July 28, 2025
Painted Paper Banners:
12 Great Tips to Get You Started
Learn from artists who have been there!
Ready to dive into the deep end of banner painting, but feel a bit intimidated? We asked a bunch of experienced banner artists their must share advice to get you started! So gather all of the tidbits of info and go ahead and get your feet wet!
This supportive community wants everyone to grow, thrive, and have fun.
Don't forget to check out all of their Instagram profiles and sign up for the Banner Babes Support Group on FB!
(links at the bottom of page)
"Starting out, you may feel intimidated by the talent around you- but remember, talent is a learned skill, developed through dedication."
- Delia Maduena
Tip #1
Use thick, builder grade paper (like Trimaco X flooring paper from a hardware store). It will hold up to paint, with no wrinkles, and rolls beautifully for transporting/shipping.
"Mistakes happen, nothing ever is entirely level and straight, but 99% of the time, the problem you see no one will ever notice!!"
- Dakota Rector
Tip #2
Before painting your banner, try different tapes or pins to hang your paper while painting to see which one offers the best non-damaging results.
"Make-up brushes will be your best friend!"
- Ella Williams
Tip #3
Plan your design to fit your paper size, think about composition, and use the whole space of the banner. Experiment with size and fonts.
"Just go for it and have fun with it! The more you do it the better and more confident you get!"
- Leova Romero
Tip #4
Use design software to create your design, then project it onto the paper's surface to trace. Another option is to do rough sketches on scrap paper and make stencils to trace, then them around the surface until your desired look is acheived.
"Always have fun and remember anything can be fixed!"
- Marissa Edmonson
Tip #5
Draw/trace your design lightly with a pencil or in white chalk so it is easier to remove lines on the brown paper using an eraser (magic eraser is great to use to remove chalk lines).
"Have fun developing your own style! It doesn't have to match the mock-up or inspiration perfectly. This helps customers recognize your work!"
- Raven Garza
Tip #6
Load the brush with a lot of paint to get smooth lines. Try different brushes to find your preference. Soft mop brushes or make-up brushes work well for lettering and solid lines.
"Just start. It's not going to be perfect the 1st time, and you probably won't be completely happy with your banner even on your 150th time. Just start!"
- Kate Davis
Tip #7
These banners are enjoyed at a distance, so step back and assess progress as you are painting, but keep in mind that it doesn't have to be perfect.
"Get creative and don't forget it is hand-painted with love, so mistakes are just 'happy accidents', as Bob Ross would say!"
- Catherine Lanier
Tip #8
Mix a paint color to match your paper for corrections or mistakes. Check out this easy, color match mix for two popular papers using DecoArt Banner Painting Neutrals Paint Set!
"Don't be scared to put yourself out there. Show others what you can do and encourage them to connect with their inner artist."
- Natalie Jurado
Tip #9
Opaque, matte paint works the best for a one to two coat coverage. DecoArt Americana Acrylics work beautifully on the brown paper.
"...Just go for it. Don't get in your own head. Turn your mistakes into triumphs. Don't worry about what others are doing."
- Ashley Marshall
Tip #10
Don’t be afraid to blend highlights, shades, and create custom color combos to make your banner style unique.
"...Practice, practice, practice!!"
- Stephanie VanDevelde Peralta
Tip #11
Make yourself known locally. If you are just starting out, make banners for friends and family to have content to advertise to the public. Offer to paint a sign for a favorite business or event.
"...Give yourself grace! Banner painting is an art & skill that you continue to get better at with every banner! "
- Kaylana Corpuz
Tip #12
Accent your painted banner designs using glitter and metallic paints. Some great DecoArt products to try are: Extreme Sheen (metallic), Dazzling Metallics, Galaxy Glitter, Love Color Glitter, Glamour Dust, and more!
Thank you to all of our contributors for this post!
Meet some makers:
Alyssa Wright @ Bannerbrushco
Kayla Doiron @KDLetteringCo
Kate Davis @740 Banner Co.
Dakotah Rector @bannersbydakotah
Hannah Cowan @thehanmadeshop
Leova Romero @bannernco
Raven Garza @armorartestx
Kaylana Corpuz @handpaintedbykaylana
Products to try!
CHECK OUT these resources and inspo!
FACEBOOK Banner Artist Group:
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/3095173340658504
Banner Artists on Instagram (contributors):
- https://www.instagram.com/bannersbydakotah
- https://www.instagram.com/designsbyella
- https://www.instagram.com/craftyxdee
- https://www.instagram.com/bannernco
- https://www.instagram.com/KDLetteringCo
- https://www.instagram.com/bannersby.marisa
- https://www.instagram.com/Bannerbrushco
- https://www.instagram.com/amorartestx
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMdbOMZJ3XT/...
- https://www.instagram.com/praisedandpainted
- https://www.instagram.com/740BannerCo
- https://www.instagram.com/brushtobanner
- https://www.instagram.com/thehanmadeshop
- https://www.instagram.com/gracescreations2021
- https://www.instagram.com/ColorPopCreationsTX
- https://www.instagram.com/ashmarshall_
- https://www.instagram.com/banners_and_balloons
- https://www.instagram.com/gracescreations2021
- https://www.instagram.com/the_poppin'_peony
- https://www.instagram.com/handpaintedbykaylana
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