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

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.