Painting an accent wall is a straightforward way to add a pop of color and personality to any room.
Painting an accent wall involves selecting the right wall and color, preparing the surface, and applying the paint carefully.
Steps to Paint an Accent Wall
Follow these steps to successfully paint an accent wall:
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Choose Your Accent Wall and Color
- Select a wall that you want to highlight, such as the wall behind a sofa or bed.
- Choose a paint color that complements your existing decor but stands out from the other walls. Consider using a bold color, a deeper shade of an existing color, or even a textured finish.
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Prepare the Area
- Remove all furniture from the vicinity of the wall, or move it to the center of the room and cover it with drop cloths.
- Protect your floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
- Remove switch plates and outlet covers.
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Clean the Wall Surface
- Clean the wall thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and cobwebs. A damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution works well.
- Repair any holes or imperfections in the wall with spackle, sand smooth, and wipe away dust.
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Tape Off Edges
- Use painter's tape to carefully tape along the edges where the accent wall meets the ceiling, adjacent walls, baseboards, and door/window frames. Press the tape firmly to ensure a tight seal and prevent paint bleed.
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Prime the Wall (Conditional)
- Priming is an important step, especially depending on the color change you are making.
- According to part of a YouTube video titled "How to Paint an Accent Wall," priming your accent wall is especially important if you're going from a dark to light paint because "you don't want the darker surfaces to come through."
- However, the same reference notes that priming may not be as crucial if you're going from light to dark.
- Apply a thin, even coat of primer if necessary based on your color change. Allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Paint the Wall
- Start by "cutting in," which means using an angled brush to paint along the edges and trim that you taped off.
- Once the edges are done, use a roller to apply paint to the main part of the wall. Work in small sections, rolling the paint on in a "W" or "M" pattern to ensure even coverage, then fill in the pattern.
- Apply a second coat if needed, allowing the first coat to dry completely according to the paint can instructions (usually 2-4 hours).
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Remove Tape
- Carefully remove the painter's tape while the paint is still slightly wet or after it has completely dried. Pulling the tape when it's partially dry can sometimes lift paint.
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Clean Up
- Gather all drop cloths, cleaning supplies, and paint cans.
- Clean your brushes and rollers immediately after use.
- Re-install switch plates and outlet covers.
- Move furniture back into place.
By following these steps, you can successfully transform a wall in your room into a vibrant accent feature.
