Painted Stripes

       Painted stripes using a flat and a satin finish create an elegant look for a dining room or a focal area. The satin sheen stripes capture the light and reflect a beautiful soft glow.  For those of us who have 8 ft. ceilings this is a great way to create an illusion of height to the room.

        Prep your area first, cover floors, remove pictures, move furniture, repair walls if necessary.
Apply two coats of flat latex paint in the color of your choice. Use a good quality paint.
   
       Once the paint is fully dried measure out the stripes, in this case they were 4 in. wide. I use a 4 ft. level to lightly pencil in lines for the tape. Tape off your lines on both sides of the each stripe. Every other stripe will be taped. Use a low tack tape so the paint does not get pulled off the wall when removing. Use a 1 1/2 in. wide tape.
   
      When the taping is completed apply a clear satin urethane to all the bare stripes using a brush to cut in top and bottom and then a small roller. The roller cover should be lint free and a 1/4 in. nap.  Apply a small even amount to the roller and gently roll on the wall, a second coat may be required. Remove excess urethane so it does not drip all over when rolling. Let this finish completely dry and then remove your tape being very careful not pull up your work.

      This is a great weekend project which may require two people with a supply of patience. Measuring and taping use up most of the time, the painting goes rather quick. Have fun!