INSPIRED PROJECTS

How to Paint Polka Dots on a Wall

Looking to make a room more playful and bold? Try polka dots. This decorative painting technique gives blank walls personality and dimension. It's easy to create your own unique design. Read the steps below to learn how to paint polka dots.

Cost: $
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 day

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STEP 1

Prep

Think about the design you'd like to create on your walls. How many colors do you want to use? How many dots? Will the dots be large or small?

Before you begin painting be sure to clean the wall you're working with.

STEP 2

Paint Base Coat

You can use your existing wall color as the base coat or apply a new color. If you apply a new color, let it dry for at least four hours, or overnight for best results.

Tip: Not sure how much paint you need? Try our Paint Calculator for a helpful estimate.

STEP 3

Make Stencils

Use a compass to trace circles on stencil sheets. If you don't have a compass, simply use a round object like a dinner plate.

Carefully cut the circles out using a sharp pen knife.

If you want a variety of dot sizes, create a stencil for each circle size and cut them out.

Tip: A variety of stencils are available at local craft stores or online.

STEP 4

Design Pattern

Determine where you want the dots on the wall and mark the center of each dot with a light pencil mark or piece of tape.

STEP 5

Paint Dots

The last step is to paint the dots on your accent wall. Attach your dot stencil to the wall with tape.

Using a small paintbrush, work from the outer edge of the circle towards the center to avoid paint seeping under the stencil.

Then carefully remove the stencil. Do this for all the dots.

Let dry and enjoy your polka dot accent wall.

Tip: You may need to apply a second coat of paint to your dots depending on the look you want to achieve.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Project Supplies

PAINT

BRUSHES, ROLLERS & FRAMES

TRAYS

TAPE

OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES

  • Premade circle stencil or blank stencil sheets
  • Compass or round object(s) for creating pattern
  • Tape measure 
  • Carpenter's level
  • Pencil
  • Pen knife
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Popular Polka Dot Wall Colors

Here are more shades we love for this project.