How to Use Masking Tape to Make Designs on the Wall

Masking tape and paint can transform any bare wall in your house into a masterpiece. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars hiring an interior decorator or painter. Create your own wall design. Simply use masking tape and paint. Decorate it yourself in one day for half the cost. Enlist the help of a friend or family member. Brighten up a kid's room with a fun geometrical design or use muted colors and strips in the dining room.

Things You'll Need

• Latex paints Sponges Masking tape Ruler Chalk line

Instructions

1. Draw your design on paper to begin. Decide what kind of design you want. It could be geometric shapes like diamonds, squares or triangles. Draw it out so you have a pattern to follow when working on the wall.

2. Use a chalk line to transfer the design you want to the wall. A chalk line will leave a straight mark on the wall just by snapping it. Have someone hold one end of the chalk line while you hold the other. Snap the line to make a straight mark on the wall. Continue this until you have the design you want marked off.

3. Place masking tape over the chalk marks on the wall. Use a credit card to smooth down the masking tape so it flushes against the wall. If the tape isn't snug on the wall, some of the paint can go underneath it. That can cause smudges.

4. Pour a small amount of paint on paper plates. Dip one end of the sponge into the paint. Tap off excess paint. To paint one section, press the sponge onto the wall inside the masking tape. Gently press the sponge around creating a soft area of color. If more paint is needed, dip the sponge in the paint again and tap off the excess. Continue pressing the sponge along the sections marked off with tape until you like how it looks. For added dimension, add one or two more colors over the first one.

5. Let the paint dry overnight. Gently remove the tape by peeling it back. When it's removed, it will leave markings. You will have a professional looking paint job.