Painting your home doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a chance to bond, laugh, and make memories. Whether you’re freshening up a rec room or reviving a weather-worn fence, painting as a family brings colour and joy to your space. With the right planning (and a little patience), even the youngest members of the household can get involved in safe and meaningful ways. Here's how to make it a fun and successful family paint day—from prep to the celebratory BBQ!
Fun Areas to Paint Together: A backyard fence or a garage wall—it’s big, bold, and hard to mess up! A rec room would be a great space to freshen up - just make sure to take out all the small stuff and cover furniture with drop cloths.
Let the Kids In: Age-Appropriate Painting Tasks
Toddlers to Age 6: The "Helpers in Training"
Young kids love to feel included. While they shouldn’t handle paint-laden brushes unsupervised, they can still participate safely:
- Colour consultants: Let them help pick the paint colour from swatches. You’d be surprised how quickly they’ll develop an opinion! Teach them the basics of the three primary colours: how yellow and blue make green, etc.
- Sticker duty: Kids can place painter’s tape (with guidance) on all the areas that need to be painted. They are the mini forepersons for the project.
- Clean-up crew: Give them a damp cloth or a dry bristle brush to and let them “dust” the baseboards after sanding.
- Drop cloth duty: Kids love helping spread out the protective cloths, and they can tape down the corners —just remind them it’s not a skating rink!
Ages 7–12: The “Junior DIYers”
This age group can handle a bit more responsibility with supervision:
Teens & Older Siblings: The “Project Leads”
Teenagers often have the strength and patience to take on more detailed or higher-up work:
- Cutting-in: Older siblings can tackle “cutting-in”—painting straight lines along edges and trim.
- Rolling large walls: With a steady rhythm, teens can roll paint over larger surface areas like hallways or exteriors.
- Touch-ups: They’re also great at spotting and fixing uneven coverage or drips.
- Outdoor prep: Sanding flaking trim, washing siding, or scraping old paint are tasks older kids can handle responsibly.
Prep Like a Pro: Key Areas to Paint and How to Get Your Kids Ready!
Front Porch or Entryway
- Prep: Sweep thoroughly, scrub railings, and sand any peeling spots.
- Paint Tip: Use an exterior-grade paint or stain, and start early in the day to allow for proper drying. Avoid painting in direct sun.
Bedroom Accent Wall
- Prep: Wipe down walls, fill in nail holes, and tape off trim.
- Paint Tip: Choose a washable finish for durability (eggshell or satin is ideal for kids’ rooms).
Backyard Fence or Shed
- Prep: Remove cobwebs, scrape off old paint, hose down the surface, and let it dry completely.
- Paint Tip: A solid stain will bring old faded wood back to life and make it look sharp.
Celebrate with a Collaborative Family BBQ
After a job well done, it’s time to kick back and admire your handiwork with some burgers, drinks, and outdoor fun. Make the BBQ a continuation of the teamwork:
Kid-Friendly Roles:
- Fruit kabob station: Kids can thread berries and melon chunks onto wooden skewers.
- Table artists: Let them decorate paper placemats or make a welcome sign for the patio table.
Teen Takes:
- Grill assistant: Older siblings can flip burgers or keep an eye on hotdogs with adult supervision.
- Music coordinator: Have them make a painting day playlist for future renos!
Family Add-Ons:
- DIY photo booth with your freshly painted wall as a backdrop.
- A Polaroid or phone shot of the whole crew—paint-splattered and proud!
Painting Your Home With Your Family
Painting with your family isn’t just about the results—it’s about the process. It’s a chance to slow down, get a little messy, and teach kids the value of hard work and creativity. With the right roles and a post-project celebration to look forward to, it just might become a new family tradition.
After all, there’s nothing more satisfying than saying: “We did that—together.”
Need help picking the perfect family-friendly paint or tools for safe DIY? Visit your local Cloverdale Paint store for advice, samples, and gear that makes it easier (and more fun) for everyone.