How to Paint the Walls in a Classroom

Rollers are used to paint walls and other surfaces

Painting the walls of a classroom can be done relatively quickly with a few basic supplies. One of the main challenges in painting a classroom is arranging the furniture so that the job can be completed without making a mess. Desks, chairs, and other furniture items need to be moved away from walls, to make space for people to work. Materials for the job can be purchased at paint shops and interior decorating supply stores. Because walls require a day or two to dry, no lessons should be held in a classroom while painting is going on.

Things You'll Need

• Oil-based paints
• Primer
• Spackle
• Rollers
• Masking tape
• Drop cloths

Instructions

1. Arrange for the classroom to be empty for at least three days. To paint a wall, you must apply a layer of spackle, a layer of primer, and at least two layers of paint. Each layer takes 8 to12 hours to dry. Because classroom instruction is associated with high traffic, and traffic can result in people coming into contact with walls, it is best not to teach lessons while paint is drying.

2. Move classroom furniture and decorations to make room for the paint jobs. Desks and chairs that are adjacent to walls should be moved, and posters need to be taken off the walls temporarily. Apply masking tape on objects that cannot be removed, such as electrical outlets and window frames.

3. Fill any dents or holes in the walls with spackle. To fill a hole with spackle, pick up a glob of it using a spackle spoon, and press the spoon hard against the hole. Once the hole is full, press down against the surface to create a smooth, seamless, flat patch of spackle on the wall.

4. Apply a layer of primer to any walls that are bare or have a porous surface. Primer does not always need to be applied when painting a wall, but if a surface is bare or if the paint can suggests using primer, then a coat should be applied. Apply primer by making straight lines up and down the wall with a roller, keeping drop cloths on the floor to prevent the primer from dripping down onto it. Leave the primer to dry for 12 hours.

5. Apply two or three layers of paint to the walls using a roller. Again, the best way to paint is using up and down straight lines, keeping drop cloths on the floor to avoid a mess. After finishing the first layer, leave the paint to dry for 8 to12 hours, and then apply a second layer. Further layers are optional, but, in general, adding layers reduces the chance of scratches and other forms of damage. Again, leave all layers to dry for 8 to12 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• It is best to leave posters and other decorations off of the walls until a few days after the paint job has been completed. This reduces the risk of paint being taken off the tape or sticky tack.

References

• Style at Home: 10 Steps to Perfect Walls
• Ask The Builder: Applying Primer and Wall Paint
• Painting Ideas and Techniques: Wall Painting Techniques