DIY Triangles on Textured Walls

With the baby coming in 8 short weeks (EEK!) it's time to get moving with getting the boys' "new" room ready. I vowed to paint it before we moved them in. Lucky us, the playroom/their new bedroom was already white. Therefore, we didn't need to put a bazillion coats of primer on, like we did with the living room.

Note: Still apply one coat of primer in your primer color before completing any other steps. Whites never, ever seem to match each other.

This post is very image heavy, as I provide the painting steps in simple format via images first; then further explain below. If you haven't already, take a look at my tips for crisp, clean lines and designs on textured walls, that I posted earlier this week.

Step 1: Tape

First, you need to tape off the wall edges and your trim. Then, you can start doing your triangles. It helps to have 2-4 lines that span the length or width of the wall to get you started. Then it's a lot like connect the dots (except it's lines).

I chose to do triangles instead of squares because me and the leveler are not the best of buds. It wasn’t necessarily faster for me to do the random geometric triangles than to do precise squares, but that’s probably due more to my inexperience than anything.  Depending on how many triangles you want, how big or small you want them, and the size of your wall; your time frame will vary. I worked on it off and on over a week.

Step 2: Caulk

After reading about how caulking tape on textured walls could solve the bleeding problem that I was dreading; I knew I had to try it. It works and it's worth the hassle. I say that because, if you're doing it alone, it can be quite tedious and time consuming; especially in this case where there's lots of lines.

My advice is to grab a partner and have them squirt along the lines, while you follow behind and smooth with your fingers. Apparently, paintable silicone caulk is best.

Optional Step 3 & 3.5: Prime & Tape for Duo Tone

For good measure (and because I didn't caulk all of the lines, because my husband convinced me I didn't need to...he was wrong), I went ahead and primed over the whole thing before getting into the actual painting. One coat should do.

Also, if you're doing more than one color of triangles (I did two), you'll want to tape the triangles of the second color off now, too.

Step 4 & 5: Paint

Using a paint roller with minimal paint (still being cautious of running paint, just in case) apply 2-3+ coats of paint, until you're satisfied. Allow to dry between each coat.

If painting more than one color, remove taped off triangles you want to differentiate from initial color and repeat step 4.

Step 6: Remove Tape

Remove all your tape and admire your handiwork! If needed, touch up with a foam brush. I had a few spots where the caulk came off with the tape.

If your walls are not textured, you could easily follow this tutorial, eliminating the caulking and probably the primer, too.

Love it? Pin It!

Subscribe via E-mail

Follow Me

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest