Twice as nice: Step-by-step tips for painting a room two colors

October 10, 2024 at 09:17 AM EDT

(BPT) - If your walls could talk, what would the paint color say about you? You're bold? Calm? Sophisticated? Whatever the answer would be, painting a wall multiple colors is an affordable, yet impactful, way to uniquely express your personality. A two-toned wall is an interior design technique that utilizes two paint colors on the same wall, allowing you to express your individual style and add dimension to a flat surface. No matter your comfort or skill level, follow these steps to achieve professional-level results and showcase your creativity.

Prepare to paint: To get ready for painting, gather all necessary supplies, like a drop cloth, primer, a paintbrush, a roller and painter's tape. Remove as much furniture as possible, covering any large items with a tarp. Using a sponge, wipe the walls with warm soapy water, then repair any cracks or holes with putty and sand the surface smooth. If you're painting over a dark color, apply a primer as a base coat to ensure an even foundation.
Measure and mark: To create a dynamic color-blocking effect on your walls, start by determining where the colors will meet and mark the spot with a pencil or chalk, using a straight edge for precision. Color blocking can be executed horizontally or vertically, or with additional creative options like diagonals or geometric patterns. A horizontal scheme splits the wall, making the room feel longer, while a vertical approach enhances the sense of height and openness, especially in open floor plans.
Apply painter's tape: Regardless of your chosen approach, using painter's tape, such as FrogTape^® brand painter's tape, is essential for achieving clean lines. It's treated with exclusive PaintBlock^® Technology to seal tape edges and prevent paint bleed - critical in this type of project. Apply the tape along the marked line to create sharp edges where each color begins and ends. Use a firm plastic tool to eliminate gaps and seal edges. And, be sure to tape adjacent surfaces, including baseboards, ceilings and walls.
Paint the light color: To achieve full coverage, apply the light base color one coat at a time, starting by "cutting in" along the tape with a paintbrush and then using a roller to fill in the rest of the section. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, using as many coats as needed for the desired look.
Paint the dark color: After completing the light color, repeat the painting process by cutting in along the tape with small brush strokes and using a roller to fill in the rest of the section. Keep adding coats until you achieve the finished product you have in mind.
Remove the painter's tape: For best results, remove the tape while the paint is still wet, pulling slowly at a 45-degree angle to reveal a room that pops with personality.

Two-tone walls can transform a space to reflect your style with just a simple change. With the right supplies, techniques and color selections, you can create a look that you're proud of, regardless of your skill level. For more step-by-step project tutorials, tips and tricks and creative inspiration, visit FrogTape.com.