How to Harlequin Paint a Wall

A harlequin is a masked clown or buffoon who wears diamond-patterned clothing. Harlequin wall painting is done by repeating a diamond pattern on a surface. Although the colors traditionally used are black and white, any combination that complements your decor is appropriate and can range from boldly contrasting hues to very subtle variations in color or texture. The process is simple but requires a high degree of attention to detail. Plan to take a couple of days to harlequin paint a wall.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Drop cloths
• Painter's tape
• Paint rollers or brushes
• Clear glaze

Instructions

1. Decide on your diamond design. Choose two different colors. Very bold colors will dominate the room. Neutral colors will create a calm atmosphere. Decide on how large the diamonds will be. The height of the diamond should be twice the width.

2. 

   Paint the wall the lighter of the two colors. Let dry thoroughly. Protect the floor with drop cloths.

3. 

   Use a chalk line or a pencil and straight edge to mark the lines you'll put painter's tape along. Start with one set of parallel, diagonal lines. If you're doing more than one wall in the room, make sure the diamond patterns match up as you go around corners.

4. Mark off the diagonal lines in the opposite direction with the chalk line or pencil and painter's tape that will form the completed diamonds.

5. 

   Apply the painter's tape along the lines. Paint along the edges of the tape with the base coat or clear glaze to seal the edges and prevent color bleed.

6. 

   Start in one corner and paint the diamond pattern within the tape with the second color paint. Skip a diamond, leaving it the base color, and paint the next. Continue until the room is finished. Paint an additional coat if necessary.

7. Let the paint dry thoroughly and then carefully remove the painter's tape by pulling it away from the wall downward and at a diagonal. Touch up any flaws.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a light hand when drawing pencil lines because any that show through the paint will have to be erased. Using high gloss paint with a semi-gloss or flat base paint will add texture. Create a border around the top of the room with smaller diamonds. Use three or more colors for a more elaborate pattern.

Resources

• How to Choose Paint Colors
• Choosing the Right Paint Brushes