A zebra theme is a bold design decision for a room. Because of the high contrast in the zebra pattern, the other decorative objects and colors in the room should be subdued. The best paint colors to use to make a zebra pattern on the wall are black and white. The easiest way to make a zebra-patterned wall is to use a large zebra pattern stencil, which will guide the stripe-making process.
1 Remove all items on the walls. Remove all furniture and decorative items from the room if possible. Cover with painting tarps any furniture that cannot be removed.
2 Clean the walls using a sponge dipped in warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Wipe in a circular motion. Rinse the walls with clean water and allow to dry for an hour.
3 Place painter's tape along baseboards and any trim in the room. This will protect the trim from dripping paint.
4 Fill any holes in the wall with drywall putty. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Sand the entire surface of the walls with sandpaper, paying special attention to any areas where you placed putty. Wipe the walls with a slightly damp rag.
5 Paint the walls with the white color. Use two coats. Allow each coat to dry for an hour before applying another coat. Use at least three coats if you started out with dark-colored walls.
6 Tape the stencil on the wall using masking tape. Use the small paint brush to dab paint inside the stencil. Do not use a paint brush that is loaded with paint or the paint will run down the wall and ruin the pattern. Keep the brush mostly dry, and blot the paint on the walls, rather than brushing.
7 Allow the paint to dry for about an hour. Remove the stencil from the wall, and line it up with the edges of the previously painted section. Tape the stencil back on the wall, and continue to dab paint. Continue to paint the wall in this manner until the entire wall or room is painted in the zebra pattern.
8 Use a small paint brush to make any necessary color touch-ups on the wall. Use the brush to cover thin sections of paint, or to match the pattern to an area that doesn't look right.
