Make a space themed headboard

Make a boring old headboard an exciting glow in the dark feature for a space themed kid’s room!

Resene upcycling for good with Sarah Herring - Project 57

Childrens space themed headboard
Finished project

You will need: Sandpaper and/or electric sander, testpot brushes, small artist’s detail brushes, painter’s masking tape and scissors, Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat, Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Interior paint in your choice of colour; Sarah used Resene Indian Ink, Resene FX Nightlight glow in the dark paint, Resene testpots in your choice of colours, Sarah used Resene Rice Cake, Resene Onahau and Resene Yes Please.

Tips and tricks: Sarah had fun with freehand shapes and placements, but you might prefer to map out a pattern or create your own design. Try adding planets, rockets finished in Resene FX Metallic or other space shapes!

Before / what you need

Finished project

Step one
The first step with upcycling second hand items is to always clean and check for any damage or parts that need repairs. Sand thoroughly to prepare it for painting and wipe clean.

Step two
Prime using one coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat using a testpot brush and allow to dry. You could use a paint roller if you prefer.

Step three
Mask out full and crescent moon shapes. Sarah used a paint tin as the stencil and masked them off carefully with masking tape.

Step four
Paint the moon shapes with two coats of your chosen Resene white. For the maximum glow effect Resene White is recommended. Sarah used a slightly warmer white – Resene Rice Cake.

Step four contd
Once the white paint is dry, apply three coats of Resene FX Nightlight paint over the top, so the moons will glow in the dark, allowing time for each coat to dry before applying the next. Such a cool paint effect!

Step five
Paint freehand stars and constellations in the remaining space using small detail brushes and paint in your choice of colours. Sarah used Resene Onahau and Resene Yes Please.

Step five contd
Sarah also added some small stars using more of the Resene Rice Cake and Resene FX Nightlight paints.

Finished project
The final effect is a fun galaxy headboard that looks great day or night, and space-mad kids will love being able to sleep amongst the stars in their own bedroom.

Glow in the dark effect

Upcycling for Good

You can find a huge range of treasures, from ornaments and picture frames, to furniture and toys at your local Salvation Army store that you can easily upcycle with a little Resene paint and some imagination.

"Our Family Stores are full of treasures generously donated by members of the public. We value these donations and try our hardest to re-purpose and sell as much as possible. We’re all about re-using and recycling, so teaming up with Resene on Upcycling for Good was a perfect match. Resene’s products and tips are a natural fit with our pre-loved furniture and accessories, which are usually great quality but could sometimes do with a lick of paint to ensure they fly off the shelves.

Each year, nationally, our stores save 16,000 tonnes from landfill. This initiative increases the value of the donated product, improves the range of goods for our customers, and furthers The Salvation Army’s mission and Resene’s community activity.” Gareth Marshall, The Salvation Army's National Family Store Manager.

View more projects

Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.com