How To Paint a Gingham Wall
Updated: Jul. 14, 2021Like the idea of a patterned accent wall, but don't want to mess with wallpaper? Try this easy tutorial on how to paint a gingham wall.
Gather your supplies
- Base paint color
- Stripe paint color
- Mixing glaze medium
- Cup or mixing tray
- Painter’s tape
- Brush or small roller
- Grid paper
- Tape measure
- Pencil and eraser
- Level
Start with the base
Paint the wall with the base color and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Plan your pattern
Measure the wall and determine the stripe pattern. Find a number that the height and width measurements are evenly divisible by, and this will become your stripe width. For this example, I used 6-in. stripes. Grid paper can be helpful to draw out your design and to use as a guide for which areas to paint.
Tape your lines
Make small pencil marks using a tape measure to map out your horizontal lines on the wall. Then tape these lines with painter’s tape, remembering to tape on the outside of each area to be painted. Use a level as you go to check for straight lines. Erase any visible pencil lines before painting. Watch this video for quick tips on using painter’s tape.
Mix the glazing medium and paint color
This ratio will vary depending on the brand of glazing medium, paint color and desired effect. It is helpful to mix small amounts and test them on a sturdy paper first to choose your desired ratio. For this example, I mixed one part latex paint to three parts glazing medium.
Paint horizontal stripes
Paint a thin coat of the mixture within the horizontal stripes on the wall. A small roller will provide an even, consistent look, while a paintbrush may leave some brush lines and a weathered, hand painted look. Use caution, as the mixing glaze will likely make the mixture thin and prone to drips.
Remove tape and let dry
Peel off the tape immediately after painting and let it dry for 24 hours. Cover the paint mixture and brush. Watch this quick video for tips on storing your brush overnight.
Tape off next set of lines
After allowing enough dry time, mark and tape the vertical stripes the same way that you did the horizontal lines.
Paint the last set of stripes
Paint the vertical lines and, again, remove the tape immediately after painting. Let everything dry and enjoy your accent wall!
