DIY Zebra Wall Decor

Among the beautiful patterns found in nature, the distinctive black-and-white stripes of the zebra are one of the most striking. While scientists can’t agree on why zebras have their stripes, decorators easily concur that the bold, irregular stripes give a dramatic appeal. Paint zebra stripes on a wall using painter’s tape and any two contrasting colors. Remember that dark paint colors can be difficult to cover later, so paint your zebra stripes over a layer of plain wallpaper. This way, you can simply remove the wallpaper for future redecorating projects.

Drop cloth
Sponge
Dishwashing liquid
Light paint color
Roller and tray or brush
Painter’s tape
Dark paint color
Thin brush

Instructions

- 1
  Lay down the drop cloth below the area to be painted.
- 2
  Wipe away any dirt or dust from the surface of the wall using a damp sponge and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Rinse the sponge, and then remove all traces of soap with clean water.
- 3
  Paint the wall with a solid layer of light-colored paint using the roller or brush. Allow the paint to dry, and then apply a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry.
- 4
  Clean the brush or roller, and set it aside.
- 5
  Apply strips of painter’s tape to the wall in an irregular stripe pattern. Rip the tape sections in half, lengthwise, to get a ragged, natural appearance. Study photos of zebras for inspiration.
- 6
  Apply dark paint to the wall between the painter’s tape using a cleaned brush or roller. Allow the dark paint to dry, reapply a second coat, and then allow it to dry. Peel away the painter’s tape.
- 7
  Touch up as needed using a small brush loaded with dark paint.

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