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Painting
How to upcycle drawers and give them a painted pinstripe finish
A guide to creating kid-core trims
Overview
Painting metal can breathe new life into furniture, fixtures, or outdoor features, giving them a fresh and durable finish. The key to a professional-looking result is proper preparation, the right metal primer, and careful application. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Steps
What is the kid-core trim trend?
Kid-core trims are all about embracing colour in a fun and expressive way. Think vibrant blues, sunshine yellows, bubble-gum pinks and grassy greens, along with a few unexpected pops of purple or orange. These are the kinds of colours many of us remember from 90s bedrooms, toys and school bags, now used in a more modern, considered way.
Rather than painting whole rooms, this trend focuses on architectural details like skirting boards, architraves and window trims. These areas naturally frame a space, so adding colour here helps it stand out without feeling too crazy.
Using the rust converter
After you've removed all of the flaky paint, you're ready to paint. For wrought iron or steel in severe conditions, you can use a primer. For aluminium and brass, use an SLS etch primer. If you choose to spray paint, avoid windy days and shake the can for at least 2 minutes before using it. When you're spraying, use light even coats to cover the metal and slowly build up the layers until the metal is evenly covered.
Choosing colours
When it comes to kid-core trims, it’s worth leaning into colour rather than playing it safe. Bright shades tend to work best, especially those with a nostalgic feel. Primary colours, pastel brights and retro-inspired tones are all popular choices.
Electric blue trims can really stand out against white or beige walls, while warm yellow skirting pairs nicely with soft greys. Pink or coral door frame trims can brighten up hallways, and green window frames are fresh and playful. For a pulled-together look, using the same trim colour throughout a room.
Where kid-core trims work best
This trend works well in kids’ bedrooms and playrooms, where colour can help create a fun, welcoming space. Painting skirting boards, door frames or window frames in bold shades adds personality without taking over the room, making it easy to update as kids grow and tastes change.
This approach also works well in shared spaces used by kids, such as rumpus rooms or study nooks, where a pop of colour can add energy without overwhelming the area. If it’s the first time trying the look, starting with one room trim painting or even a single doorway is a simple way to see how it works before adding more colour elsewhere in the home.
Consider finish and durability
Trims tend to get more wear and tear than walls, so it’s worth thinking about durability when choosing your paint finish. A finish with a slight sheen helps colours look sharper and makes trims easier to wipe clean. A little extra sheen can also reflect more light, helping bold colours stand out, while smoother type of paint finishes highlight clean edges and lines.
Mix playful and practical
To keep bold trims from taking over a space, balance them with simpler elements elsewhere. Neutral walls, straightforward furniture and natural textures like timber or linen help keep the overall look grounded while still letting the colour do its thing.
You can also build the look gradually by echoing trim colours in small décor pieces, using different colours in different rooms or pairing playful trims with classic finishes. This keeps the result feeling fun, modern and easy to live with.
Interested in playing with colour in other rooms of your home?
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.