Looking for a project that uses all your DIY skills? Look no further than a kids bedroom makeover. From filling holes and prepping VJ panels to exploring new colours and painting a VJ panel half wall, this project had it all. Follow along as we take a cute kids bedroom and transform it into a calming, coastal guest room.
Step 1: Sanding
We started by sanding down all the walls. This included sanding between each ‘V’ joint in the VJ panel. We used an electric sander with 120 grit sandpaper for the bulk of the work and then switched to some good ol’fashioned manual labour to get into the ‘V’ joint in the VJ panel.
Step 2: Tape
Next, we taped the top of skirting boards around the room with masking tape.
Expert Tip - Press firmly on the edge of the tape, but keep the tape fanned out. This can help protect your skirting boards from potential paint splatter when rolling.
Step 3: Patch
As this was a kids room, there was a fair amount of minor damage that needed to be fixed. We caulked small imperfections along the tapes skirting boards and then patched any imperfections in the walls. Once these were completely dry, we sanded until smooth.
Step 4: Spot Prime
Using a mini roller, spot prime the patched areas. We used Dulux 1Step Prep.
Expert Tip - Remove any lint from your roller with masking tape.
Step 5: Paint The Top Half
We then painted the top half of the wall with our chosen white, Dulux Lexicon Quarter. For the half wall, we made sure to paint to just below where the half wall tape will sit. After allowing the first coat to dry fully, we applied the second coat.
Step 6: Tape The Line
Once the top half of the wall was completely dry, we applied masking tape halfway up the wall where we wanted our two colours to meet. We made sure to press firmly on the bottom edge of the tape (this is important for the bleed seal, but more on that later).
Expert Tip - For extra protection, you can add masking paper to the top section.
Step 7: Scoring The VJ Panel
On the VJ panel, we scored the tape along each V joint with a blade and then pressed into the joint. We placed another small piece of tape in the centre of each joint and pressed down firmly.
Step 8: Bleed Seal
Using a mini roller, we painted our Dulux Lexicon Quarter over the bottom edge of the tape. This is called a “bleed seal” and it’s the secret to clean lines every time.
Step 9: Paint The Bottom Half
Once the bleed seal was dry, we cut in and then rolled 2 coats of our chosen bottom half colour, Dulux Lamb’s Ears Half, allowing the first coat to dry fully before applying the second.
Step 10: The Big Reveal
Finally, we removed the tape from the wall and revealed our razor-sharp lines, completing our amazing makeover.
For all the products and advice you need for your next project, head to your local Inspirations Paint store.