DIY Trends…
With the internet cram-packed with new and interesting ways to add life to an old room, we thought we’d run the rule over one of the latest DIY trends to hit the internet.
With related hashtags on Instagram and TikTok rolling into the thousands you might be forgiven for thinking that painted wall scallops were an entirely new concept. However, those of an earlier generation might remember otherwise and even recall fond memories of applying this simple but effective look.
Affordable yet stylish…
If you are looking to freshen up a tired looking room then painted wall scallops are a great choice and the application really couldn’t be easier.
For our wall scallop project we partnered up with Frenchic Paints and mixed one of their Chalk Wall paints to create a dynamic ombre effect.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail…
The other items needed for this task:
- Standard 9” roller and tray
- 65mm Frenchic oval paintbrush
- Roll of low tack masking tape
- Large spirit level
- Plastic dinner plate
- Tape measure
- Pencil
Getting started…
To begin your painted scallop wall you’ll first have to mark the height at which you’d like your design to begin.
Using a pencil, draw a guideline around the perimeter of your room at the chosen height and follow this line with a strip of masking tape.
Once the tape is applied you can then clean off the pencilled guideline and begin adding the first coat of paint.
With the first coat of paint added you can now remove the masking tape to reveal a perfect painted edge to your wall. Whilst your painted wall is drying you can set about preparing the template for the scallops.
Any circular item can be used as the template for your scallops. We found that a simple plastic dinner plate worked well and by running a strip of masking tape across the back of it we were able to easily maintain a constant height to our scallops.
Use the pencil to draw evenly spaced rows of semi-circles along your painted edge.
If you plan to continue your painted scallop wall around a corner then you can simply use your plastic plate to create a second template cut out of some scrap cardboard. This can then be easily bent to allow your scallop pattern to flow seamlessly across the corner.
When you’ve drawn all your scallop shapes carefully paint in with the same colour paint as your straight edge and allow to dry. Once dried apply the second coat.
At this point your scallop wall is finished but why not go one step further and create a wonderful ‘ombre’ effect.
Think outside the box…
Our ombre effect was great fun and very easy to achieve.
By mixing the original paint colour with a second colour and repeating the previous steps but slightly lower, you’ll discover this now adds an extra sense of depth to your painted scallop wall design.
This presents a great opportunity for you to play with ideas and to really let your creativity show.
Things to consider…
- Be sure to apply two coats of paint for each of the scallops you paint on the wall.
- Try using a small roller to apply paint to the wall in a cross shape about a metre in diameter to as a great way to create an even coat.
- Get yourself some thin art style brushes for any fine detail work. These are perfect for cutting in when painting you circle shapes.
We used tints and shades for our ombre but mixing secondary colours in the same way can really help to create a colour scheme that brings together other elements of the room like furniture and upholstery.
The sky is the limit and if you’re still unsure about how to create your very own painted scallop wall simply watch the video on our YouTube channel.
(33) How to Paint a Scalloped Wall | Frenchic Paint Tutorial – YouTube
And if you would like to see a great selection of beautiful paint colours then why not visit our friends at Frenchic Paints.