Checkerboard Chair Rail

		The checkerboard motif is a great way to add personality to any room. Use bold, bright colors to create energy and excitement. Try neutrals and monochromes to evoke a sense of calm. No matter what you want to express, ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape is your key to success.

TOOLS

ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape Advanced Delicate Surface with Edge-Lock™ Protector
Paints, brush, roller & tray
5-in-1 tool/putty knife
Tape measure
Pencil & level
Razor or sharp tool

PREPARATION

Plan the size of each square to be a multiple of the tape width (i.e., 2, 3, or 4 inches.)
Make sure wall is clean, dust-free and completely dry

MORE INFORMATION

	PRINTABLE-VERSION PDF (2.26 MB)	TAPE- SELECTOR CHART PDF (1.26 MB)

Step By Step Guide:

Step 1: Mask & Paint Base

Mask along trim, baseboards and non-textured ceilings with ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape Advanced Delicate Surface. Paint your basecoat over the entire wall. Let it dry for 24 hours.

Step 2: Outline Chair Rail

Measure from the floor to the desired top and bottom edges of your chair rail. Make marks, then use a level and pencil to draw the rail edges.

Step 3: Mask & Paint Rail

Tape along the top and bottom edges of the chair rail, so that the pencil lines are on the inside. Then paint the entire chair rail with the lighter color and let it dry for 24 hours.

Step 4: Mask Rail Interior

Run two vertical rows of tape across the chair rail, completely covering it. Hint: make sure the bottom of the first row touches the top of the second row; this will create the tops and bottoms of your squares.

Step 5: Draw & Cut Pattern

Measure and draw horizontal lines to create the sides of the squares. Use a razor or sharp tool to cut along the horizontal lines, being careful not to cut into the wall.

Step 6: Remove Squares

Pencil an "X" into every other square, staggering squares from top to bottom. Gently remove tape from all squares that do NOT have an "X," to create the checkerboard pattern.

Step 7: Paint Dark Color

Press down on the edges of the remaining tape. Then paint the entire chair rail with the darker color and let it dry for 24 hours.

Step 8: Remove Tape

Carefully remove tape at a 45° angle. If adhesive begins to transfer, use a 90° angle. If paint starts to lift, gently use a sharp tool to cut along the tape edge.

Helpful Hints

Size & Scale Suggestions

Start by planning the size and placement of your checkerboard pattern. To simplify your project, the size of each square should be a multiple of your tape width (i.e. 2, 3 or 4 inches).
Sketch your vision on paper, drawn to scale. This will give you a blueprint of how the patterns will fit onto your wall.

Paint Pointers

Choose colors that complement one another and that enhance your furniture and accessories.
For a more subtle look, choose two different sheens (i.e., semi-gloss and flat) in the same color.
To try an alternative technique, use a gloss varnish over a flat or low-sheen paint.
Before you buy, consider bringing home paint swatches to get an idea of how the colors will look together in your space. It's a great way to avoid time-consuming painting mistakes.