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So yesterday I got to do something I've been wanting to do for a very long time, a lettering mural. There's just something about having a piece of your work hand painted at a large scale, with all its beauty and imperfections coming together in an area that those walking by can't miss, whether they like it or not. I was able to do this because my friend Stuart Lambert who I met last year offered his wall at www.cohub.co.uk as the place where I can make my first mark. So I'm very thankful to him for giving me the opportunity (and trust) to have a go.

The whole thing was film including what equipment I used, which will be available soon, but I'm run through the process below, just for those who can't wait that long.

Photos by the talented Alex Read.

Process:
1. Used a Tombow brush pen to do the initial sketch.
2. ‎Traced it in Adobe Illustrator.
3. ‎Using a projector, projected onto the wall and went round the outline in chalk.
4. ‎Used household emulsion paint watered down slightly, stirred with wooden stick, placed in small paper cups to make it easier to hold while using.
5. ‎Painted it on mainly using a @ashandover chisel tip brush. Size 4. 1" brush for filling in some areas. Mahl stick helpful for learning on.
7. ‎After first coat had dried, I removed any chalk lines with rag/cloth.
8. ‎Did second coat.
9. ‎Used the background emulsion to hide any drips or smudges made during the process.
10. ‎Washed up brushes and applied petroleum jelly to keep them in good condition till next time.

Hope this is useful, any other questions let me know below. Thanks also to all the sign painters that helped with tips and advice on all these steps.

Ian Barnard
I help you to draw better letters!

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