Wavy Diagonal Stripes

    Wavy diagonal stripes add a little whimsey to a room and adds character. This is a hand painted design that's easy and fun. We chose the two walls by the day beds as a focal point. Three colors were used for this rag technique. First apply the base coat in an eggshell finish, I suggest two coats for the base, which is a med tone color.

   Once the base is dry apply the first glaze which is lightest color. The next glaze is the darker color. Choose colors which are in the same family and are a few shades darker from one another, so you have some contrast.

   The glaze formula for both colors are 1 part paint to 1 part glaze. Once the base coat has dried the first glaze is applied with a soft rag. The rag is painted with glaze and transferred to the walls using a 45 degree angle. TIP: Put a small amount of glaze into a paint tray and brush the glaze onto both sides of the rag. 

    Rap the painted rag around your fingers and draw the design on the wall producing a wavy pattern. Wear gloves so your hands stay clean from any paint. Apply the second glaze the same way but run the glaze in and out of the last glaze pattern. While the glaze is wet on the wall removing excess glaze is easy. Try to keep the pattern random. The diagonal stripes look best when there are various shades of a color popping up randomly. TIP: Try not to have a solid stripe, remove glaze in some spots and leave straight glaze in others. This will produce an interesting pattern.

   Remember to cover the floor with painters tarps and tape off the wood work. This is a free style
form of painting that can be a lot of fun. This technique will find the artist in you, enjoy!