If you’re looking for ways to brighten your home or office, you have a number of options to choose from. For example, investing in a new coat of paint can make your office look and feel refreshed. Embracing natural light can leave you feeling happier and more alert throughout the day.
Another option to consider is adding a bit of wall art to your space. Wall art has been found to have positive psychological impacts. These include stimulating creativity and boosting cognitive function.
Believe it or not, you can make some impressive DIY wall art using joint compound, a material used as drywall primer. As a painting and drywall service, we’ve got quite a bit of experience with joint compound, and now we’re here to tell you how to get creative with it.
Ready to embrace your own creativity? Read on to learn how to create unique wall art using joint compound.
If you’re not familiar with joint compound wall art, you might be thinking that it sounds like a strange suggestion. Why use a drywall material to create something aesthetic?
Joint compound is a relatively lightweight substance that, when applied with the right tools, can create interesting textures. By using joint compound, you can create wall art that has more shape and dimension. Plus, you can leave the white joint compound exposed for a concrete-like look or use joint compound in a more colorful piece.
Why DIY? For starters, it’s going to be cheaper to create joint compound wall art than it would be to buy something comparable from an artist or store. Plus, DIY projects come with plenty of benefits, including increased contentment and a bigger appreciation of the space you’re decorating.
Neutral tones can help to create calmness in a space. By leaving joint compound bare and untreated in your project, your wall art will be an off-white color that will help to maximize the natural light in the room.
To create neutral-toned joint compound art, you will need:
First, spread a thin layer of joint compound over the canvas using your putty knife. Work quickly so that the joint compound doesn’t have time to harden and dry.
Finally, create unique textures in the wet joint compound. The tile scraper will create lines and ridges, allowing you to create shapes and patterns. You can also use your putty knife to create organic shapes and textures.
If neutral tones aren’t your cup of tea, you can add pops of color by working with colorful joint compound. To do so, you will need:
To create colorful joint compound, divide your joint compound into your mixing bowls. Add acrylic paint in your desired color to each mixing bowl, using more paint for more vibrant colors. Mix the joint compound and paint together using your putty knife.
Then, follow the steps listed above. However, you may want to wipe your putty knife off on a rag or paper towel between colors to avoid mixing them together before applying them to the canvas.
Another way to add color to your joint compound art is to paint it after the joint compound has dried. You can doso using acrylic paint or latex paint, opting for a latex paint with a glossy finish if you prefer a little shine.
Repeat all of the steps listed above, and then allow the joint compound to dry completely. Then, grab a set of paint brushes and your acrylic or latex paint and start adding color to your joint compound art.
Alternatively, you can paint the canvas directly and allow that to dry before adding your joint compound. Then, use your putty knife or tile scraper to remove joint compound from parts of the canvas to reveal the color below.
Mosaic art is a great way to recycle materials like old china plates and mugs, seashells, beads, and scrap metal. To make mosaic wall art with joint compound, you will need:
When creating a mosaic with joint compound, you want to start with a smooth, even layer of joint compound. With mosaic art, it is the recycled materials or tiles that will create texture.
Once you have your even layer of joint compound spread on the canvas, begin applying your mosaic materials in the pattern of your choosing. Press each piece into the joint compound so that it is secure, but not so deep that it pushes the joint compound out from beneath the material. If the joint compound begins to dry while you’re still working, dab it with your wet sponge so that it’s still pliable.
There are a few tips you may want to know when working with joint compound, no matter what types of wall art you choose to make. From keeping your layers thin to making framable joint compound art, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a closer look at these must-know tips.
Remember, joint compound is meant to be used in drywall projects as a primer. When you’re using it to create art, you’re going to create layers that are thicker than its intended use.
Make sure that you don’t go too thick. You want to apply a layer that is thick enough to manipulate but not so thick that it will crack and flake when it’s dry. This is also important to remember when you’re moving the joint compound around to create ridges and three-dimensional textures.
Depending on the type of wall art you’re creating, you may want to apply a base coat to your canvas using spray paint. For example, if you are creating neutral wall art, you may want to pick a white or tan spray paint to apply to the canvas before you add your joint compound.
The reason for this is that when you do begin to manipulate the joint compound using a putty knife or tile scraper, you may expose parts of the canvas in the process. By using a base coat, you can ensure that those exposed areas reveal the color of your choosing, rather than bare canvas.
Any time you are thinking about hanging wall art, you should consider the weight. Joint compound is relatively light when dry, but a large canvas covered in joint compound may be heavy. This is also the case when you’re creating mosaic art using ceramic materials or tile, which can add up in weight.
If you’re going to hang a heavy piece on a wall made of plaster or drywall, use a stud finder to locate a stud. Then, drill or nail into the stud, rather than the plaster or drywall, which often can’t support the weight of art on its own. You can also use a French cleat or anchor to provide additional support and redistribute some of that weight off of a single nail or screw.
Wraparound canvases can be hung without a frame because the canvas covers the underlying wood frame on the front and sides. However, many people choose to frame their wall art to give it a more finished appearance. If you decide that you’re going to frame your joint compound painting projects, you’ll need to take a few extra steps from the beginning.
Before you apply your joint compound to the canvas, use painters tape to cover the perimeter of the front of your canvas. That way, this front perimeter will be free of joint compound once your project is completed and you remove the tape. Because joint compound creates a three-dimensional texture, a canvas that is covered from end to end may not fit in a frame.
Sprucing up your home or office space can do wonders for your mood, productivity, and more. Joint compound wall art is a cost-effective way to create stunning works of art for any room.
Are you looking to kick things up a notch? From epoxy floors that need resealing to kitchen cabinets that need a new coat of paint, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us about your painting, drywall, and renovation needs in Reno, NV. We look forward to talking to you about how our services can help.
