Painting Merit Badge

Overview

This merit badge provides an opportunity for Scouts to learn more about painting, including both the artistic and practical aspects.

Requirements

• (1) Explain the proper safety procedures to follow when preparing surfaces and applying coatings. Resource: Interior Painting Safety (video)
• (2) Do the following:
  • (a) Explain three ways that coatings can improve a surface. Resource: Epoxy Resin Coatings (video)
  • (b) Explain the differences between oil-based paints, acrylic-based paints, and water-based paints. Resources: Paints - Oil, Water, Enamel, Acrylic (video) Water vs Oil Based Paints (video)
  • (c) Explain where you would apply enamel paint, flat paint, wood stain, and varnish, and explain the importance of sheen. Resource: Paint Sheen Differences Explained (video)
  • (d) Tell why each is best for these uses.
• (3) Prepare and paint two different surfaces using patching materials or caulking and the proper primers and topcoats. Suggested projects include an interior or exterior wall, a door, a piece of furniture, a concrete wall or floor, a porch rail, or a fence. Your counselor must preapprove the projects. Resource: How to Paint a Room (video)
• (4) Prepare and paint an item using harmonizing colors that you have selected using the color wheel in the Painting merit badge pamphlet. Resources: Choosing a Color Palette for Your Home (video) Color Wheel from Painting Merit Badge Pamphlet (PDF)
• (5) Show the right way to use, clean, maintain, and store painting equipment. Resources: Good Paint Hygiene (video) How to Clean and Store Paint Brushes (video)
• (6) Explain the importance of ladder safety, personal hygiene, and the use of personal protective equipment when painting. Resources: Ladder Safety (video) Personal Protective Equipment for Painting (PPE) (video)
• (7) Explain some of the environmental and health issues concerning removing paint, applying paint, and discarding old paint. Resources: How to Dispose of Old Paint (video) Paint Removers (video)
• (8) Find out about career opportunities in the painting craft. Discuss the training and experience required, and explain why this profession might interest you. Resources: Painters Career Overview (video) Scenic Painter (video)

Resources

• Painting merit badge page
• Painting merit badge PDF (local copy)
• Painting merit badge pamphlet

Note: This is an unofficial archive of Scouts BSA Merit Badges that was automatically extracted from the Scouting America website and may contain errors.