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Painting
How to paint a wall or room: step-by-step guide
How to create a ceiling mural painting for a kid’s bedroom
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Overview
Children’s rooms are the ideal place to be braver with paint. A ceiling mural painting introduces colour in an unexpected spot and makes for perfect bedtime gazing. These soft stripes arranged in a tent-like pattern contribute to the circus spirit but the paint colours keep it all calm and considered.
Frequently asked question and answer
Q: Which colours are used in the ceiling mural painting image for this article?
A: Taubmans Smokey Green and Taubmans Designer White.
How to paint the circus ceiling
Get your materials ready and create this stunning room update.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Steps
Cut and mark the templates
Cut a small paper plate to create a scallop template. Hold against the top of the walls to mark scallop shapes with a pencil and measure equal spaces in between.
Tip: On the final run, you may need to ‘cheat’ the spaces by a few mm so the last scallop sits in the correct position.
Mark the lines and scallops
Use a chalk-line reel to mark diagonal lines from corner to corner on the ceiling. Tap a nail into the centre point where they intersect. Hook the end of the chalk line over the centre nail, pull the line to meet one edge of a scallop and mark, then mark the other side. Repeat for all scallops.
Trace the centre circle
Find the centre of a large paper plate by folding it into quarters. Cut a slit from the edge to the centre point, then slip the plate onto the centre nail in the ceiling to mark a circle with pencil. Remove the nail.
Apply the paint
Apply painter’s tape reaching from each side of the scallop marks to the edge of the centre circle to form stripes. Use a small trim brush to apply a coat of paint to the masked stripes, scallop shapes and circle; let dry. Apply a second coat of paint then, while still tacky, carefully pull the tape away on an angle; let paint dry.
Keep in mind...
- When sanding and painting, wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask), ensure the room is well ventilated and keep paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
- Always use the right ladder for the job. Make sure it has non-slip feet and is set up on a flat, stable and solid surface. Wear sturdy footwear, maintain three points of contact (for example both feet and one hand) on it at all times and make sure another person is nearby in case you need assistance.
- Paint colours may vary on application.
After more fun family projects?
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Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.