How to Paint Zebra Stripes on Walls With Stencils

A zebra-striped wall can be a bold statement for a living room, a fun, jungle theme for a child's bedroom, or an edgy focal point in an office. You can use a stencil to create the stripes, and by working carefully, you can create a stunning design on your wall. You can purchase zebra stencils for wall use at craft stores, or online from a website specializing in stenciling supplies.

Drop cloths
Gentle cleaner
Sponge
Screwdriver
Primer
Paintbrushes and paint rollers
White paint
Painter's tape
Zebra stencil
Pencil
Black, or other color paint

Instructions

- 1
  Lay drop cloths along the base of the floor. Wash the wall with a gentle cleaner to remove any spots, dirt or sticky spots. Unscrew and remove light switch plates and electrical outlet covers.
- 2
  Cover the wall to be stenciled with primer. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours.
- 3
  Paint the wall white, using a good quality paintbrush or roller. Brush in even strokes all going the same direction. Let dry for 24 hours.
- 4
  Measure to the center of the wall being painted. Use painter's tape to position your zebra stencil in the middle of the wall. Carefully outline the zebra stripes using very light pencil marks. Move the stencil as needed to continue carefully outlining the stripes until the entire wall has been marked.
- 5
  Fill in the stripes with black paint, or other color if desired, using a small, good quality paint brush. The width of the brush will depend on the width of the stripes you are painting. Paint slowly and carefully, loading the brush with just enough paint to cover without dripping.
- 6
  Replace outlet and switch covers when wall is completely dry. You can paint outlet covers to match your painted walls if you want a matched look.

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