Payton’s Room: Update #1

I figured now would be a good time for an update on Payton’s bedroom. My initial plan was to write one long post about everything, but it is taking me way longer than I expected (okay, I knew it would take forever, but I did not think it would be this slow). The main thing is that I have zero clue what I am doing, so I am just winging it. But I have also been busy with other stuff (Samson’s injury, other projects, work, softball/baseball, life), my work times have been quite limited. 

Step one was to remove the door from the closet, the shelf, the bar, the baseboards, and all the other fixtures. EASY PEASY!
Step two–cut the closet doorway bigger. This sounded much easier than it was. Smashing the drywall was fun, but then it came time to cut the studs. Once they were removed, I had to then reframe the entryway. Since Payton’s closet door is a barn door, I was able to make a plain door jamb without having to worry about all the other pieces (I have no clue what they are call, leave me alone!). 
Step 3. Attempt a skim coat on the closet walls. I watched like fifty videos, and they all make it look so easy. It was not easy. I was afraid it would look shit. More on that in a second.
Step IV: Sand walls. Lindsey wanted the bedroom walls smooth, and since my attempt at skim coating went poorly (seriously, more on that in a second); it looked like I would need to get to sanding. I bought a pole with a circular sander, and gave it a go. It barely did anything to the wall. I changed grit. Still nothing. I have an orbital sander, and I decided to try that. I bought some 60 grit, and found 40 grit as well. I decided to try the 40. It worked. I mean, it got the bumps down a bit (still not completely smooth, but definitely better. My fear was that it would take me weeks to sand everything with an orbital sander, but it only took a few hours. Once I was done, I decided to try the sander (with 80 grit) on the closet walls. It worked well. It smoothed out the walls. Now I am wondering if I should do the other walls that way…
Step Cinco…Paint closet walls. I did the walls white, and ended up using three coats. I did the ceiling as well. 

I have a few more things to do. I want to install a new light in the closet. Lindsey & Payton decided they want an accent wall, so we need to figure out what they want. Also, some of the ideas they have, I may try to skim coat that wall, but I am not certain yet. We have someone coming out to put in new windows. After I get the walls painted, then we will get carpet installed. Once that is done, then I can install the closet system. Once all that is done, I install the closet door, do some trim work, install some heater cover…and hopefully then I will be finished.