Murals provide color and an imaginative setting to a playspace. They also can be a reflection of the community based on the theme of the mural. Murals can also give communities a sense of historical context for their neighborhood and many murals are considered by the local government to be works of art, which gives the immediate neighbors more leverage when working to make other improvements.
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Before priming the wall, wash and clean the entire area. For indoor murals, consider using a light sponge and lukewarm water. For outdoor murals, pressure washing or a hose with high pressure nozzle will work best. Scrub any particularly dirty surfaces with a sponge.
Let the surface dry before you begin priming. Apply painter's tape along all the edges of the mural, and any other objects inside the mural area (such as light switches, vents, etc.) that should not get primed or painted. Ideally, use a few coats of primer for your mural surface.
When the primer is dry, use an LCD or overhead projector to project the mural design onto the wall (if available). Use a pencil or permanent marker to sketch the design that is projected. If appropriate, mark which areas should be painted with which colors. You can also sketch freehand if a projector is not available, though this requires a bit more skill.
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
Cover all areas surrounding the mural area with painter's tape, paper, and/or drop cloths.
Refer to the mural design sketched on the wall and the paper drawing (if applicable) as you're painting the mural. Begin with the larger areas and work your way down to the smaller areas.
Use a small brush or an artist brush to touch-up areas when the mural is nearly complete.
For indoor murals, use fans and/or open windows to help dissipate paint fumes and dry the area quickly.
If applying a gloss coat, wait 24-48 hours for paint to dry before applying.
KABOOM! is a national nonprofit that works to achieve playspace equity. Kids who don't have access to play miss out on childhood and are denied critical opportunities to build physical, social and emotional health.
We team up with communities to build incredible playspaces that help give every kid the opportunity to thrive.
Our goal is to end playspace inequity. For good.
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Adults and children appreciate having plenty of seating areas in and near their playspace. We've included instructions for a KaBOOM! favorite here, a combination bench/planter! Benches encourage adult supervision when placed in close proximity to the playground equipment. Seating also encourages a sense of community by creating a designated area for neighbors to gather together, much like a “town square." The double planter bench can be a combination bench + planter OR can be used as a bench with a chessboard tabletop in the middle!
A stage enhances the play area by giving children a place to put on skits and plays, and serves as a space to hold other community events as well.
Adults and children appreciate having plenty of seating areas in and near their playspace. Benches encourage adult supervision when placed in close proximity to the playground equipment. Seating also encourages a sense of community by creating a designated area for neighbors to gather together, much like a “town square."