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Faux Technique: Stripes
Striping is a versatile and fun technique that only looks like the work of a professional — it’s actually a do-it-yourself home project that can add interest to any room.
The experts at your local True Value hardware store can get you started with all the tools and materials needed for this faux painting technique. And because color choice can have a dramatic effect, trust our Certified Color Experts® to give you the advice you need to make your painting project a success.
Adding Stripes to Your Walls
Step 1. Choose Your Colors
To achieve the simple elegance of fine damask, choose one color in two different sheens.
For a bolder affect, go for more contrasting yet complimentary colors. You can be more contemporary by using stripes in irregular widths. Or, stripe a room horizontally for a cozier effect.
Helpful Tip:
- Use these color combinations with the stripes technique, or create your own special combination.
Featured above - Base: 3161 Ruby Jewel Semi-Gloss; Top: 3161 Ruby Jewel Eggshell
Base: 3962 White Oyster
Top: 3961 Talc
Base: 3839 Charity
Top: 3837 Popsicle
Base: 3404 Straw Basket
Top: 3403 Lion's Mane
Step 2. Prepare the Room
Clean the walls with a clean cloth and warm soapy water, letting the surface dry for at least one hour.
Step 3. Paint Surface with Base Coat
Once the room has been prepped, apply a base coat of True Value EasyCare® eggshell finish paint in a color of your choice. The base coat should be the lighter of the two paint colors you've selected. For a more subtle look, you can also use the same color in the eggshell finish that you plan to use in the semi-gloss finish. Allow the area to dry completely.
Step 4. Measure Stripes
Decide how wide you want the stripes and where to start and end your pattern. It's a good idea to start your pattern in an inconspicuous place, such as behind a door, since it's unlikely your stripes will measure out perfectly. For a completely different look, you can vary the width of the stripes. For example, alternating 3-inch stripes with 5-inch stripes gives the room a unique, contemporary feel.
Step 5. Mark & Mask Stripes
Using a pencil, make a mark at the top and the bottom of the wall. Place a push pin at first measurement at the top of the wall. To keep your stripes straight, attach string or chalk line and pull taut and tie it to a push pin at the bottom of the wall. Follow string with painter's tape. Score the outer edge of the tape with your fingernail or plastic trowel so the paint will not bleed under tape. Continue the process until you've masked all the stripes.
Step 6. Add Stripes
Carefully paint with the second color or finish, making sure to keep within the tape lines. Let the paint dry completely before removing the painter's tape. Pull the tape away from the wall gently in a downward, angled motion.
Helpful Tip:
- For an upscale, tone-on-tone look, use the same color paint in two different finishes, such as eggshell and semi-gloss. The darker the color used, the more noticeable the stripes. You can use this technique to create a variety of geometric shapes and patterns.
Congratulations! Take a step back and admire your new walls. And turn to your local True Value hardware store for all of your painting project needs.
For more projects, go to TrueValuePaint.com. >
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