Turning a coloring page into a piece of wall art is a fun and creative way to decorate your home. With some simple steps, you can transform a basic coloring page into a beautiful work of art for your walls. Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning any coloring page into wall-worthy art.
Select Your Coloring Page
First, pick out a coloring page design that you love. You can find coloring pages to print online or in coloring books. Choose a design that will work well when enlarged – something with thick outlines and not too much intricate detail. Geometric patterns, animals, flowers, and mandalas all tend to work well. Stay away from coloring pages with lots of small details since they won’t enlarge well.
Enlarge the Coloring Page
Once you’ve selected your coloring page, enlarge it to the desired wall art size. If printing at home, make sure your printer can print large format pages. Another option is to take the coloring page file to a print shop – they can print the page in customized large sizes. As a general guide, enlarge the page to at least 8.5×11 inches for small wall art or poster sizes of 11×14 inches, 16×20 inches, or 20×30 inches for larger statement pieces.
Choose Your Coloring Method
Next, decide on your coloring method. You can use any coloring medium that will give bold, vivid color. Here are some options:
- Colored pencils – give you control for sharp, clean lines
- Markers – provide intense blocks of color quickly
- Acrylic or poster paint – work well when applied with brushes or sponges
- Watercolor paints – best for soft, blended colors
Try out a few different options on a test page to see what coloring style and medium you like best.
Color Your Wall Art
Now comes the fun part – coloring in your wall art! Focus on using bold, solid colors that will stand out on your wall. Try to avoid light coloring or scribbling back and forth. Instead, apply the color in solid blocks inside each outlined area. Work slowly and carefully to keep your lines neat and colors inside the lines. Fill each section completely with vibrant color.
Here are some tips as you color:
- Start from the center and work outward so your hand doesn’t smear the edges as you color
- Use up to 2-3 colors per outlined section for depth
- Overlap colors slightly at edges for a blended effect
- Keep your coloring direction the same in each section for cohesion
- Press hard for solid, even color application
Take your time and pay attention to the details for the best results.
Outline the Edges
Once all the interior coloring is complete, go over the outlines with a black permanent marker. This makes the lines bolder and more defined. Carefully trace directly over the printed lines, keeping your marker strokes smooth and even. This finishing outline should be relatively thick – at least 5-10 mm wide. The outline helps contain the colors and gives your wall art a polished, bold graphic look.
Apply a Protective Finish
To protect and seal your coloring page wall art, apply a finish coating. This helps prevent color fading and keeps the surface safe from smudges or scratches. Some options for protective finishes include:
- Fixative spray – Available for art supplies, fixatives provide a clear acrylic coating
- Decoupage glue – Brush on several coats of decoupage for a shiny surface
- Polyurethane – Use a clear polyurethane finish like Minwax to seal and protect
Apply the finish in a well-ventilated area following the product directions. Let dry fully between coats, and use 3-5 thin coats for best protection.
Mount and Hang Your Wall Art
Once your coloring page wall art is complete, decide how you want to mount and display it. Here are some options:
- Frames – Framing your coloring page creates an polished, gallery style effect. Choose a wide, bold colored frame to accent the colors. Use mat boards and quality glazing.
- Canvas mounting – You can have your wall art mounted on wrapped canvas. The edges get printed and stretched for a modern look.
- Poster hangers – Use removable poster strips or magnetic strips to hang unframed art. This lets it lay flatter on the wall.
- Command strips – Stick on removable Command picture hanging strips to easily hang your art without nails.
Determine the best mounting method based on your wall type, level of protection desired, and overall decor look. Properly display your new wall art and enjoy your creative coloring project!
Choosing Good Coloring Pages for Wall Art
Not every coloring page will translate well into wall art. Here are some tips for choosing pages that will work:
- Thick outlines – Thinner outlines may bleed or blur when enlarged.
- Minimal details – Intricate designs lose clarity when scaled up.
- Whimsical shapes – Geometric shapes enlarge nicely.
- Obvious shading areas – Gradient shifts won’t be as visible enlarged.
- Creative themes – Pick pages that fit your style; animals, flowers, mandalas, paisley.
- Single page – Multiple connected small pages won’t work as one big piece.
Do a test print of a coloring page at the desired wall art size to ensure it will translate well. Look for any blurring or loss of image quality when enlarged. This will give you a good idea of images that will scale up best.
Coloring Mediums for Bold Wall Art
For vivid coloring page wall art, you need bold, solid colors. Here are some coloring tools that work well:
| Medium | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Colored Pencils |
|
| Markers |
|
| Acrylic Paint |
|
| Poster Paint |
|
Test out a few mediums to find your favorite coloring method for stunning wall art.
Tips for Neat, Defined Lines
Coloring inside the lines is crucial for clean wall art. Here are some tips:
- Use a ruler or guided line marker to trace straight edges
- Steady your hand on a flat surface as you color
- Keep your coloring direction consistent in each section
- Stop coloring before you reach the line
- Don’t scrape or drag your coloring tool on the paper
- Use quick, firm motions to fill each area
- Check under your hand occasionally to make sure colors aren’t overlapping
Take your time and focus on accuracy for the best results. Having neat outlines makes a big visual impact when your art is enlarged.
Wall Mounting and Display Ideas
Here are some creative ways to mount your finished coloring page wall art:
| Method | How To | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Framed | Use wide, colored frame and quality glazing | Polished gallery wall look |
| Canvas | Mount on wrapped canvas edges | Modern, sleek style |
| Poster strips | Apply adhesive strips on back | Temporary walls, smooth finish |
| Command strips | Attach removable plastic hooks | Rentals, no nail walls |
| Washi tape | Use repositionable decorative tape | Kids rooms, playful look |
Get creative with your display method! The presentation possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
Turning coloring pages into wall art is an enjoyable DIY project that lets your creativity shine. With some simple preparation, high-quality coloring materials, attention to detail, and a professional finish, you can transform any coloring page into a beautiful work of art for your home. Take your time, have fun coloring, and display your creation proudly on your wall for a personalized decorative accent.
