I love a good superhero room and it’s been a really long time since I’ve had the opportunity to do one. So, I was pumped when asked to implement a cityscape skyline for two little boys’ shared room.
Now, there are a number of options when it comes to doing these. However, I wanted to keep it simple so the boys could grow with their room—and after talking to the homeowner—she agreed. The only addition we might make? Possibly adding windows.
But here is where we started…
And here is the end result:
Baseboards will eventually be added just as the wall will be patched where the doorknob went through it. In the meantime though, here are the details on how to achieve the same thing in your kiddo’s room.
1. Surf Pinterest: Like I said before, there are a ton of options when it comes to creating this mural. Do your homework and decide which look you like best.
2. Color Selection: I opted for Sherwin William’s Dovetail and Valspar’s Dark Kettle Black. This is the color combo I used on my son’s room a few years back and I really like how well they work together. You could opt for blue tones though—totally up to you. The cool thing is these wall murals are completely customizable (is that even a word? I think it is but I’m not positive. I’m going with it though). Even better? I purchased three sample sizes of paint and that was all I needed for this whole project. Pretty cool when projects are so inexpensive. Like, less than $20!
3. Tool Time: Grab your trusty level (at least a two footer), detail brushes (angled ones work best), some trim brushes (2”, short handle), a pencil and then get to work. I started by creating these geometric shapes off of the picture I had saved to my phone. Using the level to draw different angles is really easy and super fun. Start at the top (if opting for a silhouette), and then work your way to the bottom.
4. Sticky Stuff: Once you have all the sections taped and ready to go, it’s time to paint. Start with the silhouette skyscrapers first. Add two coats. Allow enough time to dry. Remove tape and then begin working on the bottom section of the mural. Follow the same steps as you did before.
Also? Expect to use 2-3 coats of the black.
6. Detail Work: Once the walls are dry and the tape has been removed, touch-up’s will more than likely be necessary. Grab one of your small angled brushes and fix the areas in need of tending to. Make sure not to get too much paint on your small brushes to avoid globs and drips.
7. More Details? Once the fixes have all taken place, it’s up to you how custom you want to make this wall. Windows take a decent amount of work and are a bit tedious but also look amazing. If your son is like mine, the Batman call signal is a necessity. A bit harder to do but simply surf Pinterest and complete the same steps I’ve outlined here.
8. Enjoy. This really is such a fun mural and makes a big impact for hardly any money.
**Total time? Expect 1-1 1/2 days with taping and drying time, 5-6 hours without taping.
