Soft brown wall with checks marked in soft yellow

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting a Checkerboard Wall with Dulux Wild Wonder

The launch of Dulux Colour of the Year 2023, Wild WonderTM (Winter's Silence 50YY 49/191) gives you the perfect opportunity to start a new decorating project. If you fancy a change from plain colored walls, why not try experimenting with something a little bit different, like this checkerboard effect. It’s easy to achieve with our step-by-step guide and will make a dramatic statement in any room. Ready to get started? Here’s how to get the look…

Tools to paint a wall

What you'll need:

 

  • Paint can of each of your chosen colors
  • Paint stirrers
  • x1 large roller and tray
  • x1 small roller and tray
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • String
  • Keys
  • Chalk
  • Masking tape
  • Spirit level

 

Step 1: Paint base colour
Apply your background color first, using a roller to cover a large surface area. Allow to dry (this can take from 2-4 hours). 

Step 2: Measure and mark the vertical stripes
Work out how wide you want the checks and the vertical stripes to be, then measure and mark sections at the top of the wall, making sure they are evenly spaced. 

Step 3: Use chalked string to make a guideline
Cut a long length of string and, using masking tape, stick one end to the first mark at ceiling height. Attach keys to the other end to act as a weight, so the string hangs vertically. Cover the string with chalk and ping it against the wall to make a chalk guideline. Repeat for the other vertical lines."

Someone pinging a chalked piece of string against a wall

Step 4: Mask
Apply masking tape to the edges of your stripes, using your chalked lines as guidelines.

Someone applying masking tape to create vertical lines
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Step 5: Apply paint with a small roller
Next, using a small roller, carefully paint your chosen contrasting color inside the masked up vertical lines. Remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet, then leave to dry completely

Someone applying paint with a small roller between two lengths of masking tape

Step 6: Paint the horizontal stripes
Repeat the process you used for the vertical stripes. This time, secure your string at both sides of the wall, using a spirit level to make sure it’s straight. Then cover with chalk and ‘ping’ to create horizontal guidelines. Mask, paint and leave to dry. 

That’s it! Now step back and take in your transformation.

Which colors?

Wild WonderTM (50YY 49/191) 
Generous Grey (38RR 15/026) 

Someone applying paint with a smaller roller inside two horizontal strips of masking tape