From Bare to Beautiful: My Balcony Painting Project

Why?

The rooftop balcony at Grandma’s house has always been my favorite spot to relax and enjoy the afternoon sun with uncle. Over the years, the walls became cracked and the paint started peeling. A makeover was long overdue to make this special place more comfortable and inviting.

What?

This project involved repainting and adding simple graphic designs to refresh the aging balcony walls. The result is a cheerful, colorful space that brightens up the entire rooftop.

How?

The process began with applying putty to repair cracks and smooth the wall surface. After that, two coats of low-odor, water-based white paint were applied as a base. Finally, using the three primary colors — red, yellow, and blue — the balcony was transformed into a vibrant, eye-catching space.

Outline:

Step 1: Sketch the Design & Measure the Space

Step 2: Check the Weather Conditions

Step 3: Paint Two Base Coats

Step 4: Sketch the Design with a Pencil

Step 5: Mix the Colors

Step 6: Finally, Start Painting!

Step 7: Get Creative!

Step 8: All Done!

Materials:

1.Water-based paint (white, matte finish)

2.Wall putty (for patching holes or cracks)

3.Paint roller

4.Paintbrush

5.Bucket

6.Water

7.Newspapers (for floor protection)

8.Ladder

9.Gloves

10.Broom and dustpan

11.Color pigments (red, yellow, blue)

Optional but recommended:

Hat, sunglasses, water, and bananas (for staying cool and energized!)

Start by creating a rough sketch of the design and measuring the size of the wall or surface to be painted.

Note: When planning your color scheme, take inspiration from the surroundings — nearby buildings, plants, and even the color of the sky. For pattern ideas, you can reference decorative tiles, everyday objects, or any design you like from the internet. Use these as a base to develop a unique and personalized design.

Since this is an outdoor project using water-based paint, timing is important.

Note: Avoid painting if there’s a chance of rain — if the paint hasn’t fully dried, rain can cause the colors to run or smudge. Also, try not to stay outside too long under strong sunlight. It’s easy to get overheated or sunburned, so take breaks and stay hydrated.

Start by repairing any cracks and holes using putty. After the putty has dried, apply the first coat of white water-based paint as a primer. Make sure to prioritize safety when working at heights.

Note:

1.The water-based paint needs to be diluted with water before use. After the first coat dries (about 3–4 hours if it's sunny), apply a second coat in a pale off-white color. For this project, the wall was painted a soft orange-yellow by mixing a little red pigment with yellow.

2.When taking breaks, soak your brushes in water or clean them thoroughly to prevent the paint from drying and ruining the brushes.

Begin by lightly drawing the design on the wall with a pencil. This rough sketch will make the painting process much easier and more precise.

The three primary colors plus white were mixed to create the shades needed, starting with a light yellow.

Note: When buying color pigments, make sure they are compatible with water-based paint. Also, avoid adding too much water when mixing—aim for a consistency between liquid and thick. If it’s too watery, the paint may drip and affect the original wall color.

Begin coloring according to the pencil sketch made earlier.

Note: Use only one color at a time and wait for it to dry before applying the next color.

I turned the raised structures into fun shapes like unicorns, ladybugs, and donuts to add a playful touch.

The transformed balcony, filled with cheerful colors, brings more joy to everyday life. Each design was hand-painted and full of stories.

Congratulations on completing this rewarding project!

Now it’s time to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy stargazing.

Lie back and enjoy your dream space!

Thank you so much for checking out my process and design.