Creating A Splashy Bedroom: A Guide To Wall Art

Painting a room is a quick and budget-friendly way to give it a new look. If you're looking to add a splash of colour to your bedroom, there are a few things you should know. First, prep your room by removing all furniture and fixtures and repairing any holes or imperfections in the walls. Next, choose your paint and gather your tools. You can use a variety of paints and brushes to create different splatter effects. To achieve a more organic look, try the vertical splatter painting technique by setting up your canvas vertically and standing back to fling paint against it. For a more controlled look, try the horizontal splatter painting technique by laying your canvas flat and flicking or splattering paint onto it from above. Once you've finished painting, be sure to clean your tools and remove any paint splatters.

Choose a colour scheme

Choosing a colour scheme for your bedroom is an important step in creating a splash paint design. Here are some tips to help you select the right colours:

• Consider the mood you want to create: Cool colours like blue, green, and lavender are often associated with calmness and relaxation. Warmer colours like yellow and orange can be energising but may be too stimulating for a bedroom.
• Think about the size of your bedroom: Lighter colours can make a small room feel more spacious, while darker or richer colours can make a large room feel cozier.
• Take into account the amount of natural light: If your bedroom has limited natural light, opt for lighter colours to brighten up the space.
• Choose colours that complement your bedroom décor and furniture: Consider the existing colours in your bedding, curtains, or headboard, and select paint colours that will create a harmonious look.
• Test out different colours: Paint colours can look different under various lighting conditions, so it's essential to test them out in your bedroom before making a final decision.
• Be creative: Don't be afraid to experiment with colour combinations. You can use online tools or consult a colour wheel to help you choose complementary or contrasting shades.
• Think about the overall design: If you plan to paint an accent wall or create a specific design, ensure the colours you choose work well together and achieve the desired effect.

Prepare the room

Preparing the room is the most important step when painting a room. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:

Firstly, remove all furniture and fixtures, including lights, blinds, HVAC registers, and outlet covers. If you don't have enough space to relocate everything, push them to the centre of the room and cover them with drop cloths. Use a canvas drop cloth as they are durable and absorbent, or plastic drop cloths which are budget-friendly but not absorbent.

Next, carefully inspect the walls and ceiling for any cracks, holes, dents, or other imperfections. Use a putty knife and lightweight spackling compound to fill and repair any holes and cover imperfections. Remove any excess spackling with the putty knife and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Smooth the repaired areas with fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, ensuring the area is flush with the surface. Some surfaces may require specific sandpaper, so be sure to read the manufacturer's guidelines.

Afterwards, wipe the surfaces clean with a damp towel or sponge and let them dry. It is also important to wear old clothes and a hat while painting to avoid getting paint on your clothes and hair. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and if the paint fumes are strong, wear a respirator mask.

Finally, decide on the order of painting. A good rule of thumb is to start with the ceiling, then move on to the walls, and finish by painting the baseboards, windows, and door trim.

Use painter's tape

Painter's tape is a must-have for any DIY painting project. It helps you achieve crisp, clean lines and professional-looking results. Here are some detailed tips on how to use painter's tape to create a splash paint design in your bedroom:

Choose the Right Painter's Tape:

Select a painter's tape with the appropriate adhesion level and width for your project. For delicate surfaces or paint with a faux finish, opt for low adhesion tape. Medium adhesion tape is multipurpose and suitable for interior projects. High adhesion tape is ideal for exterior surfaces, rough textures, and securing drop cloths. The width of the tape depends on the surface you're taping. For windows, trim, and molding, use tape that is 1.41 inches or 1.88 inches wide. For tight spaces, narrow-width tape is best, while wide painter's tape (2.5+ inches) is perfect for hanging plastic and tarps.

Prepare the Surface:

Ensure the surface is clean and dust-free before applying the tape. Use a damp rag to remove any dust or debris, and if the surface is greasy, wash it with a detergent solution. Let the surface dry completely before taping.

Apply the Painter's Tape:

Start by painting your wall with a base colour and letting it dry for at least 24 hours. Then, apply the painter's tape to create your desired design. You can go for simple lines, stripes, zigzags, or get creative and invent your own pattern. Just remember to press down the tape firmly to ensure a good seal and prevent paint from seeping underneath.

Paint Over the Taped Design:

Once the tape is securely in place, it's time to add your splash of colour. Apply two light coats of paint over the taped area. Allow the paint to dry for about 24 hours before slowly removing the tape to reveal your unique design.

Remove the Painter's Tape:

For best results, remove the painter's tape while the paint is still wet. Pull the tape off at a 45-degree angle to the surface for a clean line. If the paint has dried, use a putty knife to score the edge of the tape and break any dried paint on top. This ensures a clean removal without damaging your paint job.

Protect the room with drop cloths

Protecting the room with drop cloths is an essential step in the painting process. It ensures that your furniture, flooring, and other surfaces remain paint-free and undamaged. Here are some detailed instructions on how to effectively use drop cloths to protect your bedroom:

• Choose the Right Drop Cloths: Select the type of drop cloth that best suits your project. Canvas drop cloths, favoured by professionals, are durable, thick, and absorbent. They are more expensive but last longer. Plastic drop cloths are lightweight, economical, and paint-proof. Paper drop cloths are inexpensive and absorbent but not suitable for floors as they tear easily. Paper/poly blends are a good combination of absorbency and protection but tend to tear.
• Prepare the Room: Before laying down the drop cloths, vacuum the floor to remove dirt and debris that could scratch the surface. Move furniture to the centre of the room, if possible, and cover it with drop cloths. Use quick-release painter's tape to secure the edges of the drop cloths to the floor, especially with plastic and paper, to prevent slipping.
• Tape Technique: To keep drop cloths firmly in place, apply a 2-inch layer of masking tape to the quarter-round or shoe moulding along the wall. Spread the drop cloth on the floor, overlapping the first layer of tape. Then, apply a second layer of masking tape over the drop cloth and trim.
• Covering Technique: When covering the floor, you don't need to worry about the straightness of the drop cloth as long as it covers the first tape layer. For hardwood or vinyl flooring, consider using an inexpensive, lightweight plastic cover. If using plastic, cover it with newspaper to absorb any paint spills.
• Post-Painting Care: After painting, remove the drop cloths and both layers of masking tape. For canvas drop cloths, wait for the paint to dry, then fold and store them in a clean, dry place. Wash the canvas drop cloths in cold water and let them air dry if they become too dirty.

By following these steps, you can effectively protect your bedroom with drop cloths during the painting process, ensuring a mess-free and stress-free experience.

Prime the walls

Priming the walls is an essential step in the painting process. Primer helps seal the wall and prevent mould, and is especially important if you are painting over a darker colour with a lighter one. Some primers can be tinted to match your paint colour, which can save you money. Many brands also offer paint and primer in one.

To prime your walls, start by using a paintbrush to paint 2 to 3 inches along the edge of the wall, windows, and corners of the room. This process is known as "cutting in". Work in small areas at a time, cutting in the edges and then rolling or painting the entire wall to prevent the borders from drying before you finish painting.

Next, start priming the wall in 3-by-3-foot sections. Choose the right roller cover for your wall surface and attach it to your paint roller. Use a low-nap roller for smooth ceilings, and a roller with 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch nap for a textured ceiling.

Pour the primer into a paint tray and dip the roller into the paint, making sure it's completely covered. Remove any excess paint by rolling the roller over the ridged area of the paint tray a few times.

With the fully loaded paint roller, work from top to bottom, rolling back and forth across the wall in a series of V- or W-shaped strokes. Reload the roller and paint the next section, overlapping areas of wet primer only. You don't need to try to get opaque coverage; one coat of primer should be enough. If the wall still shows through, you may need to apply a second coat before painting.

Frequently asked questions