How to Paint a Mural on Concrete: Tips From Our First Outdoor Project

May 19, 2025 · Fei Wu

Painting a mural on a wall is one thing. Painting one on the ground—especially on rough asphalt or concrete—is a whole different challenge.

When my mom, Xiang Li, and I were invited to paint a 3×3 ft catch basin mural for Worcester Green Corps in Hadwen Park, we were thrilled. But once we arrived on-site, we quickly realized: painting on the ground takes some serious prep, patience, and… painkillers (more on that later!).

So here’s everything we wish we had known before we started. If you’re a first-timer or still figuring things out, this guide is for you.

1. Prepare the Surface (We Skipped This—You Shouldn’t)

We painted on a catch basin surrounded by very rough asphalt. We didn’t treat the surface, mostly due to lack of experience—and it made everything harder.

If you have time and resources, prep the surface first:

Sweep and remove all dirt, debris, and loose gravel.
Scrub the area with water and let it dry completely.
If the surface is very rough, apply an oil-based primer or concrete/asphalt bonding sealer first. This fills gaps and creates a smoother, more paintable surface.
If oil-based products aren’t an option, use gesso or a thick acrylic base layer to prep, but it won’t be as durable.

Note: Once paint is down, you must use a water-based sealant on top. Oil-based topcoats can ruin acrylics.

2. What Paint to Use: Liquitex Basics Are a Solid Start

We used Liquitex Basics acrylic paint—affordable, beginner-friendly, and beautifully vibrant.

Our pro tip: Stick to primary colors + black and white

This lets you mix any other color you need without carrying a whole suitcase of paints.

Our palette included:

Primary Red
Primary Yellow
Primary Blue
Mars Black
Titanium White

To help us save time, I did order some extra colors such as green and a few variations in blue.

If you’re outdoors and unsure of lighting or shadows, add a Bright Aqua Green or Burnt Sienna to give yourself more tonal range for contrast.

3. Brushes Matter (Especially the Small Ones!)

Even a 3×3 ft mural requires fine detail—we had pandas, paws, and hearts to shape!

Bring:

Flat brushes for filling in backgrounds
Round brushes for outlines and curves
Detail brushes for eyes, whiskers, letters, logos, and linework

Tip: Bring extra small brushes. They wear down quickly on concrete.

4. Other Must-Bring Supplies

You’ll thank yourself later for packing these:

Paper towels and newspaper (to wipe brushes, test colors, or kneel on)
Plastic bags for trash or dirty supplies
A tray or lid for mixing paint (especially helpful if ground is uneven)
Containers with water for drinking, cleaning brushes and washing your hands in the end (bring more than you think you’ll need!)
Spray bottle to keep acrylic paints from drying too fast
Foldable stools or kneeling pads (trust us—your knees will thank you)

5. Acrylic Paint on Skin and Hair? No Problem.

Accidents happen—especially with wind, bending, or enthusiastic kids nearby.

If acrylic paint gets on your:

Skin: Wash with warm water and soap within 30 minutes. A bit of olive oil helps loosen dry spots.
Hair: Let it dry, then gently comb out the flakes or use conditioner and a wide-tooth comb in the shower.

Avoid letting paint dry under fingernails. A nail brush helps.

6. Protecting Your Work: The Right Sealant

Once the painting is dry (wait at least 24 hours if possible), seal it to protect from water, foot traffic, and sun.

We used:

Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Spray – water-based, available in matte or gloss.

Not sure which is right for you? Call and stop by a hardware store to talk to an expert. They will point you to the available and best options for your mural project.

What we wish we did:

Apply an oil-based concrete sealant or primer BEFORE painting. It would’ve helped with adhesion and extended the life of the mural.

Important: You can’t apply oil-based sealants after painting with acrylics—they’ll damage the work.

7. Final Tips From Our Mother-Daughter Duo

Work in layers. Don’t expect full opacity on your first pass—especially over dark pavement.
Stretch often! Painting on the ground is tough on your back, hips, and knees. Take breaks.
Consider multiple days. Don’t rush. Even a small mural deserves time and care.
Work around the weather. Avoid rain or extreme humidity. Plan for a dry stretch of 2–3 days.

Painting With Purpose

Murals on public ground aren’t just art—they’re a conversation with the community. Ours, titled “One Family, One World,” featured a panda mother with her two cubs, a red heart (symbol of love and Worcester!), and the Worcester Green Corps logo with “drains to Curtis Pond.” It was small in size but big in meaning.

Painting on asphalt is humbling. Messy. Beautiful. And worth every minute.

If you’re painting your first mural—on the ground or anywhere else—know that you’re part of something bigger. You’re adding color, care, and storytelling to a place people pass by every day.

Good luck. And stretch before you paint. 😉