Smart and Snappy Stripes

Stripes

Here’s my decorative painting technique where you really earn your stripes and it’s so
versatile you could change the color, the finish, even the direction of the stripes. Ordinary
stripes, no way. I’m going to paint parchment finish stripes over a lighter parchment
finish but feel free to experiment with different techniques.

For stripes you need a pink tray, 2 colors of latex paint preferably in the same tonality or
color family. Mix one part paint, one part water and one part latex glaze. You also need 2
inch China bristle brushes and one 4 inch China bristle brush, a tape measure, a level a
water color pencil, easy release painter’s tape and a cheese cloth.

I like to start with lighter undertones because it’s easier to add color and then take it
away. Be careful when you’re measuring and marking off your stripes. I use a water color
pencil and a level because straight lines are critical. You can see I’m adding stripes to the
wall but I have already changed it with a parchment finish. Remember that technique if
not find it on the screen and click for refresher.

Stripes are something that you really don’t want to mess up in your painting so I like to
put a piece of paper on the stripes that I’m using. I use this painter’s tape because it lifts
up easily and won’t run the finish underneath. Make double sure that tape is nice and
straight and then seal it with your fingers or dry cloth. Now there are lines in a arrow let’s
bow.

I’m using the same colors for the stripes but I did on the parchment finish. The second
layer will turn out a lot darker, start with a few swipes of each color and then spread it
around with a damp cheesecloth and rounded amoeba type movements then dab, dab, dab
to blend any blur lines.

I like to pull the tape off right away so like if there’s any breathing underneath the tape
we could just take a rag and wipe it right off, beautiful when the finish is completely dry
remove the water color pencil with a damp cloth and we’re done.

I love this finish as is but if you want to dress it up a little bit you can add a pin stripe or
some stencil classic.