How to Paint Designs on Walls for Kids

Be careful not to spray over the outside edges of the paper stencil.

Unless you are a talented artist, you are likely to have greatly difficulty painting designs on walls for kids freehand. Fortunately, even the most amateur do-it-yourselfer can accomplish this goal by using one or two specific techniques utilized by professional painters. If you want to create intricate characters and patterns on your child's walls, you can by casting the image on the wall using a projector or tracing the image with the help of a paper stencil.

Things You'll Need

• Home computer
• Printer paper
• Pen or Exacto knife
• Cardboard
• Blue painter's tape
• Acrylic spray paint
• Projector
• Image slide
• Acrylic latex paint
• Craft brushes

Instructions

Paint Designs Using a Stencil

1. Print the designs from your computer onto paper.

2. Lay the paper on top of a piece of cardboard. The cardboard will protect the surface you're working on from getting cut.

3. Cut out the pattern using a pen knife or Exacto knife. You now have a stencil. Remember that you are cutting out the section that you want transferred to the wall; you are not cutting around the design.

4. Hang the paper stencil on the wall using blue-painter's tape. Do not use ordinary masking tape.

5. Open windows to provide ventilation.

6. Spray the paper with acrylic spray paint. Apply only a light coat. Do not over-apply as this may lead to runs and drips. Be careful not to spray over the outside edges of the paper stencil.

7. Wait 10 minutes, and then remove the stencil. Do not allow the paint to dry completely as this may cause the stencil to become sealed onto the surface.

Paint Designs Using a Projector

1. Load the image slide of the design you want to paint into the projector.

2. Position the projector so it casts the design onto the wall where you want to paint.

3. Paint the design on the wall using the projected image as a guide. Apply acrylic latex paint using craft brushes.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also purchase pre-made stencils at craft stores.

• You can also use a piece of scrap wood to protect your surface when cutting out a stencil if you don't have a piece of thick cardboard.

• Be sure to finish the design completely before moving the projector as it can be very difficult lining the projector up again accurately after it has been moved.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know