Painting vertical stripes on walls isn’t that difficult, though it takes a bit of preparation to end up with straight, even lines. Here’s how to go about it.

Laying Out and Painting Stripes on Walls:

  1. Paint the entire wall the color you want the spaces between the stripes, and allow the paint to dry.
  2. Measure the width of the wall, and divide it evenly into the number of stripes and spaces desired.
  3. Use a pencil and the plumb bubble on a level to extend the marks vertically on the wall.
  4. Apply painter’s tape to the spaces side of the vertical lines on the wall.
  5. Use a putty knife to press the tape firmly on the wall to prevent paint from seeping under it.
  6. Use a roller to apply paint to the stripes on the wall.
  7. Remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet by pulling the tape backwards as close to a 180° as possible to ensure a clean, even line.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Danny Lipford: The first step to painting stripes on a wall is laying them out properly. Measure the width of the wall and choose a stripe width and spacing that can be evenly divided into the wall width. For example, there are 120 inches in a 10 foot wall, so a 10-inch stripe with 10-inch spacing gives you six stripes and six spaces.

From the layout marks, use a level to extend the line vertically along the wall rather than making multiple measurements from adjacent walls, floors, or ceilings. Those surfaces often have variations in them that will cause your lines to waiver back and forth.

Now, once the lines are marked with pencil, you can apply your painter’s tape along them. Leave the pencil mark visible on the side where paint will be applied, so it is covered by the paint. Then use a putty knife to burnish, or press down, the edge of the tape to ensure a good seal.

Now you’re ready for paint. You can use a brush or a roller but be careful not to pile on the paint to prevent the paint from seeping under the tape. The tape will perform better if you apply the paint over it lightly without puddles or drips.

Now, once the paint is applied, carefully remove the tape before the paint dries. This will prevent chipping and produce a much cleaner line. It’s also important to pull the tape backwards, at 180 degrees to the direction it is running, as close to the wall as possible. This will also help ensure a cleaner line and a better overall result.


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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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