How to Paint Stripes

Stripe Painting Info.
This brief information guide on How to Paint Stripes is designed to allow the DIY or Pro create stripes in any room or surface. Stripes can create illusions and custom effects. Happy painting!

Horizontal or Vertical
The steps are identically the same whether you want to create vertical stripes or horizontal stripes. Follow this step by step guide to paint sleek, distinct stripes on your surfaces.  Consider this, horizontal strips make the room appear more spacious while vertical stripes will give the illusion of higher ceilings.
​
Tools Needed to Paint Stripes
You will need at least two contrasting paint colors. The two colors will include a base coat and a corresponding color for the stripe. Use as many paint colors as you like for different color stripes. Also, you will need a tape measure, 9 inch roller frame, mini roller, paint pan, and 1 - 2 inch easy release Frog tape. In addition, get a straight edge such as a level or framing square and an erasable pencil.

Painting the Base Coat
The first step is to paint the base coat. It will be best to go with the lightest of the colors you have chosen. The paint should be left to cure for at least eight hours; for best results, let the paint dry overnight to insure it's cured.                   
​

---

​                                                  Designing the Stripes
Start the layout for the stripes in the corner that is hardest to see when entering the room. The stripes should be between 3-10 inches for best results. Stripes smaller than a three inches make the pattern appear clustered. Going thicker than 10 inches makes the stripes seem overwhelming and heavy.  A lot of this will depend on the size of your room and the effect you are looking for.
                                                 Marking the Layout
Begin by marking the layout lines and taping from this obscure corner. Measure at different points along the wall to ensure the width of the stripes are the same. Use a carpenter’s square to complete the lines and get the desired straight edge.

---

​Taping the Lines
Once your lines are drawn, use the Frog tape to create the shape of the stripes. Press the inside edge down firmly to ensure the paint doesn’t get under the tapes edge while painting. Once your satisfied the tape has been applied firmly in place, you’re ready to begin painting the stripes. It’s best to clean-up and erase any pencil lines left showing on the wall. Make sure to do this before painting the stripes.

---

​Painting Stripes
Now paint the stripes on the wall using the taped edge as your guide. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds. One trick is; not to glob up the paint too thick. Two medium coats are always better than one coat that’s thick and heavy; and a lot less likely to encroach under the edge of the tape.
Clean Up
Remove the tape after the wall is painted, but before the stripe paint is dry. When pulling the Frog tape angle away from the freshly painted stripes. If your striped color infringed on your wall color under the tape; gently straighten the line with a thin coat of wall color. If the wall paint doesn’t cover the first time; repeat.

​Other Custom Designs                             
There are other custom painting techniques that may be achieved with this methods. Our painting company has a myriad of checker board or other design patterns that can add special effects to your home or business. When looking for custom designs or special effects; hire our Jacksonville painting company to bring your design dreams to reality. For help with planning your custom design or interior painting, contact us today.