| Freehand Wall Stripes |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-707 |
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Q: Do you have any ideas for decorating the walls of my 7-year-old daughter's bedroom?? A: (from Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert) I have a fun and easy project that offers a great way to add a personalized touch to a wall. Depending on the colors used, the design can be traditional, whimsical -- as seen here in figure A -- or just plain fun. Here's how to do it: - If your wall isn't already painted the desired color, select a shade that will work well with the colors you'll use for the stripes and accent design.
For the wall shown here, soft beige is selected for the background. When you buy the paint, ask for matte-finish latex. Though a matte finish isn't usually the best choice for wall color, here it provides a flat background that allows the satin finish of the stripes to stand out. (The idea is to create the appearance of shiny ribbons.) Choose a brush that has the same width you'd like for your stripes. Here the brush width is about 1-1/4" (figure B). - For the stripes and accent design, purchase semigloss latex in each of the colors you'll need. To avoid overwhelming the room with your pattern, don't go overboard with bold, extra-vivid hues.
If, however, you decide to use the stripes on only a portion of a wall -- beneath a chair rail, for example -- your colors can be stronger without dominating the space. Tip: All stripes don't have to be the same color -- multicolor stripes would work well in a variety of room styles. - Using a pencil and a level with a ruler on the side (figure C), lightly mark the starting point of each stripe along the top edge of the wall, making sure the points are evenly spaced.
To prevent your design from becoming too "busy" and unsettling to the eye, space the stripes at least 10" to 12" apart. Tip: Although these stripes are intended to have a hand-applied, freeform look, the bottom point of each stripe should line up fairly close to its top / starting point. If you're worried that your lines may slant too much, mark corresponding points along the bottom of the wall as well. - Dip the tip of your brush into the color you've chosen for the stripes. Beginning at the first mark, brush on a wavy line (figure D) that extends down the entire length of the wall. Leave gaps about four inches long at random intervals in the stripes (figure E). These spaces will be filled with your accent design.
As you apply the paint, the coverage will become thinner as you reach the end of a line. Keeping with the line of the stripe, brush additional paint over any see-through areas to achieve consistent coverage. - Once your stripes are in place, use smaller brushes to paint your accent designs in the spaces within each stripe (figure F). A three-color flower design (figure G) is featured here, but a variety of designs would work well for this application -- ballet slippers, moons and stars, nautical objects ... even your child's handprint!
Just use your imagination and choose something that complements the room's decor. - Once your accent designs have dried, add details to the pattern with paint pens for a special finishing touch. Here, Golden uses black and white to add dotted centers and petal folds to her flowers (figure H).
Once you're satisfied with the look of your pattern, all that's left to do is sit back and admire your beautiful handiwork!
RESOURCES :
Painting Skills
ISBN: 1842154109
Author: Mike Lawrence
Order this title from Amazon.com.
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