How to Create a Stone Wall Effect

Apply a base coat of paint to the wall that you want to create the stone wall effect on. Apply as many coats as the manufacturer suggests and let the paint dry completely.

Place one edge of a carpenter's square along the top of the wall, starting at the left or right upper corner, and measure down to the depth that you want the stones. Make a very faint pencil line to mark the depth of the stone, then apply a strip of masking tape horizontally along this line taping all the way to the opposite side of the wall. Keep the tape parallel to the top of the wall. You should have a strip of masking tape running across the whole wall that is parallel to the top of the wall and the depth you want your stones to be.

Apply the masking tape, as deep as you want the stones to be, all the way to the bottom of the wall. You should now have a wall of horizontal masking tape strips.

Apply vertical strips of masking tape at intervals designating the length of the stones. Beginning with the space between the top of the wall and the first horizontal strip of masking tape, apply the strips at intervals along the length of the wall. The vertical strips of tape should touch the very top of the wall and overlap with the topmost horizontal strip of masking tape. Continue to apply strips of tape vertically between the other horizontal strips of tape in the same manner, ending at the bottom of the wall.

Open the can of latex paint and add the taupe and beige acrylic paints to it little by little until you are satisfied with the "stone" color. Pour a small amount of this paint mixture into a tray, close the can and set it out of the way to avoid spilling it. Load a 3-inch-wide paintbrush with the paint and apply the paint, one "stone" at a time, using twisting and stippling motions to create the look of real stone. Vary the pressure from stone to stone to achieve a realistic effect.

Remove the tape once the paint is completely dry. The areas that were taped now become the "mortar" between the "stones." If desired you can add more depth and realism to your "stone" wall with a small paintbrush and some of the acrylic paint, mixed with water.