Preparation of the surface on which the painting is to be done takes immense importance in executing a mural painting. Lime and dry sand are mixed, crushed and kept aside for four days. A solution of molasses prepared by mixing appropriate quantity of sugar with water is poured into the lime mortar solution and mixed well. This mix is spread evenly on the wall surface leaving the surface rough. In order to smoothen the rough surface, some more mortar mixture is finely prepared by grinding it well and this paste is applied on the rough surface to the thickness of two tamarind leaves and left to dry. Lime mixed with tender coconut water is filtered with a fine piece of cotton cloth and applied on the wall as the next coat. This process is normally repeated 21 times in the conventional method with the help of brush made out of beaten tree bark.

There is another method for preparing the wall for murals. Lime, with powdered Pisum sativum is mixed with jaggery in water and then boiled with soil and raw banana juice to make a paste. The paste is kept in a container made of wood and stirred daily, for nearly 60 days. Then it is mixed with Kadukka water or juice extracted out of a plant called Chunnambu Valli. The paste thus formed is coated on the wall and polished for final finish.
 

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