Kids' Cubby House Painting Project

Despite the weather warming up as we head into summer, it can be hard getting kids off their screens and into the outdoors. Creating a space in the backyard in which they can play, imagine, create and explore will inspire young ones to enjoy their own outdoor oasis.

Cubby houses have been a staple item in many Australian homes over generations. However, with being constantly exposed to the elements, many are neglected, run-down and long-forgotten, as well as devoid of colour and character. Dulux Colour Expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says injecting some personality into your cubby house is a fun and all-inclusive process. All you need is a sunny afternoon, a little paint and a lot of love! Best of all, it's the perfect project to get the kids actively involved, ensuring they'll have a cubby that they will love and cherish for years to come.

"Choosing the right colours doesn't have to be hard – create some punchy and fun schemes that will complement the lookand- feel of your yard and let your kids have a say – after all, the cubby's colours must excite and ignite their passion to play in the space," she says.

Whether you are painting a multi-story cubby, or a quaint oneroom with a window, the right colours and accessories will turn your run-of-the-mill cubby into a kid's outdoor retreat.

"Uplifting yellows, such as Dulux Lemon Delicious paired with a crisp white such as Dulux Lexicon® Quarter offers a simple, statement look that complements most home styles and backyards," Andrea says.

"This classic scheme also works well for all children – perfect for ensuring every family member and their friends can enjoy the space come play time."

For a bolder, more edgy look, try pairing Dulux Commandes and Celery Green.

As a tip, if you're going to update your cubby house, why not also give a lick of paint in complementary colours to tired outdoor settings, accessories and planters.

To create a long-lasting finish, these colour schemes can be applied with Dulux Weathershield, Duramax and Aquanamel, which will protect the outdoor accessories from Australia's versatile weather conditions – that way, not matter what time of the year, your kids will always have their backyard retreat ready and waiting for all the adventures to be had.

Cubby House
1.Gather your painting supplies – Dulux Weathershield in your chosen colours(s), drop sheet, high quality synthetic brush for cutting in, medium nap (10-18mm) roller, roller tray, 400 grit sandpaper, painter's tape, old cloths.
2: Ensure the surface has been properly prepared prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the can for more information.
3: Start painting by cutting in around the edges and hard to reach areas using Dulux Weathershield.
4: For best results, begin at the top and work your way down. Paint the underside of your boards then the face. Use long strokes in horizontal motions from one side to the other. As a tip – never stop halfway along the board and return to it later or you'll create an overlapping of paint which is difficult to correct. Allow to dry for 2-hours.
5: Give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat steps 4 for a second coat. If painting bare timber, a third coat will need to be applied.

Picnic Table
1: After sanding down the surface, apply 1 coat of Dulux 1Step Prep.

2: Start painting by cutting in around the edges of the furniture piece using Dulux Aquanamel.
3: Apply paint to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes.
4: Whilst the paint is still wet, smooth over the painted section with long brush strokes and without reloading the brush – a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.
5: Use a roller to paint in the middle section, if required.
6: Allow to dry for 2-hours then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat steps 4 and 5 for a second coat.

Planters
1: Depending on the surface, prepare as per label instructions. Apply one coat of Dulux 1Step Prep to prime.
2: Start painting with Dulux Aquanamel, applying the paint using short, horizontal brush strokes.
3: Whilst the paint is still wet, smooth over the painted section with long brush strokes and without reloading the brush – a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.
4: Allow to dry for 2-hours then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat steps 2 and 3 for a second coat.
5: Time to show the kids and so they can start their outdoor adventures!

Dulux Weathershield
Tested for over 40 years in Australian conditions, Dulux Weathershield will protect your home for as long as you live there. Designed to withstand all weather from extreme heat to heavy rain, Dulux Weathershield also prevents UV damage and resists mould and stains.

Dulux Aquanamel
A water-based interior and exterior acrylic enamel, Dulux Aquanamel doesn't yellow over time, is fastdrying, low odour and achieves an ultra-smooth and tough finish that resists chipping.