Do-It-Yourself Awning Stripe

Few decorative elements evoke Americana in business districts more than awnings. In fact, back in the 19th- and 20th centuries, awnings were so commonplace in large cities that shoppers could walk for full blocks by moving from one shopkeeper’s awning to the next, safely shielded from the sun, wind, rain and other elements the entire way. Today, awnings are enjoying a resurgence, and not just on storefronts, but also on homes. If you want to replicate the striped awnings that once dotted the American streetscape, get ready for a fun and relatively simple afternoon project.

Lint-free cloth
Latex (non-yellowing) polyurethane

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out the awning on a large, flat surface, such as a driveway or a garage. Secure the edges with heavy objects, such as bricks, to keep the awning flat while you work.
- 2
  Wipe the awning with a lint-free cloth soaked in warm water to be sure it is free of dirt and debris.
- 3
  Draw lines on the canvas where you want the stripes to be. Consider the traditional 2-inch-wide stripes, with every other color being white or off-white. More modern striped awnings feature wider colored stripes of 4 to 6 inches and thinner white or off-white stripes.
- 4
  Roll out painter’s tape, following the lines to expose where you will paint the lighter-colored stripes.
- 5
  Brush on the lighter-colored paint with a small roller brush. Let the first coat dry and then apply a second coat.
- 6
  Gently remove the painter’s tape.
- 7
  Roll out the painter’s tape and follow your penciled lines to leave exposed where you will paint the darker-colored stripes.
- 8
  Brush on the darker-colored paint with the small roller brush. Let the first coat dry and then apply a second coat.
- 9
  
  Striped awnings on homes exude warmth and coziness.
  
  Apply two or three coats of non-yellowing, latex polyurethane to the awning if it is made of polyester, acrylic or shade cloth to seal the paint. As an option, consider what’s known as “marine” or exterior varnish; it, too, will protect your awning from the elements.

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