How to Paint Ladybugs on Your Stairs

Ladybugs are fun decorations to add to stairs.

Ladybugs are portrayed in cartoons, as figurines, on decorative cloth and, to some, are viewed as good luck to have around. They are used in themes in collecting and home décor as well as in painted finishes. Ladybugs set a summertime and welcoming atmosphere and make perfect decorations almost anywhere. You can easily replicate a ladybug form on a staircase in one afternoon. All you need is a little time in preparation and some paint.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water bucket
• 2 old CDs
• Enamel paint
• Paintbrushes

Instructions

1. Wash the stairs with soap and water to remove any dirt and debris that could show through your finished product. If necessary, sweep and vacuum the area as well. Wait for the area to dry before painting.

2. Paint red circles on the fronts and tops of the stairs with a heavy-duty, hard-finish paint such as enamel for greater resistance to damage, using an old CD as the round base of the ladybug. Paint as many circles as you need.

3. Paint a black line down the center of each red circle, then use the hole in the middle of the second old CD as a stencil, painting three circles on one half of the line and three circles on the other half, all in various spots. Add a black head to the outside of the red circle using the same hole from the CD as a stencil. The head placement will determine what direction your lady bug is facing, so placement on the left will make it look like it is looking left, placement on top will make it look forward and so on.

4. Paint three straight black lines on one half of the ladybug and three to the opposite side to create legs. Make one straight line on the left half of the head and one on the right half for the antennae. Allow to fully dry before stepping on any of your work.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no need for a gloss or sealer with enamel paint. Gloss will also make it more difficult to touch up paint. To avoid touchups, try to place your ladybugs closer to the edges of the stairs, rather than in the middle.

• Certain enamel brands have a very strong smell; use a well ventilated area.

References

• Flower Pot Crafts: How to Draw or Paint a Ladybug