How to Paint an Accent Wall in a Teens Bedroom

Painting an accent wall in your teen's bedroom allows you to introduce bright or bold colors in a way that isn't overwhelming. Allow your teen to choose his or her favorite color, or pick one color that shows up in small details throughout the accessories in the room. Giving your teen free rein over one wall in the room is a pleasant way to introduce him or her to decorating without compromising on taste.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Roller paintbrush
• Small touch up paintbrush
• Paint pan
• Drop cloths or tarps
• Blue painter's tape
• Screwdriver
• Ladder
• Old clothes
• Mild soap
• Washcloth

Instructions

1. Choose the wall your teen wants to paint and agree on a color. The wall will become the focus of the room, so pick a wall that has an architecturally interesting detail or use the wall behind the bed. Try a color three shades darker than the other walls or an entirely different hue that is bright, dark or bold.

2. Prepare the room by removing paintings, posters, artwork or anything else on the wall. Move any furniture away from the wall. Remove any electrical outlet covers or light switch covers using the screwdriver. Wash the wall with a damp washcloth containing water and mild soap.

3. Lay a tarp or drop cloth on the floor and any nearby furniture. Tape the trim, ceiling edges, windows and any other edges where you don't want to find stray paint. Don your old clothes, keeping in mind they may be unwearable after a day of painting.

4. Pour some paint into the paint pan. Dip your roller paintbrush in the paint, then roll the excess off in the pan. Apply the paint to the wall in a zigzag, sweeping motion creating "W" and "M" shapes as you go. Each time you roll up, then down, the resulting paint on the wall should overlap the previous stroke. Use a ladder to reach the higher points of the wall. Repeat until the entire wall is covered. Allow a few hours for the paint to dry, and then apply a second coat. Touch up any spots necessary, paying close attention to edges, with the small paintbrush.

5. Wash paintbrushes in warm, soapy water then hang them to dry. Remove your clothes and wash them or throw them out. Pick up your tarps or drop cloths and put them away. Pull the tape off the wall at a 45-degree angle and throw it away. Replace any outlet or switch covers and the furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to use the same sheen as the other walls, meaning flat, glossy or semi-glossy paint. If you absolutely hate the new color, relax -- your teen will likely want a new one soon (unless you make your preference known, of course). Estimate the amount of paint you'll need ahead of time. One gallon of paint typically covers 350 square feet of space. Purchase slightly more than you think you'll need in case of accidents or touch-ups. Primer may be necessary if you're painting dark walls with a new lighter color or painting over stained walls. Using primer may result in a more even coverage.

• Discard any excess paint according to your local hazardous material regulations and codes. Repair any small damages to the walls by patching them before you paint for optimal results.

References

• House Painting Tutorials
• Start Right Start Here