How to Paint a Color Block Accent Wall

Color blocking is the technique of marking off zones on a wall and painting them in different colors. It’s a great way to bring new life to a room, and it’s easy to achieve. Learn how to paint a color block accent wall in this Ace Hardware video:

Wall Prep: In the room featured in this video, the chair rail was removed carefully, and the ridge between the two colors was scraped and sanded. All walls were painted white, one of which will become the color block wall.

Add Lines: On your color block wall, you can use a laser level to project the line on the wall, or you can use a chalk line. If you use a chalk line, extend it out a bit and flick it and get all the excess chalk off so it doesn’t impede your painting the wall. Pull out a nice straight line, snap it, and then put painter’s tape along that line. You’ll apply the contrasting color beneath.

Choosing Color: Use peel-and-stick paint samples or apply a small amount of the paint you’re thinking of using on the wall. Look at it at different times during the day and make sure you like it before you commit to painting the entire wall.

Add First Color: Apply two coats of the first paint color. Remove the tape before the paint is dry for a clean line.

Add Second Color: In order to get the next block, switch the tape onto what you just painted to create the new line (paint must be dry before adding tape). Apply two coats of the second paint color.