How to Paint Clouds on Walls

Co-authored by Jeanine Hattas Wilson and Eric McClure

Last Updated: January 15, 2024

A great idea for a mural is to paint clouds on a sky blue wall to resemble an actual sky. The subtle clouds give the room a calming effect. You don't have to be an expert artist to paint this mural. It is possible to paint clouds on walls by following a few simple steps.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Prepare the Walls

Download Article

Choose a color that looks like the sky and also goes well with the accessories you will use to decorate the room. It is best to use a paint with a satin finish. Apply a second coat of paint if needed.
Practice painting clouds on a board to improve your technique before painting on the walls.

Advertisement
Wait for the walls to dry completely.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Paint the Clouds

Download Article

1
Prepare the white glaze for the clouds. You will mix 4 parts glaze to 1 part white paint in a paint pan.
- You will want to make your clouds transparent, and glaze works great as a transparent layer.
Play with cloud formation until you are confident you are ready to paint clouds on the actual wall.
You do not want to paint it directly in the center of the room. Start by finding the exact center, then moving over and up 1 foot (30 cm).
Dab any excess glaze off in the paint pan. Begin forming the clouds by dabbing the sponge in a straight line to form the bottom of the cloud. Continue up from the line, dabbing and twisting the sponge to form a cloud. You want the clouds to be denser toward the middle and thinner toward the edges.
Wring out excess water. Use the cheesecloth to soften the edges of the cloud.
You'll also want to add some wispy clouds in between larger clouds. Clouds should be light and airy looking. Try to be random with the placement of your clouds, just as they are in nature.
Also, let some of your clouds continue around a corner.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How long does it take to complete the project?

Community Answer

There is no one answer to this. It depends on the size of your room, how fast you paint and, of course, how often you stop to answer the phone, have a drink or go to the bathroom.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 4
Question

Where could I buy the glaze?

C Grace

Community Answer

Any store that carries paint should also carry cans of glaze. Try your local hardware store.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

What's colors do I need to paint my ceiling to look like the sky?

Community Answer

You'll need white, light grey, and all different shades of light blue. If you want to paint a sun, use a bright and/or cream yellow, or use medium grey for a moon.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Decorate the rest of the room to fit the theme. You could add kites, hot air balloons or airplanes. You could have a butterfly theme or some other nature theme.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2
Find some pictures of clouds that you can refer to as you paint clouds on the wall. This will help you to make your clouds more natural looking.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 3