What types of paints can or should be used for hand painted backgrounds?

I recently met an artist that is going to be creating some hand painted, one of a kind backgrounds for me but before we begin I was wondering if there are particular types of paints that are recommended (or not recommended) or best for this application.

No one knows? Hmmm.

Perhaps someone knows where I can find this information. I would hate to have the artist start this project, only to find out we made a boo-boo.

I don't know either, but I think you'd be better off using quick drying inks like the stuff used for air brushing T-shirts.

That may be so but I've seen photographers that have custom hand painted backgrounds and I know it is being done quite a bit. I'll have to do research elsewhere.

I'd be interested in what you eventually find out. The other option depending on your artists method of painting would simply be to use spray paint. Shops that sell spray cans, spray nozzles and paint to "artists" that often tag things they shouldn't have a wide selection available.

If painters coveralls can't get rid of paint in the wash, spray paint should stand the test of time also.

Robert, Chuck Gardner had an article on his web site about making muslin at home. Fromw hat I know you have to dilute the pain with water.

Found the link. Here it is:

http://super.nova.org/​DPR/DIY02/

Thanks Bobby. I'll give it a read this evening. I appreciate it.

Well, not much information there. He says he used standard latex wall paint and I'm assuming it is a matte finish. I don't know if there is more to be concerned about or if it's that simple.

I think what I'm going to do it to go to the artists home. She has some wall murals that she's painted and I'll do some quick portraits of her against some of the walls to see what I get. Based on those results I'll make some decisions.

Sorry, Robert - no help from me since I haven't used muslin or murals much. I thought those hard mini-boards you posted about the other day were the "Bee's knees" though, if a guy has need for them.

Hey Jason,

I love the panels. I have 2 and will be getting at least 1 more to round out the color schemes.

I'm also interested in a few large backgrounds but want to get away from the generic look of so many that I see. There are a few backgrounds at http://www.backgrounds​bymaheu.com/ that I like but some get very expensive. I have a nice arrangement with this artist and if she can create backgrounds like I see there or like one that is featured in a senior portrait shoot I saw from Dave Junion that would be killer.

I would go to the paint store and buy some of there mis-match latex paint,,,its cheap

Capt Rick wrote in post #6158966
I would go to the paint store and buy some of there mis-match latex paint,,,its cheap

Please explain what that is. I've never heard of it.

Ask this question to your local "tagger"....they'd know!

I have no idea what a 'tagger' is either.

Can you guys just answer the question? I don't want to go to a paint store and not even know what I'm asking for and if it doesn't sound like what I want or need I don't want to waste the trip.

Anyone else have ideas? The artist is going to figure out the colors or the mixing of colors. I just want to know what kind or type of paint is being used.

So far the only thing we know is that one person used latex wall paint and made a background that I think looks ok but not at all like what I want. I'm going to have artwork created and not just a random pattern or splattering. That is the point of having an artist do it. If I wanted a tie-dye look or the mottled look I can buy those cheap and they are in abundance.

Surely someone knows what to use or at least a recommendation.

Robert, Mismatched paint is paint that was mixed custom color for a customer and they didn't like it so the stores like Home Depot usually have a few gallons around that they sell cheap.

I once painted some curtains for my son's room and I used fabric paint but not sure how expensive that would be for a large job.

I don't think the kind of paint is going to matter much since you can't wash it anyway. I would think something in a flat rather than glossy would be better.

I would think the artist would know what would work best since they usually know the paints they like to work with.