Painting Vertical Stripes on Walls

Use the techniques on this page to paint vertical stripes on walls. Instructions are for determining stripe widths, measuring, marking and painting two–toned or multi–colored stripes using equal or varied widths.

Finding a Stripe Width

If you want more than one stripe width choose the widest one first, you can then divide that into progressively smaller sizes to get as many different stripe widths as you want. Start by deciding on the width you would like your stripes to be and then measure the wall. Take note of the length in inches and divide that by the width you want for your stripes. This will give you the number of stripes that will fit on the wall.

Wall Length ÷ Stripe Width = Number of Stripes Across a Wall

Unless this results in a whole number, which is unlikely, there will be an odd stripe at the end of the wall. To avoid this the original width will have to be tweaked a bit to get equal stripes across the wall. For example, if you want 16 inch stripes on a 13ft–4½in or 160.5 inch wall the equation would be:

160.5 ÷ 16 = 10.03125 stripes

To get rid of that extra .03125 of a stripe first determine how many inches it represents by dividing it into the original width:

16 ÷ .03125 = 0.5 or 1/2 inch

Divide the one half inch of extra space by the number of stripes to distribute it equally between them:

0.5 ÷ 10 = 0.05 or 1/20th of an inch.

Add the 1/20th inch to the original 16 and mark a ruler or a 1x2 board with this length.

Varying Stripe Widths

To vary stripe sizes multiply or divide the final width by an even number. For example, to get wider stripes than the 16-1/20 inches above, multiple by 2 to get 32-1/10th inch stripes. To get smaller stripes divide your original number by 2 to get 8-1/40th inch stripes. Using even numbers as the variable for either equation will break the wall up into equal stripes that will fit into the available wall space. Use this method to divide the wall to any size stripes you want.

Painting the Walls

Check below for help with choosing your paint finish and colors. For all striping projects first paint all the walls with the lightest of the colors you plan to use. To make the job easier you can use the existing wall color for one of your stripes and choose a darker color to do a contrasting stripe. In any case, use the lightest color first and then progressively darker colors to paint each new set of stripes.

If you plan to paint your wall a new color, be sure to let the paint dry for a week or more before trying to do the stripes. When you're ready, mask the baseboards, ceiling and any window or door frames before marking and taping the walls.

Marking the Wall

Mark your measuring stick and begin measuring from one corner of the wall. Make a small pencil mark at this point just below the ceiling. Move down and mark the same distance from the corner, just above the baseboard.

Marking Equal Widths

To paint equal–width stripes use this first mark as the starting point for the next stripe and mark the wall with a second line.

Go across the wall like this, marking at the ceiling and the baseboard until reaching the next corner. If you're painting all the walls, move around the corner and continue the same method of measuring the wall and dividing it by your stripe width. Adjust the width if you want to make the stripes fit the new wall space and avoid a split stripe at the corner.

Varying Width

To vary size between two widths, mark the ruler with the two different sizes worked out in the math above and alternate them across the wall. Start with the smaller stripe and use the mark to start the second, wider stripe. Alternate like this across the wall.

To get multiple widths you can add the two sizes to get a third, wider one or divide to get smaller sizes. Use this method of halving and doubling the original width to create as many different sizes as you want.

Taping the Wall

Use "Delicate" masking tape to mask the stripes. This tape is specially made to be smoother than standard painter's tape for sharper lines.

Apply the tape so that two pencil marks are visible within the same space to be sure that all marks are covered with paint. Use one continuous piece of tape to join the ceiling and baseboard marks to insure no breaks in the masking.

Masking the Wall

To avoid accidental splatter onto the base color while painting the stripes, it should be covered with newspaper. This is not absolutely necessary but it will prevent any accidents that could ruin the striping effect. Fold the paper so it fits over the tape and each alternate space. Press gently on the wall tape to minimize the possibility of peeling.

Painting the Stripes

Paint the exposed spaces with the accent color making sure to cover the pencil marks. Use a sausage roller and work the paint into it well before applying it to the wall. Avoid using a very thick coat when rolling over the tape to minimize peeling.

If your accent color requires two coats to cover you should use flat latex. If you're using a semi–gloss or eggshell, try to use a color that will cover with just one coat.

Pulling the Tape Off

If you used shiny paint, pull the tape off before it can dry. These finishes create a plastic–like film when dry, that will not break along the tape line as it is removed. If you pull it while the paint is still wet, the tape should come off cleanly with little trouble, but pull slowly and watch for peeling. If this occurs go slower and use the point of a putty knife to break any paint film as you go.

If you used flat latex and you're doing two coats, use only a light coat over the tape with the first coat and let it dry completely before applying the second coat. After the second coat, pull the tape and newspaper off slowly. Watch for the edge of the coat to pull away from the wall with the tape. If it begins to peel, use a plastic credit card to gently hold the paint coat down at that point as you continue to slowly pull the tape.

Decide on the colors you want to use for your stripes. When you want a subtle effect that will blend into the background, use two slightly different shades of the same color. For example, two shades of a bone white done in very wide stripes can be largely unnoticeable but still add interest to the decor. For a bolder striping effect use more contrast in the colors or try brighter colors. Also using lots of small stripes or varied widths will make the effect more obvious.

Choosing Your Finish

Using flat latex paint for this project will make the job easier and help to prevent peeling. Flat latex is easier to touch up and won't form a film over the masking tape like shiny paints will. If you must use a semi–gloss or eggshell finish, pull the tape before it can dry to minimize the chance of peeling.

Making Taping Easier

As a method for automating marking there is a tool available that will make taping easier and more accurate. For about $50 you can get a custom–made taping guide. This device can be attached to a wall, providing a straight–edge to guide taping.

A ruled clamping system is integrated and with the addition of small levels, that may or may not be included, the guide can be set to make accurate measurements every time. It's only about 3 feet long so it will have to be moved down the wall at least once for each stripe, to tape from ceiling to floor. Using a second tool and attaching one at the ceiling and one at the floor would be quicker and easier. See this video link for a demonstration of this device.