Want to know my secret pro tip to paint horizontal stripes without bleeding? I have a hack that most people don’t know about when it comes to painting perfect horizontal stripes. Keep reading and I’ll unveil my Pro secret.
Imagine walking into a bathroom that feels like a serene seaside escape—with a soft white background and deep blue stripes echoing waves of the ocean.
When my client decided to give her bathroom a coastal refresh, painting horizontal stripes on the walls was the perfect solution.
Not only do horizontal stripes visually expand the space, but they also add a chic, beachy vibe without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to transform your bathroom into a coastal retreat, let me guide you through the step-by-step process!
More importantly, achieve the perfect striped design for a coastal-themed bathroom. Grab your step-by-step guide and supply list now!
Coastal-themed bathroom with bold blue and white horizontal stripes, creating a spacious, beachy vibe with simple DIY paint techniques
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before getting started, I made a list of everything needed. Here’s what I used:
Low tack Painter’s tape (This is a must for clean, crisp lines! I recommend this one for its strong adhesion without damaging the walls.)
Paint in two contrasting colors (We chose a Blod Colbert blue and a classic white.)
A level and measuring tape (Trust me, these are your best friends for keeping stripes straight.)
A pencil (Lightly marking your stripes ensures perfection.)
Paint rollers and brush (The zebra paintbrush is my favorite brush to use.)
Drop cloths (You don’t want paint where it doesn’t belong!)
Step stool or Ladder (in case you need one)
Sparkle: (to fill in any holes)
Painters Glove (to protect your hands)
Shop my recommended Décor: https://www.amazon.com/shop/cherylphan?ref=ac_inf_hm_vp
I’ve included links to the exact products I used, so you can get started today.
Step 2: Choose Your Colors
Coastal bathrooms thrive on a palette inspired by the sea. Think soft blues, sandy neutrals, or even bold navy paired with crisp white. I suggest using a semi-gloss finish for its durability and easy-to-clean surface—perfect for bathrooms.
Pro tip: Grab some samples of paint and test your colors. The way light hits your walls can change how the colors appear.
Step 3: Prep Your Walls
Prepping might not be glamorous, but it’s essential. Start by cleaning the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grease. Then, fill in any holes or cracks with Spackle, sand them smooth, and apply a coat of primer if needed. A smooth base ensures your stripes look professional.
While waiting for the walls to dry, I poured myself a cup of coffee and visualized how amazing this was going to look. It’s worth taking the time to do this right!
Step 4: Measure and Tape Your Stripes
This is where the magic happens! Use your measuring tape and level to mark the width of your stripes. I used the width of the tile for this project.
Or you could opt for stripes that were 10 inches wide—enough to make a statement without overwhelming the space.
Here’s a tip: DON’T draw a line, instead just make a little dot along the wall so you will know where to line up the tape
Don’t forget to mark which stripes you’re painting! I used a small piece of tape to remind myself which areas were blue, and which stayed white.
Pro Tip: Use low tack tape for the walls. If you use another tape, it could pull off the basic paint.
When you’re done measuring the room, here’s what it will look like. Before you start painting, step back and make sure all the tape is even, and all the strips are the same width.
You don’t want to paint the walls and find out you measure wrong. Believe me, it’s easy to make this mistake.
Don’t forget to mark which stripes you’re not painting! I used a small piece of tape to remind myself which areas were blue, and which stayed white.
My Secret to Painting Perfect Horizontal Stripes.
A lot of people don’t know this but you need to seal the tape with the base paint or you will have bleed through. Before painting the stripe, use your base paint to brush over the edges of the painter’s tape where the new color will go. This creates a seal that prevents any paint from bleeding underneath. This will ensure the perfect horizonal stripe.
It’s a simple step that ensures you get clean, crisp stripes every time!
Step 5: How to Paint Perfect Horizontal stripes
Now for the fun part—painting!
Begin by using a paintbrush to carefully paint the corners, ensuring all the edges are neat. Then, switch to a 9” roller to cover the larger areas.
Take it slow and steady—patience is the key to achieving those flawless, clean lines!
Step 6: Remove the Tape
This is where all your hard work pays off. Once the paint is dry to the touch (but not fully cured), slowly peel off the painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle.
You’ll reveal those crisp, professional-looking stripes that are so satisfying to see!
Coastal-themed bathroom with bold blue and white horizontal stripes, creating a spacious, beachy vibe with simple DIY paint techniques
Step 7: Style Your Coastal Bathroom
With your stripes done, it’s time to style! Add soft towels in matching colors, a light-up mirror, and a few seaside-inspired accents like a driftwood shelf or seashell decor.
I also recommend a natural jute rug to tie the look together.
If you’re inspired to create your own seaside retreat, don’t wait! Painting perfect horizontal stripes is easier than you think and makes a huge impact.
Now that you know how to paint perfect horizontal stripes pick a color and let’s get started. And when you’re done, Click here to shop my recommended Décor and start your coastal bathroom refresh.
Don’t forget to share your before-and-after photos—you might just inspire someone else to dive into their own DIY project!
Let me know how your project turns out—I’d love to see your transformation!
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Have Fun!
Cheryl
