How to Do a Decorative Border With Textured Paint

Lay a drop cloth down around the perimeter of the room, moving any furniture as necessary. Remove artwork and other wall decor as needed.

Plan the border. Measure down from the ceiling the desired width of the border and mark this with a pencil, holding a level underneath the pencil. With a level and a yard stick, continue this line down the wall, then apply painter’s tape along the line. Repeat this process with each additional wall in the room, ensuring the border lines up in each corner.

Plan your chair-rail border. Measure the height of the wall and divide this by three. This is approximately the height of the ideal chair rail for the room. Measure up from the ground this distance, and mark this point with a pencil, holding a level underneath. Measure up or down from this measurement 2 or more inches, depending on how thick you want the border to be, and mark this point using a pencil and level. Continue both lines down the wall with a level and yardstick. Repeat this process with each additional wall in the room, ensuring the border lines up in each corner.

Don a face mask and safety glasses. Sand the border area lightly, removing any sheen on the wall, but not the existing paint if the gloss is an added coat. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth and let this dry.

Ventilate the area. Apply one coat of interior primer to the border all the way around the room. Let this dry.

Mix the textured paint thoroughly. Apply the paint to a 4-foot section of the taped-off border with a roller. Let this sit for five minutes.

Create a decorative textured look by smoothing over the paint with a trowel, working it in various directions and at different angles until you have a look that you like. Use a metal comb to create zigzags, swirls or other looks, pressing it lightly into the damp paint without pushing all the way through to the wall.

Apply paint to the next 4-foot section, blending it with the wet edge of the last section, and repeat this process, working your way around the room. Let the textured paint cure for at least 24 hours.

Mix an interior paint in a color of your choice thoroughly. Apply the paint with a clean paint roller or brush. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second if necessary.

Remove the painter’s tape when the last coat is wet for a crisp line. Let the paint dry for 24 hours before putting furniture back in place.