An accent stripe is an easy way to add personality to a plain wall. With painter’s tape and a steady hand, you can create crisp lines that look professionally done.
Why this works
Crisp edges depend on good tape and the right technique. Sealing the tape edge with a thin coat of the base color keeps paint from bleeding underneath.
What you’ll need
Materials at a glance: Painter’s tape; Level and pencil; Paint in two colors; Small roller and brush; Drop cloth. Plan on about 3 hrs and a budget of under $50. The full materials list and numbered steps are in the project card below.
How to do it
Measure and mark the stripe with a level, apply painter’s tape just outside the lines, and press the edges down firmly. Brush a light coat of the base color along the edge first, then paint the stripe color and remove the tape while the paint is slightly wet.
Styling tips
- Use a laser level or a long level for straight lines.
- Remove the tape at a gentle angle.
- Let the base color dry before taping over it.
Paint a Simple Accent Wall Stripe
Use painter's tape to add a bold stripe or color block to a wall without hiring a pro.
Materials
- Painter's tape
- Level and pencil
- Paint in two colors
- Small roller and brush
- Drop cloth
Steps
- Mark the stripe position with a level and pencil.
- Apply painter's tape just outside the marks and press down firmly.
- Brush a thin coat of the base color along the tape edge.
- Paint the stripe in two light coats.
- Peel the tape while the paint is still slightly wet.