How to paint a two-tone wall in 6 simple steps

Eager to experiment with an easy paint effect? Paint a two-tone wall with our step-by-step guide

You’ll need:

All the kit you’ll need to paint a two-tone wall
Equipment needed to paint a two-tone wall

• A tin of each of your chosen paint colours
• Paint roller
• Paint tray
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Ball of string
• Chalk
• Masking tape
• Paint brushes
• Scissors

Step 1: Measure up

Mark the spot where you want your two-tone wall to meet
Measuring up a line to create a two-tone wall

First you need to mark where you want the two colours to meet on your wall. With your measuring tape and pencil, mark the level at regular intervals across the wall.

Step 2: Apply your lighter colour

Apply your lighter colour to the wall first
Paint your lighter colour first

Using your roller, paint the lighter colour on the half of the wall you want it to cover, and paint slightly over the point where you want the dividing line to be. Allow the paint to dry.

Step 3: Chalk up

Remark the line where your two tones will split with chalk and string
Remarking your wall split with chalk and string

Run a length of string along the side of a piece of chalk, to cover the string with chalk. Stretch the string across the wall, connecting the points you’ve marked up in pencil. Secure the ends of the string with masking tape. Check the string is straight, then ping the string to leave a chalk line across the wall.

Step 4: Mask up

Apply masking tape along your chalked line when your paint is dry
Masking tape marks the split between paint colours

Make sure the first paint colour is completely dry. Then apply a strip of masking tape along the line of chalk.

Step 5: Apply your darker colour

Apply your darker colour
Painting your darker colour

Using your roller, paint the darker colour on the second half of the wall. Use a paintbrush to make sure you’ve painted just over the edge of the masking tape.

Step 6: Unveil

Remove the masking tape to unveil your completed two-tone wall
Unveil your two-tone wall

While the paint is still wet, peel off the masking tape to reveal your new two-tone wall design.

Unsure which colours will work best in your two-tone painted wall? Download the ICI Dulux Visualizer app app to picture your preferred shade instantly on your walls.

Fetching the data, please wait...