Red, Red... Paint

This is what it used to look like. That's the mural of Safeco Field I painted when he was 6 or 7.

And now. Those are Rolling Stone Magazine covers framed there. The red wall was still tacky, but he's got two framed Platinum Sales Awards from a real rock band to hang up. Real ones. It helps to know someone who knows someone. (That's a reflection on the red wall, not a bad paint job!!)

The inspiration for the red wall - to match the drum set, of course!

That guitar on the wall is a clock. A really loud, annoying clock. And it lights up. With neon.

Here are some hints when your teenager wants a red wall in their bedroom:

1) Just say no. What? Okay, fine, I said yes, too. Keep reading.

2) Don't think for one second you can get a red wall with 2 coats of paint. Bwahaha...

3) When they ask if you want the paint with the primer in it, say YES! No, SHOUT YES!

4) Go ahead, buy separate primer - but it won't save you a coat of paint - it's just one more coat of paint!

5) When the teens want to do it themselves, remember that the other lighter gray walls they are doing are easy to hide first timer mistakes on. Mistakes on red walls end up looking like someone was murdered in the room. Do that wall yourself. I did. Despite saying I was giving them freedom. After struggling through the other three walls of gray, you should have seen the looks of relief on their faces when I offered to do the red wall.

6) Know that what you expected to take a couple of hours will take the rest of your afternoon, part of your evening and another two hours the next day. Because, after all, this wasn't your project.

7) Enjoy the look on your son's face when it's all done. He's happy. He's hanging artwork he already has, and planning what he's still going to buy/acquire. He's loving his new room.

8) Pat yourself on the back. You refrained from interfering at the right time, and offered (not took over) to help when they really needed it.

9) Pour a glass of wine. Maybe two.

***Ally
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