How to Paint Stripes on Walls
Without Taping

This tutorial will teach you how to paint stripes without taping the walls. Read on to see 5 fast and easy ways to stripe a wall...

NOTE: Apply a coat of base paint color first, and let it dry before following the instructions below. And don't worry if the lines are not perfectly straight; these are hand-painted finishes, not wallpaper, and they are supposed to have character.

How to Paint Stripes
- the Lazy Person's Way -

Hand-Painted Wall Stripes

Measure and mark your stripes using a plumb line, a measuring tape and a pensil (see "Painting Vertical Stripes" to learn how). For a charming, hand-painted look, simply paint the stripes on the wall using an angled brush, starting at the edges and filling in. It works best to start at the top and paint in about 12-inch sections.

If necessary, apply a second coat after the first is thoroughly dry.

Roller-Painted Wall Stripes

This paint striping technique is done with a roller that is the same size as the stripes. First, measure and mark the stripe pattern on the walls.

Then roll on the paint using the mark lines as a guide for your roller path. Paint one stripe at a time, stopping and touching up the areas under the ceiling and above the baseboards with a brush.

The finish will look best if you choose 2 different shades of the same color.

Dry-Brushed Freehand Wall Stripes

Now this method is a little messy, so you'll have to tape off the ceiling, baseboards and trim if you don't want to get any paint on them. Measuring and marking is optional here.

Using a stiff dragging brush that has been dipped into paint and wiped off (in other words, a semi-dry brush), run it up and down the marked lines. For the best results, use a brush that is the same width as your stripes.

Multi-Color Wall Stripes

This tri-roller technique is very messy, so make sure to protect the surfaces not to be painted!

You'll need a special roller and tray that allows you to use 3 colors at once (the tray will be divided into 3 departments). Here's how to paint stripes in 3 colors all at once: fill one of the departments with the base color, and the other two with 2 different accent stripe colors (put the lightest color in the center). Then use the roller technique described above to roll on the stripes.

Combed or Squeegee-Dragged Wall Stripes

To get this look, you will need a special dragging comb or a squeegee that has been cut with a pattern. It's hard to get straight lines on full-sized walls using this method, but it's very easy from a chair rail down. Protect the ceiling and baseboards before starting.

Mix a colored glaze (2 parts latex paint, 2 parts water-based clear glaze, 1 part water) and apply it with a roller - just over twice as wide as the squeegee or the comb.

Starting at one corner and using a steady hand, place the dragging tool of your choice at the top and pull through the glaze. Wipe the excess glaze off the tool. Then pull it through the next section.

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