Leo Martínez
Painting a nursery is an exciting part of preparing for a new baby. It is recommended to finish painting at least two months before the due date, allowing time for the paint to cure and the smell to dissipate. To prepare, it is important to select the right paint and colours, as well as the necessary tools and techniques. Safety should be a top priority, including good airflow and the use of protective gear. Choosing colours can be a fun process, considering the natural light in the room, the mood you want to create, and the theme you have planned. It is also essential to properly prepare the walls and protect the room before painting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to paint a nursery | 6 months or when the gender of the baby is known |
| Paint type | Zero VOC |
| Paint finish | Semi-gloss, eggshell |
| Paint colour | Soft pastel blues and greens, bright colours, light-reflecting colours |
| Paint preparation | Clean walls, fill cracks and holes, sand walls, use painter's tape |
| Safety | Good airflow, open windows, fans, air purifiers, wear old clothes, safety glasses, respirator mask |
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Choose a colour scheme
Painting a nursery is an exciting part of preparing for a new baby. It is recommended to finish painting at least two months before the due date to allow time for the paint to cure and the smell to dissipate. When it comes to choosing a colour scheme, here are some tips to consider:
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
The amount of light reflected by a painted surface depends on the colour. Generally, the more white in a colour, the higher the LRV. To keep glare out of the nursery, choose a paint colour with an LRV of 60 or lower. This will create a comfortable environment for the baby and avoid irritating their eyes.
Colour Preferences
While the nursery should reflect your style, it's important to consider colours that your baby will enjoy. Research suggests that babies are drawn to light pastel colours and bright, saturated shades. In contrast, adults often prefer more subtle colours, tones, and shades. As your baby's vision develops, they will start to perceive colours differently and form their own preferences.
Mood and Atmosphere
Select colours that create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, such as soft pastel blues and greens. These colours can promote a calm and peaceful environment for the baby. Consider the natural light in the room and how the chosen colours will complement or contrast with it.
Theme and Decor
Think about any themes or decor you plan to incorporate into the nursery. Ensure that the colour scheme complements these elements to create a cohesive and well-coordinated space. Consider holding up major items or colour samples already in the room to visualise how they will look together.
Samples and Tests
Take advantage of colour cards and fan decks available at paint stores to develop a shortlist of colours. However, don't rely solely on these small samples. It is recommended to test the paint on the nursery walls themselves, as variables such as lighting and context can significantly impact the final appearance.
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Pick paint type
Picking the right paint is one of the most important parts of keeping your baby safe in the nursery. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the paint type:
Zero VOC paint
Zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint is the safest option for painting a nursery. It does not release harmful chemicals into the air as it dries and has no odour, making it safe for you and your baby. It is important to note that while Zero VOC paints emit very low amounts of VOCs, sensitive groups such as babies and asthma/allergy sufferers should still minimise exposure, especially during painting and for the first 48 hours after.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
The amount of light reflected by the paint colour is an important consideration. Generally, the more white there is in a colour, the higher the LRV. It is recommended to choose a colour with an LRV of no higher than the 60s to keep glare at bay in your nursery.
Colour
The colour you choose for the nursery should be one that both you and your baby will enjoy. Babies initially see only black and white, then highly contrasting colours, and by around six months, their vision reaches 20/20. Consider your baby's personality and the room's lighting when selecting a colour. For a fussy baby, muted colours like pale green or blue may be soothing, while an active and curious baby may enjoy brighter shades like pink or yellow. Warmer colours generally pair well with lower light, while cooler colours complement brighter light.
Paint Performance
Consider the durability and ease of cleaning of the paint. Some paints are more resistant to stains and scuffs, which is important to keep the nursery looking fresh and clean. Benjamin Moore Aura, Fine Paints of Europe, and Sherwin-Williams' new Emerald paint are known for their good performance and cleanability.
Water-based paint
When painting furniture in the nursery, such as the crib, water-based paint is the recommended option. It is generally more environmentally friendly and easier to clean up than oil-based paint. Chalk paint and milk-based paint are other alternatives that are gaining popularity.
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Prepare the room
Preparing the room is a crucial step in painting a nursery. Here are some detailed steps to help you get started:
Protect the room and your belongings
Place drop cloths on the floor to catch any paint drips and splatters. Use old sheets or plastic sheets to cover any furniture that cannot be moved out of the room. Alternatively, move the furniture out of the room if possible. Use painter's tape to mask off areas that you don't want to paint, such as trim, windows, and outlets. This will help you achieve clean edges and protect these surfaces from paint.
Prepare the walls
Clean the walls using a damp cloth to remove any dust, debris, or grease. This step is important as it helps the paint adhere better and reduces the risk of peeling or uneven paint coverage. Inspect the walls for any cracks, holes, or imperfections. Fill these areas with a spackling compound using a putty knife and ensure the surface is smooth. Once the compound is dry, lightly sand the walls with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for painting. If your house was built before 1978, it is recommended to test for lead paint, which can be dangerous, especially for children.
Choose the right paint
Select a paint that is specifically designed for nurseries or low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Zero VOC or low-VOC paints are safer options as they emit fewer harmful chemicals and have minimal odour, reducing the risk of exposure to toxic fumes for you and your baby. Consider the finish of the paint as well. Flat or matte finishes are difficult to clean and can discolour over time. Eggshell finishes are a good choice for nurseries as they are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. For the trim, you can opt for a semi-gloss or satin finish.
Consider colour and lighting
Think about the colour scheme you want for the nursery. Pastel colours, such as soft blues and greens, are often associated with creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Consider the natural lighting in the room as well. Generally, colours with more white in them will reflect more light and help reduce glare. Look for paints with a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 60 or lower to keep glare at bay and create a comfortable environment for your baby.
Test and finalise your colour choice
Once you've selected a few colour options, test them out on the nursery walls. Paint small sections or use colour cards and fan decks to see how the colours look in the room's lighting. Consider the other items and colours that will be present in the room, such as furniture and decorations. Hold up these items against the painted walls to see how well they complement each other. Don't be afraid to ask for help—many paint stores offer colour consultations to assist you in making the right choice.
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Timing
Painting a nursery is an exciting part of preparing for a new baby, and there are several factors to consider when it comes to timing this project. Here are some key points to help you plan the perfect timeline for painting your nursery:
Planning and Preparation:
Start by picking out the major furniture pieces for the nursery by month six of your pregnancy. It takes time to find the right furniture, and delivery can also take several weeks. Measuring the nursery space beforehand and having a tape measure with you while shopping will ensure that your chosen pieces fit perfectly. This early stage is also a great time to select a colour scheme and theme for the room, as well as the type of paint finish you want.
Lead Time:
If your home was constructed before 1978, it is recommended to test for lead paint, especially if you plan to sand or strip existing paint. Lead is dangerous, especially for children. If lead is detected, consult a professional for safe removal.
Painting Process:
The painting process itself can be completed over a weekend, leaving you time to assemble the crib and other furniture. However, it is important to finish painting at least two months before your due date to ensure the paint is fully cured and any paint smells have dissipated. Good airflow during and after painting will help dispel fumes and keep the space safe for you and your baby. Use fans, open windows and doors, and consider an air purifier.
Paint Type:
To protect your baby's health, opt for zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint. VOCs are toxic ingredients emitted by solvents in paint, and they can be harmful to inhale, especially for newborns. Zero VOC paint dries without releasing harmful chemicals and odours. If you prefer a specific paint that isn't zero VOC, ensure the nursery is well-ventilated during painting and for an extended period afterward to minimise the risk of inhaling toxic fumes.
With these timing considerations in mind, you can create a safe and beautiful nursery for your little one, well ahead of their arrival!
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Finish and decorate
The finish you choose for your nursery paint can change the look of the room and influence how easy it is to clean. Semi-gloss paint is the shiniest, most long-lasting, and requires the least maintenance. When selecting a colour, consider the natural light in the room, the mood you want to create, and the theme of the nursery. For example, soft pastel blues and greens can soothe and relax.
If you're stuck for ideas, hold up major items or colours that will feature in the room to see how they look together. You can also order larger colour chips or take advantage of free colour consultations with designers.
Before painting, prepare the room by laying drop cloths on the floor and furniture to catch paint drips and splatters. Use painter's tape on trim, windows, and outlets to achieve clean edges. Clean the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris, fill in cracks and holes with spackling compound, and smooth the walls with a putty knife. Sand the walls lightly to create a smooth surface for painting.
Use zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, which does not release harmful chemicals as it dries and is safe for you and your baby. If your house was built before 1978, test for lead paint, which is especially dangerous for children.
Painting can be completed over a weekend, leaving you time to assemble the crib and decorate. Hang artwork, mobiles, or other decorations that complement the colour scheme and theme of the nursery.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to finish painting a nursery at least two months before the baby's due date. This allows time for the paint to cure and the smell to dissipate.
Zero VOC paint is the best option for nurseries as it does not release harmful chemicals into the air as it dries and is safe for both you and the baby.
First, use a damp cloth to clean the walls and remove any dust or debris. Then, fill in any cracks or holes with a spackling compound and smooth it out with a putty knife. Finally, lightly sand the walls to create a smooth surface for painting.
The colour you choose should be one that you like, but also consider the baby's preferences. Babies tend to favour pastels and bright colours, while adults prefer more nuanced shades. It is also recommended to choose a colour with a low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) to keep glare at bay.
Yes, safety should be a top priority when painting a nursery. Ensure good airflow by using fans and opening windows and doors. Wear protective clothing, such as old clothes, safety glasses, and a respirator mask.
