How to Paint Stripe Combinations
in Multiple Colors and Widths

Looking for instructions and tips on how to paint stripe combinations on the walls using different colors and sizes? This tutorial will show you what's involved in creating complex paint striping patterns...

NOTE: if you need DIY instructions for basic 2-color, equal width horizontal and vertical stripes, see "Painting Vertical Stripes" and "How to Paint Horizontal Wall Stripes".

Before You Paint Stripes in Complex
Size and Color Combinations...

horizontal paint stripe combination

Keep in mind that most multiple stripe combinations will take you twice or even three times as long to do than regular, same-width stripe patterns.
Choose a pattern that you understand - it's easier to get lost and make mistake than you think. The more colors and stripe sizes in a pattern, the more complex it is.
Be prepared to do a LOT of planning, measuring, marking and taping - you need to have patience for decorative painting projects like this.
Devote at least 2 to 3 days to complete the project - that includes both actually working on the pattern, and the drying time between the layers. Rushing will result in peeling paint!
Remember that the base coat color will become one of the stripes - usually the widest stripe.

9 Steps to Complex
Paint Stripe Wall Patterns

vertical paint stripe combination

1. Find a stripe pattern that you like. You can look through decorating magazines, visit a fabric store for ideas and inspiration, or create your own.

2. Select complementing paint colors. The easiest way to do this is to pull the colors from your existing fabrics and accessories.

3. Take wall measurements (in inches). For vertical stripes, you'll need the perimeter of the room or the width of the wall(s) to be painted. For horizontal stripes, you'll need the height of the wall(s).

4. Determine the pattern's repeat (in inches). Then divide it into the wall measurement. If needed, tweak the size of the stripes to get an even number.

5. Plan the design for your stripes. Use graph paper and pensils to draw a full scale version of the pattern repeat. This will be your template.

6. Protect/mask the surfaces not to be painted and apply a base coat. When dry, aplly a second coat if needed. Wait 24 hours before continuing.

7. Measure and mark the pattern on the walls, using the graph paper template, a plumb line and pensil.

8. Tape off and paint the first stripe type. For example, tape off and paint all 3" stripes. If needed, apply a second coat when dry. Remove the tape carefully, while the paint is still wet. Wait 24 hours before continuing.

9. Repeat step #8 for all other stripe types in the pattern, one stripe type at a time.

accent paint stripes

As you can see, multiple paint stripe patterns are very time consuming and labor intensive (all that taping!).

But you don't have to stripe your entire room top to bottom (unless it's a small bathroom or a powder room). In fact, oftentimes it's better that you don't - because the result may get too busy/dizzy looking.

Instead, limit this pattern only to an accent wall, to a piece of furniture such as a dresser, or to the wall under the chair rail. This will produce a more controlled look.