Paint is a cost-effective way to make a strong visual impact in your baby's nursery. Whether you paint a single accent wall or the entire room, painting enables you to create a unique and personal space in which to nurture your growing infant. The newest environmentally friendly latex paints are non-toxic and often quick-drying, allowing you to paint your baby's nursery without worrying about your safety, even if you are in your final trimester.
Step 1
Decide what colors you want to paint the nursery. If you've already selected bedding for the crib, you might select one or two complementary colors from the bedding to paint the walls. Another way to select the right colors for your baby's nursery would be to choose a theme for the nursery and select the colors based on the theme. Consider using stencils to add small designs or a mural to the wall.
Step 2
Purchase nontoxic, child-safe paint. You may need to purchase this from a paint specialty store rather than your local home-improvement store.
Step 3
Prep the nursery for painting by removing all electrical outlet covers, moving the furniture away from the walls, wiping down the walls, patching any existing holes or cracks with spackle and applying painter's tape to the baseboards and molding.
Step 4
Apply primer first, if the walls need to be primed, by following the manufacturer's directions. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing---generally between six to eight hours.
Step 5
Apply your main paint color. If you intend to stencil a design or mural on the walls, your first coat of paint should be the mural's background color. Allow the paint to dry to the touch, then add a second coat if necessary for complete coverage. Allow the paint to dry completely---generally at least 24 hours---before proceeding to use the stencils.
Step 6
Determine where you want to add the mural or designs to the walls. Use a pencil to lightly mark the pattern position. If you've purchased a prepackaged stencil mural kit, mark the walls per the manufacturer's directions.
Step 7
Apply the first stencil to the wall in the correct position. If you've purchased repositionable stencils, remove the protective backing and firmly press the stencil into position. If using traditional stencils, apply repositionable spray adhesive to the stencil first.
Step 8
Apply paint to the stencil with a stencil brush. Dip the brush into the paint color, then press it against a paper towel or on the side of a paint palette to remove most of the paint. Gently dab the color onto the cut-out portion of the stencil, starting from the center and working your way to the sides. Allow the paint to dry before removing the stencil.
Step 9
Reposition stencils as necessary to complete your design or mural. Allow the walls to cure completely---usually one week---before allowing the baby to use the nursery.
Tips and Warnings
- You can also use prepasted or repositionable wallpaper cutouts, also known as "wallies" or wall stickers---to add designs to the walls instead of stenciling.
- The American Pregnancy Association encourages pregnant mothers to avoid painting if possible. If you must paint, the association recommends that you wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, gloves and protective eye wear. Maintain adequate ventilation in the nursery as you paint. Wear a breathing mask for added protection.
Things You'll Need
- Drop cloth
- Painter's tape
- Primer (optional)
- Spackling compound
- Putty knife
- Medium-grit sanding paper
- Tacky cloth
- Non-toxic latex paint
- Paint tray
- Mixing stick
- Paint brush or foam roller
- Stencils (optional)
- Stencil brush (optional)
- Stenciling paints (optional)
- Paper towels
