I am renting and want to find a damage-free, security deposit friendly way to add those glow in the dark stars to the ceiling (and possibly walls) of my kid's bedroom. The biggest issue is that the white paint they use for the ceiling and walls is that super cheap stuff that is thin (I've accidentally scrubbed off some of the paint while using a sponge to clean the walls).
I've looked into various methods, but nothing seems to make me confident that it will work and not cause damage. I'm hoping for it to be completely apartment safe for short and long term use and not cost an arm and a leg.
The ceiling is a "knockdown" texture (see picture).
I know the traditional way is to use that putty stuff, but that stuff (even the white one) can either not stick well, stick too well and pull paint off, leave a residue that is nearly impossible to remove and you'd need to paint over it, etc. I know they make specialty putty of higher quality, but those are usually much more expensive and are meant more for short-term use.
Glue dots seem to have similar issues to the putty.
Command strips are expensive and they don't make them the size of some of the smaller stars so they'd be an eyesore sticking off to the side.
Various types of tape are usually weaker and, especially over time, can lose adhesion and bond to the paint.
I know I sound super picky, demanding, and weird (because I am, lol), but it's only because I don't want to end up paying tons of money/lose my security deposit if and when I move out.