painting techniques for creative finishes

Using Paint To Create A Wallpaper Look

21 April 2015 by Bradley Davis

If you're like many people, you have an accent wall in your home that needs updating, but you don't necessarily have the budget to go all out with the latest trends. However, with stencils and paint, you can create any look you desire. This guide explains how to paint your wall to make it look like a professional wallpaper job, with just a few supplies.

Step 1: Choose Your Design and Gather Your Materials

Go to the home improvement store and select a geometric shape stencil. Other materials you need include:

• cardboard
• scissors
• painters tape
• pencil
• 1 gallon of semi-gloss wall paint
• 1 pint of high-gloss wall paint in a lighter color
• paint roller
• paint tray
• acrylic paint brush
• tarp

If you can't decide on color combinations, these work well:

• dark gray/light gray or silver
• white with blue, red, yellow or pink
• red/light or dark gray

Step 2: Transfer the Stencil to Cardboard

Place the stencil on the cardboard and use the pencil to draw a line around the outside of it. Then cut out the new stencil.

Step 3: Paint the Wall

Use the painters tape to section off any areas that you don't want paint on. Don't forget these areas:

• ceiling
• baseboards
• adjacent walls
• window sills

Lay the tarp against the wall on the floor.

Pour some of the paint from the gallon container into the paint tray and paint the entire wall with the paint roller.

Wait a couple hours for the paint to dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Draw the Design on the Wall

Place the cardboard stencil on one of the top corners of the wall. Use the pencil to trace around the stencil.

Move the stencil over to line up with the edge of your pencil mark and trace it again. Repeat this step all the way down the wall.

Step 5: Paint the Design

Grab your acrylic paintbrush and paint over the pencil lines with the lighter shade of paint.

Give the paint some time to dry and apply another coat of lighter paint if you desire a bolder color.

Plan to spend a few hours creating your new accent wall in your living room, dining room or bedroom. This project is also great for entryway walls or hallways. When you're finished, you'll have a wallpaper look without the hassle of having to remove it if you sell your home down the road.

For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, contact Kucker Haney Paint Co. or a similar company.

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