The launch of the Coral & Dulux Colour of the Year 2023, Wild Wonder™ gives you the perfect opportunity to start a new decorating project. If you fancy a change from plain coloured walls, why not try experimenting with something a little bit different, like this checkerboard effect? It is easy to achieve with our step-by-step guide and will make a dramatic statement in any room. Ready to get started? Here is how to get the look…
What you'll need:
- 1L tin of each of your chosen paint colours
- Paint stirrers
- x1 large roller and tray
- x1 small roller and tray
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Scissors
- String
- Keys
- Chalk
- Masking tape
- Spirit level
Step 1: Paint base colour
Apply two coats of your background colour, using a roller to cover a large surface area. Observe 4 hours between coats. Depending on the state of the wall, one coat of a primer may be needed before the background colour.
Step 2: Measure and mark the vertical stripes
Work out how wide you want the checks and the vertical stripes to be, then measure and mark sections at the top of the wall, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Step 3: Use chalked string to make a guideline
Cut a long length of string and, using masking tape, stick one end to the first mark at ceiling height. Attach keys to the other end to act as a weight, so the string hangs vertically. Cover the string with chalk and ping it against the wall to make a chalk guideline. Repeat for the other vertical lines.
Step 4: Mask
Apply masking tape to the edges of your stripes, using your chalked lines as guidelines.
Step 5: Apply paint with a small roller
Next, using a small roller, carefully paint your chosen contrasting colour inside the masked up vertical lines. Remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet, then leave to dry completely.
Step 6: Paint the horizontal stripes
Repeat the process you used for the vertical stripes. This time, secure your string at both sides of the wall, using a spirit level to make sure it’s straight. Then cover with chalk and ‘ping’ to create horizontal guidelines. Mask, paint and leave to dry.
That’s it! Now step back and take in your transformation.
