| Can't seem to find a wallpaper pattern that suits you? Paint your
own. With a little time, patience and a steady hand, you can create patterns
that look like (or even better than) wallpaper. And, if you get tired
of the pattern, you don't have to worry about stripping it off. Just paint
over it! Below are the basic instructions for painting stripes. Depending
on the size of the room, this project can be completed in a weekend.
Tools
- Paint rollers
- Paint tray
- Plumb bob
- Level
- Tape measure
- Latex gloves
- Goggles
Materials
- Interior latex paint (basecoat)
- Interior latex paint (topcoat)
- Painter's tape
- Dropcloths
- Graph paper
- Pencil
- Crayons or colored pencils
Striping Your Walls
Before starting your actual surface, always practice on a piece of posterboard
or cardboard and make sure you like the color combinations.
- Spread drop cloths and cover moldings and windows with painter's
tape. Apply your base color. Let it dry overnight.
- Measure the wall. Transfer those measurements to graph paper, using
1" to equal 1'.
- Calculate the number of stripes you will need and mark them on the
paper. Experiment with the thickness. With crayons or colored pencils,
fill in the stripes according to your plan.
- On the wall, lightly draw the lines using a level for horizontal
and diagonal stripes. Use a plumb bob for vertical stripes. Place painter's
tape along the lines. Rub the edges of the tape with a credit card or
plastic spoon to keep the paint from seeping under the tape.
- Paint the wall according to your plan.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before removing any tape.
- Repeat the taping and painting process for each color.
- Once the paint is completely dry, wipe off any visible pencil marks
with a damp sponge.
Don't limit yourself to stripes. Use these same techniques to create
diamonds, brick patterns and other geometric shapes. Try combining this
technique with other faux finishes like sponging, rag rolling, dragging,
color washing or stippling.
|
