Painting a kid’s bedroom is an exciting project that allows you to transform the space into their dream room. The colors and designs you choose can encourage creativity, imagination and relaxation. When painting a child’s room, there are several factors to consider, like their age, gender, interests and the room’s size and lighting. Following key steps like prepping the walls, choosing paint and colors, and using painter’s tape will help ensure you end up with a beautiful, durable kid’s bedroom paint job.
Should You Let Your Child Pick the Color?
Letting your child have input on the wall color is highly recommended. Allowing them to pick their favorite hue will make them feel included in the process and give them a sense of ownership over the space. However, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
– Set limitations. Give them 2-3 color options to choose from instead of letting them pick any color. This prevents crazy or impractical shades. Stick to more muted, soft hues.
– Consider their age. Older kids tend to have more defined tastes and strong color preferences. With younger kids under 6, aim for gender neutral, soft colors.
– Complement with decor. Make sure the color they pick goes with existing furniture and decor items you don’t want to replace.
– Veto power. As the parent, you have final say. If their color choice seems like a mistake, steer them gently in a better direction.
Best Paint Finish for a Kid’s Room
The best paint finish for kids bedroom walls is matte or eggshell. Here is an overview of why these two finishes work best:
Matte Paint
– Provides a flat, velvety look with no sheen.
– Hides imperfections exceptionally well.
– Stands up to cleaning, scrubbing and wear and tear.
– Resists stains better than other finishes.
– Ideal for bedrooms since it’s subtle, soft and relaxing.
Eggshell Paint
– Has a soft, velvety appearance with a slight sheen.
– Durability falls between matte and satin finishes.
– Provides good washability and stain resistance.
– hides imperfections well.
– Has better moisture resistance than flat.
Matte is ultimately better for high traffic kids’ spaces. It will conceal scuffs and hide wall imperfections. However, eggshell is nearly as durable, making it a great option as well. Both finishes allow walls to be easily cleaned. Avoid glossy finishes like satin or semi-gloss, which show imperfections and are hard to clean.
Choosing Paint Colors for a Kid’s Bedroom
When selecting paint colors for a child’s bedroom, here are tips to find hues they will love for years:
For Young Kids
Stick to soft, neutral background colors like:
– Light gray
– Seafoam green
– Pale yellow
– Ivory
Accent walls in bolder shades like:
– Mint
– Coral
– Sky blue
For Older Kids
Calming, muted hues like:
– Gray blue
– Olive green
– Taupe
Vibrant accent walls in shades like:
– Turquoise
– Lime green
– Lavender
Other Tips:
– Tie colors to their interests – bold red for a firefighter theme, ocean blues for a mermaid theme.
– Avoid overly stimulating colors like neon brights.
– View color samples on walls before finalizing.
– Colors can be gender neutral – don’t limit boys to blues and girls to pinks.
– Consider the room size and lighting. Dark colors suit bigger, well lit rooms.
Paint Sheens Explained
Sheen refers to the degree of light reflection and luster of dried paint:
Matte – Flat, velvety finish with no gloss. Light absorbing and great at hiding imperfections.
Eggshell – Soft, low-luster sheen. Velvety appearance resists yellowing and stains.
Satin – Low to mid-sheen. Easier to clean than flat but shows imperfections more.
Semi-Gloss – Medium-high sheen intensity. Very washable and durable but magnifies flaws.
Gloss – Highly light reflective. Very scrubbable and stain resistant but also shows imperfections.
For kids bedrooms, matte and eggshell are best. Glossy paints like satin and semi-gloss show more imperfections and are difficult to touch up once stained or marked up.
Preparing Kids Bedroom Walls for Painting
Proper prep work ensures paint adheres well and delivers an attractive, long lasting finish. Follow these steps:
1. Clean Surfaces
Wipe down walls with a diluted tsp cleaner or vinegar solution to remove dirt, grease and grime. Rinse and let dry fully.
2. Repair Imperfections
Fill nail holes, cracks and flaws with spackle or drywall compound. Sand smooth when dry.
3. Remove Wall Plates/Outlets
Take off switch plate covers, vent covers and outlet covers prior to painting using a screwdriver.
4. Tape off Trims/Edges
Apply painter’s tape around trims, edges, windows and doors to protect from drips. Remove tape immediately after painting before it dries.
5. Sand Glossy Surfaces
For slick or glossy paint, lightly sand to roughen and dull the surface so new paint can properly adhere.
Following these steps will provide the blank, pristine canvas needed to achieve the best end results.
Paint Supplies Checklist for a Kid’s Bedroom
Gather these recommended supplies before starting your kid’s bedroom paint project:
– Paint: Interior paint in your selected finish and colors. Buy 1 extra gallon in case you need touch ups.
– Primer: For dramatic color changes, tinted primer helps with coverage.
– Brushes: An assortment of angled trim, cut-in and roller brushes.
– Paint roller: 9 inch roller frame plus smooth, good quality roller covers.
– Paint trays: Sturdy trays with textured bottoms to prevent sliding.
– Drop cloths: Canvas drop cloths to protect floors and furniture.
– Painters tape: For taping trims, baseboards, windows and outlets.
– Sandpaper: Fine grit sandpaper to scuff up slick surfaces.
– Paint rags, brushes, mineral spirits: For cleanup.
Having all materials ready beforehand makes the job go faster and smoother. Buy quality brushes, rollers and drop cloths.
Painting a Child’s Bedroom Step-by-Step
Follow this step-by-step guide for a foolproof kids room paint job:
1. Prep Walls and Room
Clear room and remove wall plates and outlet covers. Clean walls, fill imperfections, sand and tape off trims and edges.
2. Prime Walls
For dramatic color changes, apply a tinted primer coat to improve coverage. Allow to fully dry per product directions.
3. Cut-In With Angled Brush
Using an angled sash brush, cut-in along all edges, corners and trims with your topcoat paint color. Allow to dry.
4. Paint Walls With Roller
Use a painted roller to apply the topcoat color to walls using overlapping “W” strokes. Work in 2-3 foot sections.
5. Second Coat
Apply a second coat for best coverage and vibrancy. Wait at least 2 hours between coats.
6. Remove Tape and Re-Install Plates
Carefully remove all painters tape once dry, then re-install switch plates, vent covers and outlet covers.
7. Touch-ups
Inspect walls closely and use angled brush to fix any drips, missed spots or imperfections.
Those are the key steps for painting kid bedroom walls like a pro! Proper prep and using quality paint and supplies are vital.
Painting Stripes, Patterns and Murals on Bedroom Walls
Painting creative accents like stripes, patterns or murals is a great way to add interest to a child’s bedroom. Here are tips for success:
Painting Stripes
– Determine stripe width based on wall size. Wider walls suit bigger stripes.
– Use painter’s tape to create clean edges. Apply two parallel pieces of tape and paint between.
– Use a small level to ensure your tapes lines are straight.
– Alternate stripe colors as desired. Apply two coats of each color.
– Consider vertical vs. horizontal stripes based on room dimensions.
Painting Patterns
– Choose simple repeat patterns like diamonds, grids or geometric shapes.
– Graph out pattern sizes so spacing is accurate. Use grid paper.
– Use small level to snap chalk lines as a guide.
– Apply painter’s tape along chalk lines to create crisp edges of shapes.
– Use angled brushes to cut-in pattern edges. Then roller fill in.
Painting Murals
– Decide on mural scene/theme and select backdrop wall.
– Lightly sketch out design in pencil first.
– Outline major elements like animals, trees etc with chalk or pencil.
– Fill in each section with appropriate colors. Use small brushes for details.
– Consider special mural paint for added vibrancy and washability.
Always prep properly and apply primer first when painting wall patterns. Allow each color to fully dry between coats. Remove painters tape carefully while still wet to prevent pulling off paint.
Painting Accent and Feature Walls
Adding an accent wall in a bold, colorful paint shade is an easy way to spice up a kids room. Here are tips:
– Choose which wall makes the best focal point. Avoid doors, windows or high traffic areas.
– Decide accent wall color based on existing decor. Compliment or contrast.
– Tape off the three remaining walls to prevent overpainting.
– Use angled brush to cut-in edges where accent wall meets other walls.
– Apply two full coats of accent color, allowing proper dry time between coats.
– Remove tape promptly once second coat is dry to avoid peeling paint.
– Finish by cutting-in where needed for crisp, defined edges.
Accent walls work great behind beds or seating areas. They add personality without overwhelming a space. For younger kids, stick with soft tints like sky blue or melon. Older kids can have bold shades like ruby red or lime green. Proper taping prevents messy edges.
Tips for Cutting-In When Painting Bedroom Walls
Cutting-in along edges and corners is key for a professional looking paint job. Follow these tips:
– Load brush well but not overloaded. Tap off excess paint.
– Hold brush at 45 degree angle so just the brush tip touches surface.
– Use firm, consistent motion and pull the brush back from edges.
– For corners, cut in skinny triangle brush strokes just inside corners.
– Work slowly and carefully, pausing to check straight edges.
– One steady stroke is better than multiple passes and touch ups.
– For best results, cut-in before rolling. Let cut-in areas dry first.
Cutting in takes patience and practice. Quality angled sash brushes make it easier. Always check edges and corners closely afterwards, touching up spots that need more paint. Crisp cut-in lines give any painted room a stylish finish.
Cleaning and Removing Paint from Kids Bedroom
Kids bedrooms get messy. Here are the best ways to clean and remove paint from wall surfaces:
Cleaning:
– For matte or flat paint, wipe gently with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap solution.
– For glossy paints, you can use warm water and a mild liquid dish detergent.
– Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing hard, which can scuff finishes.
– Rinse surfaces well and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Removing Paint:
– For small spots, scrape off fresh paint gingerly with a plastic putty knife. Avoid damaging drywall below.
– For larger areas, repainting the full wall may be needed to blend touch ups.
– Magic erasers can sometimes remove fresh scuffs and marks. Test first in an inconspicuous spot.
– Avoid harsh chemical strippers which may damage drywall and finishes.
Preventing damage upfront by using matte or eggshell paint is ideal for kids rooms. Promptly clean up any messes before paint dries for easiest removal. Repainting entire walls may be needed over time to keep things looking fresh.
Conclusion
Painting a kid’s bedroom is a fun project that lets their personality shine through. Involving them in the color selection makes it special. Matte or eggshell finishes stand up best to a child’s wear and tear. Proper prep work, high quality supplies and attention to detail will result in a finished room they will adore. Use these tips to paint bedroom walls that provide a creative haven kids are sure to cherish.
