Painting is a big part of setting up a nursery. You want a fresh look for a new arrival. The same fundamentals apply, but here are three key tips:

1. Minimize the fumes

Using a no-VOC formula like Benjamin Moore’s Natura or a low-VOC paint like Benjamin Moore’s Aura is a no-brainer in a nursery. Reducing the volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere makes sense for the entire family.

2. Go for the most durable finish

Walls in a nursery are going to get stained. We won’t go into detail. To prepare for spills, splatters and other events that need scrubbing, you need the right finish. Matte finishes are washable and respond better to stain removal today than in years past. But eggshell finishes, as well as satin and others higher on the gloss scale, are described as ‘scrubbable.’ These form a durable surface that can easily withstand repeated cleanings.

3. Use the prep to begin childproofing

As you dust, soap off and sand all baseboards, you’ll likely find stray staples, wire clips and nail heads. Crawling babies are at eye level with these fasteners. Yank them out or hammer them flush with the wood surface. Wipe the baseboards down again, apply primer, and then use a semi-gloss white for a clean finish.

Flaking paint, especially on door and window trim, is a tempting snack for a toddler. Scrape the loose bits free, sand the edges down, then prime and finish in semi-gloss white, as with the baseboards. Look for loose paint where poorly fitting doors scrape against their casings, in places where tension rods have held curtains, and around hinge plates and other hardware. Bear in mind that paint in older homes may contain lead and special precautions should betaken when sanding or disturbing these coatings. For additional information contact the USEPA/Lead information hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD.

As with any paint job, proper prep means greater durability and longevity and repays the time. Again, there are a few key things to remember:

Make sure the walls and clean and dust-free.  Remove or tape off switch plates, cover sconces or light fixtures to protect them, move furniture to give you a clear work area and cover the floor with protective drop cloths. When taping off, burnish well. Press the tape firmly into position along its entire length to avoid paint creeping underneath.

Always use a primer to help paint adhere to the walls and to hide colors that may otherwise bleed through. Paint from the top downward so the next roller or brush stroke clears away drips. Begin with the ceiling. Cut in along the tops of walls, use a roller to fill in, and save the trim for last. The trim coat corrects drips from the walls onto window moldings and baseboards. Don’t overload the roller or brush. One heavy coat is not a substitute for two coats. Allow enough time for the first coat to dry before beginning the second. It’s tempting to rush things, especially when there’s so much else to do, but this room should look as good as possible – after all, its very likely you’ll be spending a lot of time here in the coming months!