How to Paint an Outer Space Room With a Glow in the Dark Moon

Ceiling

• 1

  Lay a plastic painting tarp on the floor to protect it from drips and accidental spills. Tuck the tarp's edges up to the walls to protect the floor from paint runners, which are globs of paint on the wall that run down and onto the floor.

• 2

  Using a stepladder to reach the top of the walls, put painter's tape along the top edge of the wall where it meets the ceiling to protect it from the paint. Wrap the tape all the way around the room.

• 3

  Pry the lid off the can of black paint using a paint key. Stir the paint well, then pour a small amount into a paint tray. Coat a roller with paint, then hold it up and let the excess paint drip off for a few seconds.

• 4

  Screw an extension handle into the bottom of the paint roller's handle. Begin painting the ceiling black. Cover the ceiling, and allow the first coat to dry for the time listed on the paint can. Apply a second coat and allow it to dry thoroughly.

• 5

  Stick planet and other outer-space-themed stickers to the ceiling, spreading them out so that the ceiling looks varied.

• 6

  Open the can of glow-in-the-dark paint. Stir it with a new stir stick. Position the stepladder under the part of the ceiling where you want the moon. Climb the ladder and place a circle stencil on the ceiling. Dip a paint brush in the can, then wipe the excess paint onto the can's edge. Apply the glow-in-the-dark paint inside the stencil. Allow it to dry, then add a second coat.

Walls

• 7

  Paint the walls a color that will complement the dark ceiling, such as blue. Cover items you don't want to paint with painter's tape, then paint the walls using a fresh paint roller and paint tray. Allow the room to dry, then apply a second coat of paint.

• 8

  Stick outer-space-themed stickers to the walls, such as planets and galaxies. Hang space-related posters on the walls, such as actual pictures of outer space, pictures of a space station or NASA posters.

• 9

  Remove all the painting items when the room is finished. Clean the brushes and paint trays. Discard the stir sticks and painting tarp.