the polytab to apply gel to the matte gel medium.
• You can use a roller or brush to press the fabric firmly against the wall.
• You can also use a roller or squeegee to firmly squeeze out any air pockets that may have formed. If air pocket persist, you can use an exacto knife to cut an "X" to access the back so that you can apply matte gel medium.

Touch-ups and blends.

• once all the polytab pieces are installed, you can then do touchup and blend together parts of your design if there are glaring imperfections or you are trying to blend with the background of the wall.

Seal the Mural:

• Once the adhesive has dried, apply a protective coating over the mural to shield it from environmental elements. Mural shield and Vandlgaurd are 2 options that we recommend.