How to Paint a Diamond Pattern

Learn how to give a blank wall some personality with a diamond pattern. Diamond patterns, often called harlequin patterns, are a great decorative painting technique for your walls. Read the steps below on how to paint diamond print patterns on your wall.

Supplies for This Project

1.

Figure out the size your diamond pattern is going to be. A rule of thumb is that the height of the diamond should be twice the width.

Tip: If you want a full diamonds across the wall as seen in this illustration, first measure the width of your wall. Divide by the number of diamonds you want horizontally. In this case it is 4. Use that measurement as the width of the diamond and multiply by 2 for the height. Depending on the size of your walls you may need to adjust the height of the diamond to create the pattern you see in this illustration. Once you have figured out how big your diamond will be you can move on to step 2.

2.

When you have all your supplies ready, and the room cleared for painting, paint your base coat of paint on the wall with the lighter of the two colors you have decided to use.

3.

Let it dry at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Once you have calculated the width and height of your diamonds it is time to draw your lines vertically down the wall where your diamonds will be. Measure the width of the diamond using your level.

Draw a straight line the exact width of the diamond all the way down the wall/area vertically. Keep going across the wall/area until all vertical lines are drawn. Start with the wall/area you see as you enter the room.

After you finish that wall/area, draw your lines on either side starting from the ends of the wall/area you just completed. Some adjustments may be necessary once you reach the ends of the other walls/area. You can adjust the width of the diamonds slightly, but never adjust the height.

Draw horizontal lines the height of your diamond the entire length of the wall/area. You will now have a grid pattern on the wall/area you are painting.

4.

Find the middle of each rectangle and mark the top, bottom, right and left side. Then connect the dots by drawing lines to form your diamond pattern.

Keep in mind that all these lines will have to be erased at some point, so you may not want to make too dark a line with your pencil. Chalk, however will wipe off more easily.

It is possible to connect the dots with tape without drawing lines. If you do not feel confident, DRAW THE LINES that will form your diamond. Don't attempt to tape all the way down your wall in one line as it is difficult to keep the tape straight enough on the wall/area without a partner. Rather, tear off a piece of tape just long enough to cover each side of your diamond.

5.

Using the mini roller, paint to fill in the diamond patterns.

Let the paint dry.

Remove tape and check for any areas that need touching up.

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