how to paint stripes on a wall

Here's how to paint your bathroom walls with the festive navy, turquoise and cream stripes featured in our paint palette.

The Process:

1. After preparing the walls (filling cracks and nail holes with spackling compound, allowing it to harden and sanding smooth), apply primer. Note: If the walls have been previously painted with an oil-based paint be sure to use oil-based primer that will allow the latex wall paint to adhere. Allow to dry according to the directions on the can.
2. Begin your custom paint job by painting all wall surfaces with the cream color. Use a roller to apply two coats, allowing the paint to dry completely after each.
3. To create the navy stripes, start in your bathroom's least-conspicuous corner. Measure 3" from the corner and make a pencil dot. Now use a level and low-tack masking tape (we recommend white 3M Safe-Release Painters' Tape for Very Delicate Surfaces) to create a line from ceiling to floor, the tape's right-hand edge lining up with the pencil mark. Use a razor blade with the cardboard covering ON to seal the edge of the tape for a clean line. Measure three inches from the sealed edge and use the same technique to apply another strip from ceiling to floor, this time lining up the left-hand edge of the tape with your pencil dot; keep in mind that the span of wall between the two tape pieces should be exactly 6". Measure out 4½" from the left-hand edge of the second tape strip and repeat the process, working your way around the room, creating a 6" stripe every 4½". (Note: When you reach your starting point, you may find that you have an imperfect gap between stripes; don't worry if you have to fudge a little—this is why you started in the least-visible corner.) Finished taping? Time for color. Use a 4" roller to apply two coats of navy paint, gently removing all tape after completing the second coat.
4. Wait until the navy paint is thoroughly dry before beginning the turquoise stripes. To make them, apply a strip of tape along the right-hand edge of each navy stripe, taking care to place the tape exactly on the edge of the blue. Use the level to apply another strip with its left-hand edge 1½" (the width of the turquoise stripes) away. Seal down the edges of each tape strip with your cardboard-covered razor blade. Now repeat, working your way around the room. When you're finished taping, use a small roller or brush to apply the turquoise paint in two coats, carefully peeling up the tape after the second coat.
5. After the paint has dried thoroughly—overnight, for best results—use a tiny paintbrush (a size 3 artist's brush works well) to smooth any feathered lines or fill in dots of cream where the navy meets the turquoise. Allow to dry completely.