How to Paint Stripes

Hello! I finally have a proper post about my striped wall. You may have seen glimpses of it already, but I wanted to share clear photos, helpful tips, and a before-and-after approach so you can tackle stripes with confidence.

If you’ve never painted stripes before, here’s a simple tip that helps create crisp, clean lines.

Start by planning your stripe layout carefully. Measure and level each stripe so the pattern looks straight and balanced. Uneven stripes are one of the most obvious mistakes and can be distracting, so take your time with this step.

In addition to measuring and leveling, there are two practical steps that make the finish look professional.

First, use a high-quality painter’s tape. I recommend Frog Tape for best results—press it down firmly along the edges to ensure a tight seal.

Second, seal the tape with the base color before applying the stripe color. This extra step prevents the new paint from seeping under the tape and blurring the lines.

Painting Stripes: A Quick How-To

Begin by painting the wall the base color you want. For example, I used Studio Taupe from Behr All In One as my base, a warm brown-gray that coordinated with the rest of the room. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly.

Once the base is dry, measure and mark the stripe positions. Use a level to keep everything straight, and apply your Frog Tape carefully, pressing it down to secure the edges.

Before applying the contrasting stripe color, paint the base color over the tape edges where the stripe paint will go. This “sealing” coat fills any tiny gaps and locks the tape to the wall with the same base color. After this coat dries, paint your stripe color—like a semi-gloss white—over the sealed tape. Remove the tape while the stripe paint is still slightly wet for the cleanest edge.

There are many detailed guides available that cover layout, spacing, and technique—it’s worth researching tips and examples before you begin.

With careful measuring, good tape, and the simple step of sealing the tape with the base color, you’ll be able to paint crisp, professional-looking stripes.