How to make a mural:Advice from Vitruvius, a Roman Architect and Engineer of the First Century B.C.
1. Combine limestone,calcite, and sand.
2.Whip with stir sticks until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
3.Apply three coats to the wall.
4.Prepare a mortar of powdered marble.
5.Whip with stir sticks until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
6.Apply three more coats to previous coats of mortar.
7.While damp, polish the surface with marble dust and apply the colors of the painting at the same time.
8. When dry, add figures and details to the painting.
9.To preserve the colors do the following:
a.When wall is throughly dried out, blend very white pumice wax with oil and apply to the wall with silken brush.
b.Heat to the sweating point by burning coals of nutballs close to it.
c.Smooth by rubbing with tallow.
d. Polish with clean cloth until painting is brilliant.