- 28 March 2024
Creative Winter Playroom Projects for Kids
Winter is the perfect time to focus on indoor projects that can bring joy and creativity into your home. For many Australian households, finding engaging activities for children during the colder months can be a challenge. This is where a well-designed playroom can make a significant difference. A playroom isn’t just a space for toys—it's an environment where children can let their imaginations run wild, engage in educational activities, and have fun regardless of the weather outside.
In this guide, we will show you how to transform an ordinary playroom into an interactive adventure zone using Dulux® Design Effects Coloured Chalkboard. Whether you're looking for innovative playroom ideas, kids playroom inspiration, or simply want to refresh your existing space, our step-by-step instructions will help you create a playroom that is both functional and fun. From creating a chalkboard mountain to painting toys and furniture, we've got you covered with everything you need to make your DIY playroom project a success. So, grab your paintbrushes and let’s get started on turning your playroom into a winter wonderland of creativity and learning.
Your shopping list
- Dulux Wash&Wear® Low Sheen in your chosen colour
- Dulux Design Effects in your chosen colours
- Dulux Duramax® in your chosen sheen and colours
- Undercoat/stain blocker (if required)
- High quality synthetic brush for cutting in
- Medium nap (10-18mm) synthetic roller for walls
- Short nap (10mm) synthetic roller for toy box
- Paint pot – for cutting in
- Roller tray
- Roller extension pole
- Drop sheets
- Painter’s masking tape
- Cloth
Painting Guide
Walls
1. Follow the preparation steps of this guide.
2. Start by cutting in around the edges of the wall with a brush – these are areas the roller cannot easily reach.
3. Load the roller in the tray with a reasonable amount of paint.
4. Start rolling the wall in an ‘M’ pattern. Start closest to the natural light source. Continue over the same section until the wall is evenly covered.
5. Using an unloaded roller begin in the top left corner of your wall and gently let the roller roll down to the baseboards in a straight line with no pressure. A lightness of touch will prevent new roller marks from forming. Repeat this action only this time, slightly overlap your last movement so your roller rubs away the line created by the previous stroke. Continue this across the area you have painted. This is called laying off.
6. Reload your roller and repeat until the wall is complete.
7. Allow the first coat to dry and repeat the total process again with a second coat. 8. Allow paint to dry before painting the mountains.
Creating a Coloured Chalkboard Mountain
1. To create a mountain feature with Dulux Design Effects Coloured Chalkboard, start by taping a mountain shape on your wall.
2. Use a good quality brush to cut in the paint around the edges, then finish with a short nap roller. Apply paint colour as desired.
3. When first coat is dry (about 2 hours), apply a second coat. Allow to dry.
4. Allow the final coat to dry and cure for at least 7 days before conditioning the chalkboard. To condition the board, rub the entire surface of the chalkboard vertically with the side of a piece of chalk, ensuring the chalkboard is completely covered. Then rub the entire surface horizontally with the side of a piece of chalk, again covering the chalkboard completely. Wipe with a soft cloth or chalkboard duster and blow off any excess chalk dust.
5. The chalkboard is now ready to use. Now let your kids’ imaginations run wild!
Toy box painting
1. Follow the preparation steps on this guide.
2. Start by cutting in around the edges of the furniture piece with a brush – these are areas the roller cannot easily reach.
3. Apply the first coat with the roller.
4. Allow drying time as specified on the label.
5. For an even one dimensional finish apply a second coat with the roller and lay off lightly to prevent the formation of roller marks.
6. For a flat finish your project is complete. For a more textured finish, work while the paint is still wet. Use a wide brush, dry roller or muslin and drag the paint in a random, overlapping pattern. For a brushed finish, lay off lightly with a brush.
7. Now, stand back and enjoy your new creation.
Painting Toys
1. Follow the preparation instructions for spraying of this guide.
2. If using Dulux Duramax Ito Gloss, Gogo Blue Gloss, Hog Bristle Gloss, White Gloss – apply in multiple light, mist coats.
3. Follow the after spraying instructions this guide.
What to consider before painting
How much paint do I need?
Use Dulux's simple, online paint calculator to determine the amount of paint you need.
Protect surfaces and furniture
Remove all furniture from the room. Lay down a proper drop sheet to protect your floors. Try not to use old sheets as paint will often soak through. Mask skirting boards, window trim and electrical switches with painter’s tape. If painting the ceiling, tape around light fittings and any vents.
Already painted surfaces in good condition
If the surface is already painted and in good condition with no stains or mould you shouldn’t need an undercoat. Check the instructions on the product label to determine if a light sand is required. Ensure the surface is clean, dry and free from dust, oils and grease before you start.
Unpainted surfaces in good condition
If you are painting bare, unpainted walls, furniture or ceiling, apply one coat of Dulux® 1Step® Prep over the entire surface. For bare plaster ensure to use Dulux PRECISION® Sealer Binder.
Cracks or holes
Patch any cracks and holes with a suitable filler or sealant, such as Selleys® Spakfilla®® . Lightly sand down the surface to a smooth level then dust off. Apply one coat of Dulux 1 Step Primer Sealer Undercoat over the repairs.
Mould
If your walls or ceiling have mould, you will need to remove the mould with Selleys® Rapid Mould Killer™ or 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Scrub with a scouring pad and bleach solution then leave solution on the surface for 15 minutes. Wash with clean water and wipe dry. To ensure mould does not recur, it is important to eliminate the cause of the mould growth. Several applications may be necessary to remove stubborn mould blooms. Once the mould has been removed and the surface is clean, dry and free from dust, oils and grease, you can paint without an undercoat.
Stains
Wash surfaces with Selleys Sugar Soap and if stains persist use a specialist stain blocker to prevent the stains migrating through your topcoat and appearing in your new paint job. The Dulux PRECISION range of specialty stain blockers will have a product to suit your stain problem.
Spraying
If undertaking a spray project, for ease of application use a Lazy Susan. This will help you spray the object evenly on all sides, without walking in circles or handling it. To help protect surfaces from overspray, use drop sheets, tape or newspaper. Also, ensure the surface is clean and dry, free from grease, rust and dirt. If priming bare steel and iron, or an undercoat is required, use a Dulux Duramax® Undercoat (Metal, Plastic or General Purpose Undercoat). Shake the can for at least one minute before use and regularly during use. After spraying, prevent blocking by flipping the can upside down and spraying until clear gas emerges. Also wipe the front of the nozzle clean.
Creating a winter playroom is an excellent way to keep your kids engaged and entertained during the colder months. With the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform a mundane space into an imaginative play area that encourages learning and fun. This project not only adds a functional element to your home but also allows you to spend quality time with your children, fostering their creativity and developmental skills.
Incorporating interactive elements like the Dulux Design Effects Coloured Chalkboard mountain can turn a simple wall into a canvas for endless adventures. By following our comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to execute your DIY playroom ideas seamlessly. Remember to use high-quality materials for the best results and always prioritise safety and cleanliness during your project. Whether you’re focusing on painting ideas for the playroom or looking to enhance playroom storage, Mitre10 has everything you need to make your vision come to life. Enjoy your new creative space and watch as your children’s imaginations take flight!
For all your DIY painting ideas, from expert advice to the highest quality supplies, visit Mitre 10's Painting DIY Projects for further inspiration and insights. Let us help you transform your house into a beautiful home!
