Though plain-painted walls are pretty commonplace, the homeowners of today are looking for something with a bit more panache. They want something that represents who they are as individuals. While some turn to specialty paint jobs or faux finishes, others look toward combining colors or creating accent walls that are different from the other walls that surround them. One popular way of accomplishing this effect is by painting stripes. Here are instructions for people who long to try this fun paint treatment.
Instructions
Planning the Stripe Pattern
1. Decide which walls in the home you want to decorate with stripes, and whether they will be painted vertically or horizontally. Decide if the stripes will be carried throughout the space or be restricted to accent walls within the space. Choose the width of the stripes, as well as the width between each stripe.
2. Determine the paint colors. While most people choose to use only two--a base color and a stripe color--others opt to use several different colors of stripes. If multiple stripes are intended, however, it might be best to plan out the room on paper to keep the stripe pattern clear and easy to follow.
3. Don the appropriate safety gear and move all furniture away from the wall area. Cover it will plastic or cloth tarps.
4. Lay dropcloths at the base of the wall to be painted. Tape them into place so they will not move as you work.
Painting Stripes
5. Paint the wall the base color (if it is to be different from the color that is already on the wall). If it is going to be the same color, clean and touch up the wall as needed before you begin. Allow the paint to dry before moving on to the next step.
6. Measure the wall to determine the amount of space you have to work with. This measurement may cause some minor changes in the number of stripes you paint, or their width. Make those adjustments before moving on to the next step.
7. Begin on one end of the wall you want to paint in stripes. If they are to be horizontal stripes, begin at the base of the wall and work upward. Using the width measurements you already decided upon, make a mark on the wall in pencil.
8. Use the laser level to find the level point for the first stripe. While you hold the level in place, have a helper use a pencil to mark several places along the level line.
9. Place a line of paint tape just below the pencil marks to establish the first painting line.
10. Measure the determined width between the taped line and the next intended stripe. Mark it with a pencil, using the same technique described above.
11. Duplicate the steps above until the entire wall is properly marked with paint tape.
12. Paint the stripes as outlined in the colors chosen, using a small paint roller. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before removing the paint-tape guidelines.
Related posts
Tone-on-tone stripes give walls an artistic depth.Painting striped walls is one of the simplest interior design techniques available to help you change the entire look of a room. Not only do you a...
Painting straight lines on an accent wall may be easier than you think.Accent walls can really change the look of a room and can be colored to complement your decor. Straight lines are critical fo...
Apply masking tape in straight lines to get perfect stripes.Stripes add a kind of liveliness to a room that is hard to achieve with solid-color paint. There are many methods for getting the perfec...
Bright colors are great for accent wallsIf you are looking for a great way to create a one of a kind room, you should started with paint. Professional designers use paint to create an ambiance and...
You may not be an interior decorator, but you can add snap to your decor by painting stripes on your walls. Painting stripes on a wall can change a plain room into one that has interest and style....
