How to Paint a Harlequin Pattern
- 1). Measure the width and length of the area on which you plan to paint the harlequin pattern. Determine the size of the diamond pattern. The height of a diamond should be twice the width. For example, if your area to be painted has a height of 18 inches and a width of 42 inches, then each diamond has a height of 6 inches and a width of 7 inches.
- 2). Paint your base coat of color first. Harlequin patterns are two-toned patterns. Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth before you begin painting if necessary. If you do not need a base color or have already painted the space, continue to Step 3.
- 3). Draw a vertical line lightly with a pencil down the center of the space. From the center, draw parallel vertical lines measuring the width of each diamond between. Create these lines until you have filled all of the desired space.
- 4). Draw horizontal lines across the vertical lines. The space between each horizontal line should match the height of your diamond. You now have a box of equally sized rectangles resembling a grid.
- 5). Mark the left, right, top and bottom sides of each rectangle starting at the middle of each side. Connect the marks with lines to form diamond shapes within the rectangles. Make sure to not press on the pencil; keep the lines light.
- 6). Tape up your diamonds in alternating patterns, skipping the one in between. Using 1-inch to 2-inch blue painter's tape, find the first diamond in the top left, tape the second diamond in that row, then skip the next, and tape up the fourth diamond. Continue taping in this alternating pattern for the remaining rows. A good rule is that no diamonds of the same color share sides. Erase or wipe away the lines with a baby wipe or eraser.
- 7). Fill in the diamonds that are not taped with your second color. Allow your paint to dry. You may remove the tape and paint in a third color if you want or leave the two-toned pattern.
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