Question: I would like to paint clouds on the ceiling in our guest bathroom. Is it very difficult to do?

Answer: It's not as difficult as you might first think to create a faux-cloud effect on a ceiling. The size of the ceiling is what determines the amount of effort involved and a guest bath would be a perfect size for a beginner.

To begin, make sure that the ceiling surface is smooth and has a fresh coat or two of paint in a very light sky blue shade. Next, mix two glazes, one in white and another glaze of light silver-gray. Apply the white glaze with a cotton rag for the center of the clouds, thinning and blending as you move to the outside edges. Apply the glaze in a circular rubbing and dabbing motion. While the white glaze is still wet, apply a small amount of the silver gray glaze with another rag to the edges of the white clouds and blend in.

You can create white billowy clouds or clouds that have more of the silver-gray cast to them, whichever you prefer. If you find you've gotten too much of the silver gray on the clouds, just go over it with more of the white glaze.

It helps to have photographs of clouds to look at for inspiration as you're painting. And remember, it's only paint and the worst that can happen is you decide to repaint the light blue base coat and try again!

All rights reserved. Copyright 1999-2005. Written by Decorating Studio, LLC , information on decorating a child's room, and a family home with children.