Linda

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If you use a power sprayer you do need to thin your paint with water (half and half).  You wouldn't need to paint all of your backdrop blue for the sky...probably just a rough upper 1/3 would do it.  There is a cool tool that you can use to avoid overspray for a second color:  it is a large strip of rubber on a short metal pole (not as long as an umbrella handle)  You put the rubber strip down on your project and spray on one side or the other.  Move the strip as you go.  It would give you the opportunity to spray paint most of the bottom half of your project.  Then, you would just need to do detailing of the mountain tops, etc. by hand.  I got my paint shield (that's what they are called) at Menard's.  It's like Home Depot or Lowe's. 

Hope that helps!

I use the big moisture-barrier dropcloths.  I use a $10 garden sprayer rather than a paint sprayer and don’t really know the difference so keep that in mind. 

I tape the dropcloths together with a heavy-duty packing tape.  You will want to only tape from the backside so you don’t find yourself trying to paint the tape.  You will need to reinforce any holes that you may need for hanging.

I recommend laying the dropcloth down somewhere flat to paint it, maybe a driveway.  If the dropcloth is hanging when you spray it, the water will wick downwards more and you don’t want that.  If you keep the sprayer close to the dropcloth, maybe 12-18”, you can direct the spray pretty easily.  Spray a shot or two somewhere besides the dropcloth to start with (maybe on the grass?) so you can adjust the spray if necessary.  You are wanting a fine mist and definitely don’t want a stream.

You will have much more control over where the paint goes than you probably think (at least with a garden sprayer).  I sprayed both the sky and the green behind the cornfield in this picture, and the barn was sponge painted on with foam brushes.  If you look real close you can maybe see a thin white line around the smokestack looking things.  It's so thin it really doesn't show up unless you're looking for it.  Likewise with the barn.  The sky pretty much stops at the edge of the barn rather than the barn covering up any sky.  You really do have that much control.

Regardless of whether you brush or spray the mountains, I would recommend making your outline of the mountains before you spray the sky.  Then you’ll have a better idea of where the sky ends and the mountains begin and you’ll know where you want to direct your spray.  And keep in mind that the kids don’t have any idea what that mountain scene looks like that you’re trying to recreate so don’t stress if something looks off to you. 

When I use the sprayer I find it easier to basically have colored water.  I fill it up with as much water as I think I will need and then drizzle paint in.  I swish it around and then add more paint if needed.  I don’t use anywhere close to equal parts.  If I were guessing I’d say I might use ½ to ¾ cup paint to a gallon of water.  It really depends on how deep you want your color to be.  You can spray onto a paper towel as you go to see what your sprayed color will look like.  If your sprayer clogs you will need to add more water.

Here's a link to more discussion about the dropcloths ... http://forums.group.com/Topic4739-40-1.aspx

You may find it easier to add the ranch sign as a prop in front of the backdrop rather than being part of the backdrop itself.  And if there is any way that you can make it taller than 5-1/2 feet tall I think you will be much happier.  Otherwise your Christmas trees (and you) will stand above the top of the backdrop.

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