Painting Suggestions for Adjoining Walls

Same Color

• Painting two adjoining walls the same color is the easiest way to complete the job. Because both walls will appear the same, this task does not require you to be careful in the corner. You can paint the majority of each wall with a roller, and then touch up the corner between the walls with a paint brush. Apply paint in the corner sparingly so it doesn't drip and run down the crack.

Contrasting Colors

• One different-colored wall in a room, often referred to as an "accent wall," can improve the look of the space. The accent wall should be a contrasting, complementary color to the other colors in the room. To play it safe, select the color of the accent wall from the same color swatch as the other walls, using a lighter or darker shade of the same color. If you are risky, use a completely different color, such as a blue accent wall in a yellow room.

Preparation

• When painting two adjoining walls in different colors, place painting drop cloths around the floor, and prepare the wall for painting by washing it, touching up nail holes and sanding any bumps. Paint one wall first, then allow it to dry for the number of hours indicated on the paint can. Ensure that one wall is dry before you begin to paint the second wall.

Method

• Once the first wall is dry, carefully place a long strip of painter's tape on it so that one edge of the tape sits precisely in the corner between the two walls. Buy a high-end painter's tape to avoid the paint bleeding. Paint the other wall with a roller, and use a brush in the corner. Once the second wall's paint dries, slowly pull up the painter's tape. Fix any imperfections with a fine paintbrush.