How to Make Textured Wall Art: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Have you ever wondered why textured art has continued to remain one of the most sought-after pieces of art? Not only this, but more and more people are now choosing to engage in home DIY projects so that they can learn how to make textured wall art at home.

Whether you are looking to add a piece to your newly designed office or add life to your dining room, textured art serves as a perfect choice since it encourages both involvement and imagination triggering emotional responses or connection towards it.

Adding a chic and elegantly crafted textured wall art to the walls of your living space is a great way to give it a fresh gallery-like appeal. It gives your walls a soothing ambiance and acts like a subtle standout, especially for high-traffic spots like the living room.

But did you know that you don’t necessarily have to pay a hefty price to brighten up the dull walls of your home?

With the growing trend of DIY projects, one can easily learn how to make textured wall art at home. All you need is access to the right set of tools and access to step-by-step tutorials available free online.

Seven Simple Steps to Learn How to Make Textured Wall Art

Step 1: Gather supplies to make a canvas frame

While it is true that canvas frames can be easily found in home depots, if you really want to indulge in a DIY project, you can start by making one at home. To make your frame, you’ll need the following:

• Wood (for the frame and support)
• Cotton canvas fabric (available at any small fabric supply store)
• Miter saw
• Locking pliers
• Staple Gun (heavy duty)
• Screwdriver and screws (in case you are opting for a larger canvas)
• Nailer and nails (in case you choose to stick to a smaller canvas)

Step 2: Make the canvas frame

The first thing you need to do while learning how to make textured wall art is to determine how large you want your canvas to be. Usually, people tend to stick to 5ft x 4ft. If you are aiming for that size, start by cutting two 1×2 down to 60 inches each and another one in half (i.e., two 48 inches pieces). You’ll also need additional pieces for support. For this, cut an additional 1×2 to create two more support pieces.

Thus, in total, using:

• 2 pieces of wood with 60″ lengths
• 4 pieces with 48″ lengths
• 4 pieces for diagonal support (sturdy enough to brace against the exterior frame)

Once you have gathered all the canvas frame supplies, use pilot holes and screws to assemble your frame, starting with the four exterior frame pieces and then working your way to the interior vertical support and, finally, the diagonal supports.

Step 3: Attach fabric to the canvas

Ideally, the fabric needs to be wrapped over the front of the canvas and secured properly by stapling it to the back. To ensure that there are no creases or accidental ripples on the canvas, you will have to pull the canvas tight to smooth out the canvas lines and get rid of any potential fold lines.

To do so:

• Place the frame over the fabric and secure one side at a time.
• Staple it to the wood after every inch or two.
• Secure one side at a time all the way, and remember to stop about two inches before the corners.
• Continue the same process with the remaining sides.

Alternatively, you can also use locking pliers to help pull the canvas tight. Be careful not to tug too tightly so that you don’t rip or tear the fabric. While learning how to make textured wall art remember there’s no single right or wrong way to do so – simply make sure your canvas looks neat and well-tucked.

Step 4: Seal the canvas with base paint

Now that your canvas is ready, the next step is to prep and seal the canvas. To do so, you need:

• Drywall mud or a joint compound (choosing a dust control one works best)
• Paint (preferably matte white or any other color that you have planned for your textured art
• Trowels
• Taping knives (in different sizes)
• A paint brush

Once you have gathered all the materials, you can begin to paint the canvas base. This can also be done with simple house paint since the purpose of doing so is to seal the fabric and make the base a little stronger to hold your mud. Doing so prevents the moisture from sinking into it.

Just take the paintbrush and paint the whole canvas, making sure that the paint digs into the fabric’s weave. Maintain the strokes so that they are even and smooth. Allow the paint to dry completely before you start texturing it.

Step 5: Begin to add texture

There are no set rules when it comes to texturing your wall art. Like any artist, everyone has their own unique technique or method. If you are learning how to make textured wall art, start slowly by practicing on a small scrap board to get a feel for it before you start working on the canvas itself.

Now gloop some drywall mud onto your canvas and then shape it the way you have envisioned using the drywall taping knife and trowel.

Additionally, if you like to create different consistencies in the drywall mud, add a little water to it. As you play around smearing the mud on the canvas, you’d be surprised to see the difference a little water can create. Another great tip to help your textured wall art stand out is to experiment with a few different tools instead of just a taping knife; try using at least two different sizes of tools for the best results.

Step 6: Cover up the cracks

Once done, set aside the canvas to dry off completely. This may take anywhere between a day to even five days (in case you have thicker mud sections). Once your art starts to dry off, you may notice the mud cracking a bit. Don’t panic – this is completely normal. Just put on a glove and gently repair the cracks by fingering a small amount of mud over the cracks.

Smooth it back over so that you don’t lose the shape of the texture and lines created. Remember! The idea here is to firmly secure the canvas so the cracked areas don’t fall off once you move the canvas into a vertical position.

Step 7: Seal up everything

Now that your textured wall art has dried and all the cracks are covered, coat everything by painting over with wall paint once more. This is probably one of the most important steps when learning how to make textured wall art. Using the same matte paint that you initially used as the canvas’s base is a wise choice. Carefully go over everything to create a seal coat without hiding any of the more subtle textures. Allow the canvas to dry for at least another day or so.

Tips for Making Your Textured Wall Art Fun

When learning how to make textured wall art, creativity is the key. The whole point of turning it into a DIY project rather than purchasing one from the store is to experiment with different elements and create something unique (all while having fun at it).

When you sit down to make your masterpiece, don’t limit yourself to a putty knife. Below is a list of commonly found tools and techniques to help you create a masterpiece.

1. Use your fingers to create brush strokes.
2. Use plastic forks to draw parallel lines.
3. Use a notched trowel to make grooved arches.
4. Use paper plates to create rainbows.
5. Use heavy acrylic paint straight out of the tube to create a creamy, colorful art piece

DIY textured art projects are undoubtedly a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your homes. These can help add life to almost any room as well as pair up with any theme that you may be following – even a minimalist one.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know how to make textured wall art at home, as well as different tips to make it even more appealing, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start painting like a pro! Good luck! Doing projects like this on your own is much more satisfying, and cost-effective.