How to Make a DIY Painted Arch

Trace Arch Shape Onto the Wall

Once you’ve settled on the size and location of your painted arch, trace the shape onto the wall. Use a straight edge (a yardstick or long level will work, too) to pencil on the outside vertical lines of your arch. Use your measuring tape to make sure everything is the correct size and a level to make sure it’s straight.

Connect these two vertical lines to each other to form the curve at the top of the arch. The best way to do this is to measure and mark the exact center point between your two arch edges. Measure the distance from the center of the arch to the edge and cut a string that length, plus an inch or two extra. Tie the string to your pencil and tape the other end to the wall at the center point of your arch. Then, hold the string taut and rotate it from edge to edge, marking the wall with the pencil while you do so. Now, you’ll have an even semi-circle to form the top of your arch.

Apply Painter’s Tape

Surround your arch shape with painter’s tape. For the rounded top portion of your arch, this may require a number of pieces of tape. The purpose is to create a barrier between the part of the wall you won't be painting and the paint. While some DIYers prefer to paint their arches without taping them off, this step is important to avoid mistakes. If you accidentally paint outside the lines, you’ll still have a clean shape at the end.

Paint the Arch

Cover the floor with a drop cloth to protect it from paint splatters and get to work painting your arch. Use a paintbrush to carefully paint the edge of the arch first. Once the edge is finished, you can switch out your brush for a roller and paint the interior of the shape.

If you’d like a deeper color, you can paint multiple coats. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding a new one—dry time instructions should be included on the paint can, but plan for at least two hours between coats.

Remove Painter’s Tape

Carefully remove the painter’s tape that you had applied around your arch shape and go slow to avoid ripping pieces off. After you’ve removed all the tape, you should be left with a beautiful painted arch with sharp, crisp edges.