How to Decorate a Dollhouse
Step 1
1
Decide what part of your dollhouse you want to paint. First, decide if you want to paint the interior of your dollhouse, the exterior, or both. If you want to paint the interior, decide if you want to paint the floors, walls, ceiling, or all. This will help you figure out how much paint you need to purchase, and what type of paint you will need.
You can paint your dollhouse to add a splash of color and create a look that reflects your personality and style.
Step 2
2
Choose the color and type of paint you want to use. Browse the paint options online or at your local craft or home improvement stores to find the best color and type of paint for your dollhouse. Latex and acrylic brush-on paints are the most common paints used for dollhouses and will likely be available in a wide variety of colors.
Latex paints are commonly used in real houses and are effective for covering dollhouses as well. Acrylic brush-on paints are often used for craft projects and are also a great option for decorating your dollhouse.
You can also use spray paint for this, but it’s a lot harder to control, especially if you’re painting small or intricate areas. It’s best to use brush-on paint for this project.
Step 3
3
Cover and protect your work space. Use newspaper or tarp to cover a wide area if you are using spray paint. If you are using brush-on paint, you can use a smaller protectant for your surfaces, such as cardboard or paper towels, since you can be more precise with the application.
Whichever type of paint you use, always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid harmful fumes.
Step 4
4
Tape off the small areas to paint the larger areas first. Use craft tape or painter’s tape to cover the roof, windowsills, doors, or any other dollhouse features that you don’t want to paint, or that you want to paint with a different color.
When painting the larger areas, such as the exterior sides and interior walls, you will likely want to use a larger paintbrush or sponge to make the process go faster. Paint the larger areas first so you can cover any mistakes with a smaller paintbrush later.
If the space you want to cover is larger, such as the roof, you can use newspaper or cardboard to cover the area. Tape down the edges to make sure that it stays in place to protect the space from residual paint.
Step 5
5
Apply an even coat of paint. Dip a paintbrush or craft sponge in the paint of your choice and apply an even coat on the parts of the dollhouse that you want to paint with that color.
You can use a craft sponge to paint by swiping as you would with a paint brush, or you can dab for a textured effect. Try dapping green paint on the ground around the exterior of your dollhouse for a grass-like effect.
Step 6
6
Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat. Leave your dollhouse to dry overnight or refer to the instructions on the paint container to know how long the paint takes to dry. If you missed any spots or the paint is not as opaque as you would like, apply a second coat of paint. Leave the second coat to dry completely before painting any smaller areas or details.
Step 7
7
Paint the small areas and fine details. Use smaller paint brushes to apply paint to any particularly intricate or hard to reach areas on your dollhouse, or to create any unique designs. You will likely need to get several different sizes of paintbrushes or sponges for the different parts of the house, such as the trim, shingles, windows, and any other design elements in the interior or exterior.
