Painting Techniques of a Different Stripe

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

19 Jul 2007 09:54 AM

You have probably seen, or maybe even tried, the painting technique of marking off equal width stripes and painting them different colors. Another great look is using the same or a very similar color in different paint finishes to achieve a subtle, striped effect.

While these are great ideas, why not bump it up a notch? Instead of just evenly sized, wide stripes, why not mix it up with some narrow stripes or create your own striped pattern?

Start by measuring so you know you'll be able to fit the number of stripes you want on each wall. Mark off one wall at a time and continue the pattern all the way around the room (works best in a square room). If the walls are not the same size, you might consider doing a focal wall or simply treating two parallel walls that are the same size.

Mark off two wide stripes the same size (or make the second about 2/3 the size of the first, if desired). Next, mark off a narrow stripe from 1-3" wide then mark another wide (or 2/3 wide) stripe. Tape off the first and third stripes. Continue this pattern until the area you want to treat is completed. The taped off stripes should be your dominant color or finish. Paint these stripes, and when the paint is tacky, pull away the tape. Pull downward, diagonally, toward the paint.

When the first color or finish is completely dry (check label but allow at least 24 hours) tape off the other stripes and paint them. Remember to remove the tape as directed, before the paint dries.

Another option is to paint horizontal stripes instead of vertical ones. This can make a room feel larger or longer, while vertical stripes tend to make it feel taller. Painting a few horizontal stripes is also a fun way to add some color to a room without painting the entire space. Cute in kids' rooms too.

Treatments and Techniques

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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