I’m no stranger to a good, painted half wall. Whether it’s an actual half wall painted in it’s entirety, like the day glowΒ geo mural upstairs, or painting a tall wall just half way up, for a pop of color that adds an unexpected design element.
So, for my last (and possibly my favorite) painting project in partnership withΒ 3MΒ and their line ofΒ ScotchBlueβ’Pre-Taped Painterβs Plastic, I have a minty fresh painted half wall to share that is giving me all the feels in the studio right now.
As a refresher, here’s what that wall looked like before…
Not bad, I guess, but definitely could use a little somethin’ somethin’. And now that I’ve figured out what that something is, I’m wondering why it took me so long to slap some paint on the walls downstairs. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference.
That said, if you’re thinking about tackling this project at home, there’s a little more to it than grabbing your roller and going to town with a gallon of paint. But it’s still SUPER easy to recreate. It’s all in the prep work. From there, it’s smooth sailing.
Here’s what you’ll need for a painted half wall…
Materials
- ScotchBlueβ’Pre-Taped Painterβs PlasticΒ (to protect baseboards and floors from paint splatters and drips)
- ScotchBlueβ’ Delicate Surfaces Painterβs TapeΒ (for masking off the top of the painted half wall)
- damp cloth for cleaning baseboards (if necessary)
- screwdriver for unscrewing wallΒ outlet plates (if necessary)
- paint roller andΒ paint brush (I usually useΒ a 2 inch wide short handle brush)
- flat interior paint
- straight edge (like this one)
- level and pencil
Note: Follow all ScotchBlueβ’ Painterβs Plastic package instructions for proper surface cleaning and prep, adhesion and removal
Instructions
1. First things first, start by cleaning the baseboards (and the adjacent walls if applicable) with a damp cloth to make sure the area is free of debris. This is also a good time to remove any wall outlet plates.
2. Next, determine the height of your painted half wall and get to measuring. I used a 72 inch straight edge to mark off the height with a short dashed lines, all the way across the wall. And used a level to make sure the dashed line was straight beforeΒ moving on.
3. Then, line up ScotchBlueβ’ Delicate Surfaces Painterβs Tape to the dashes, all the way across the wall to create the top line of your painted half wall. Run your fingers over the tapeΒ as you go to make sure it’s secure.Β Add Painter’s Tape to the adjacent side walls as well to keep those paint-free.
4. NowΒ you can roll (get it?!) right intoΒ applyingΒ ScotchBlueβ’Pre-Taped Painterβs PlasticΒ to the baseboards the same way you would apply regular painterβs tape. Get as close to the wall as possible, where the baseboards meet the wall, and press down firmlyΒ over the tapes surface to make sure the tape is secure. Cut the end when you’ve covered your baseboards and unfold the Painterβs Plastic to cover both the baseboards and flooring.
Side note…Β The studio floors are original (and nearly 100 years old), so I’m pretty crazy about making sure no paint splatters whatsoever touch the floors. Honestly, they’re not the prettiest floors, but it’s part of the history of the building, so I really don’t want to damage them. Which is one of the reasons I find usingΒ ScotchBlueβ’Pre-Taped Painterβs PlasticΒ to beΒ so helpful. You can tape off the baseboards AND keep floors protected at the same time. So it’s one less step I have to worry about with a drop cloth, etc. Highly recommend it.
For more tips and tricks on masking, etc visit the βHow to Mask for Paintingβ section on ScotchBlue.com.
5. Paint the marked off half wall with a roller (and a brush for the trim areas) as normal. Add a second coat if needed.
6.Β Once the paintΒ has completely dried, remove the tape and painterβs plastic.Β Starting with ScotchBlue Painterβs Plastic,Β slowlyΒ remove tape at a 45Β° angle and pull the tape back onto itself for best results.Β Then removeΒ Painter’s Tape the same way, for a super crisp line.*
*I don’t want to toot my own horn, but this is the crispest line job I’ve ever seen. Could not have been any better. Toot toot. π
7. Re-secure wall outlet covers and you’re your painted half wall is complete.
Photography Amelia Tatnall Lawrence and Brittni Mehlhoff
What do you think? Are you a painted half wall fan? Would you try this technique in your home? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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This post is in partnership with 3M. All opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me. Thanks for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.
16 comments | Click here to reply
Hi it’s beautiful I also need to know what kind of paint that does not have smell I also need to paint my bedrooms from South Africa Advice plsππ»
SarahHi CB and Ashley. I’m so sorry, but I don’t remember the paint color. I thought I included it in the post, but now I’m seeing that I didn’t and I don’t have the can anymore, so I’m not sure. Wish I could be more helpful. π
Brittni-Brittni
Hi, I love this wall. Can I ask what color/brand paint you used? I might be missing where you said it, but I didnβt see it.
Thanks,
AshleyAshley
Love the color choice! Would you mind sharing which paint color you are using?
CBHi KB. The wooden Rison chairs are from DWR. Here’s the Link: http://rstyle.me/n/cgqi8smvmw
BrittniLove those chairs. Where are they from?
KBThanks Ana. As I mentioned to Natalie in a previous comment, the calendar is a Stendig http://www.stendigcalendar.com/Stendig_Calendar/Welcome.html . Theyβre available online to order until they sell out (they sell out each year). π
BrittniI love this! Can I ask where your giant wall calendar is from? π
AnaHi Natalie. The calendar is a Stendig (it sells out every year so you have to get it fast). They’re available online to order, usually Need Supply carries some until they sell out and you can order directly too. Hope that helps.
BrittniLove it! Sort of understated but also packs a punch!
NatalieCan I ask where your giant wall calendar is from? I’ve been wanting one but alas my google searches of “giant wall calendar” have not been fruitful.
Thanks Kathleen. π I bet a half wall would be really fun in a kitchen…or even a bathroom.
BrittniLove the colour you picked! I can totally see doing this in my kitchen.
KathleenThanks Michelle. I definitely went more subtle on this one. Though I”m not opposed to going with something bolder later down the line. I have a feeling I’ll be switching the color up every so often to keep things fresh.
BrittniThis would be perfect for that Kiersten because it’s so easy to paint over before you move out. Highly recommend it. π
BrittniThat looks so good, I really like the colour you picked. It’s not that bold and fits perfectly!
Michellehttps://www.makeandmess.com/
I love this! I live in a rented apartment right now, but I think this would be really easy to do there!
Kiersten
Kiersten