• Stripes on your walls can add zing to a drab color. While not a simple task, painting stripes can be accomplished if executed with care. A few professional tips will help to alleviate potential problems and get you the best results. Plan ahead and make plenty of room to work to avoid spills and mishaps.
  
  

Tape Quality

• Use higher quality, low-tack painter's tape. The less expensive versions may look like they will work fine, but there are potential problems. The adhesive on cheaper tapes is more likely to pull off paint, the tape is more prone to leaks and it is more difficult to work with.
  
  

Applying Tape

• Work with a partner if you can, which allows you to stretch the tape over a long line and keep it straight. Use a level of at least 2 feet (and 4 feet for longer stripes) to get the straightest lines possible and keep them plumb. Burnish the tape with a rag. Rubbing the tape down keeps the edges tight on the surface, which decreases the possibility of bleeds.
  
  

Matte Medium

• Artist's acrylic matte medium is an ideal trick to get the very best edges. Paint a thin coat of the acrylic matte medium right onto your tape prior to painting the stripes. When you pull up the tape, there should be virtually no jagged edge due to bleeding. You can get the medium from art supply vendors.
  
  

Applying Paint

• Start thin. Don't use thick, heavy coats. You may be in a hurry to finish the job, but for superior results thinner coats are better. Not only do you reduce the chance of bleed through, but there also will be less texture to the surface of the paint and less chance of missed spots.