A New Way To Add Detailing To A Wall, Wood Trim With X’s

A New Way To Add Detailing To A Wall, Wood Trim With X’s

Adding wood detailing is popular and impactful. It enhances the visual appeal and warmth of any space. However, finding unique and fresh wood detailing ideas can be challenging, as most options have already been explored.

To stand out, consider using decorative wood trim.

I added a twist to the idea. Starting with x’s, the spot is the happy place for using wood to decorate a feature wall. I planned to make a 1-foot wide strip reach from one side of the wall to the other, painted with dark blue.

Light colored x’s will be the detail, framed by a 1-inch wood trim. This wood feature wall is unique, fun, different, subtle, and small enough to not overwhelm the space.

Materials needed for this wood trim project: dark blue paint.

How to Add Decorative Wood Trim to a Wall:

To ensure precision, I used a laser leveler to keep the top and bottom of the feature level and even.

Step 1: Position the Laser Leveler

I placed the level on a stool and adjusted the height until the laser line was at my desired point, ensuring that both sides were level.

Step 2: Align the chalk line with the laser line

Attach one end of a chalk line to the corner of the wall and have an assistant hold the other end. Align the chalk line directly with the laser.

Step 3: Mark two lines at the top and the bottom. Pull the string back but not too far, just enough to make the chalk line leave a dark red line.

I refined both my top and bottom lines before applying painters tape to the entire length. This ensured that the paint stayed within the designated area.

Step 4: Apply painter’s tape, dividing it into sections along the lines

To determine the number of X’s needed for the wall, measure the length of the feature area. Divide that number by any number to calculate the quantity of X’s required. Initially, I used 6 X’s, but they were too large. Eventually, I settled on 10 X’s, each measuring 10 1/4 inches in width. The final X was slightly larger by 1/2 inch, although hardly noticeable.

This method was the most effective solution.

Once the number and size were determined, I used a measuring tape to mark every 10 and 1/4 interval. This ensured all X’s were the same size. Any variation in size would be noticeable due to the feature’s elongated shape. The number and size of X’s will vary depending on the situation. Since I am installing the feature on a large wall in my home office/study without any windows or doors, it becomes the focal point of the room.

Smooth out the tape for each X to prevent paint leakage. Applying snug painter’s tape will protect against paint seepage.

Paint the wall. Once taped up, paint with a dark blue. Use a Dutch Boy Chancon Bleu with primer already in it. If painting over any color, use a primer or paint and primer combined to cover it up. The color under the design will show through the X portion.

If white is desired, paint the entire area white before taping the X’s.

I used a small roller to apply the paint, giving me control to stay within the taped area. I covered the entire area, including the x’s. The tape will keep the paint from touching the wall where it’s applied.

Step 7: Cut the wood trim

While drying, cut the wall trim to frame the feature. Choose a 1 inch thick and 3 inches wide trim with ridges for a subtle visual. Set it up on the wall and mark with a pencil where to cut.

I chose to make all edges of the trim 45-degree angles, creating a seamless connection between the individual pieces, like a picture frame. I achieved this using a miter saw and setting it at a 45-degree angle.

Before cutting, I used a protractor set at 45 degrees to draw a line on the wood trim. This ensured clarity in determining the angle for the cut.

Step 8: Check Angles

After each trim cut, line up the pieces to ensure the correct angle and alignment. Occasionally, a small adjustment may be necessary to achieve a snug fit.

Paint the wall trim by using a basic semi-gloss white paint with primer. Use a large brush and apply the paint in one direction along the grain of the wood. Apply two coats to ensure full coverage of small details.

Step 10: Removing the tape

I was eager to remove the tape from the wall and see my perfect X’s. After the paint had dried, it was time to carefully remove the tape and check for any paint seepage.

I discovered a major issue after removing the tape I had applied securely. The walls in my house have a rough finish with small bubbles resembling soft sandpaper, which supposedly prevents stains and smudges from adhering to the wall. However, this texture also makes it difficult for tape to stick.

As a result, my painted lines were uneven and had paint bleeding throughout.

Step 11: Solve the complication

I couldn’t paint white over the dark blue spots because the smudges would still be visible. Plus, it would have been difficult to make precise lines. I needed to do some damage control. If you plan on doing this at home, you should easily achieve the desired effect of the white paint showing through where the X’s are.

However, if you have a textured wall, you may need to take additional steps.

My solution was to use Masonite, which is compressed cardboard commonly used as backing for furniture. It had the same thickness as the trim, so it fit perfectly.

Step 12: Install the wood trim

Before cutting anything, I first put up the newly painted white trim. I aligned it with the line of my blue spot and used an air nail gun to secure it to the wall. One nail every 5-8 inches was enough to keep it secure.

If you don’t have a nail gun, a nail and hammer will work too, just be careful not to hit too hard and risk snapping or breaking the wood.

Step 13: Cut the Masonite into thin pieces

Next, fix the Masonite to work for this feature. Measure the width of the X’s, which is 1 inch. Cut 20 pieces of Masonite, each 1 inch long, for the 10 X’s and two lines per X.

Use a table saw to cut the Masonite at the desired measurement, one piece at a time.

Once cut, the pieces needed to be angled to fit into the top and bottom of the trim. I brought in each piece individually, placed it in position, and marked the necessary angle for cutting. Each angle was slightly different.

If you’re doing this at home, you can also use thin Masonite under the trim to save time, cutting one angle at a time, 20 times.

One X had a long piece. The split of the X was cut twice to make the top and bottom portion of the other X part. It was a long process but needed to salvage this project.

Step 13: Masonite Installation:

Initially, I planned to paint the new addition of Masonite to match the white trim. However, after measuring it, I liked the combination of dark brown and white. The combination of these two colors is increasingly popular. Therefore, I decided to leave them brown for now. If I change my mind, I can always paint them later.

The colors currently complement each other well. I connected the Masonite to the wall in the same way as the trim, using an air nailer. I put one nail in the top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom of the strip.

Step 14: cover nail holes with wood putty

Once everything was connected and in place, I filled each nail hole on the white trim with wood putty, making the small holes disappear. I applied a small amount on my hand and then smoothed it into the hole, ensuring it was flush with the trim.

Step 15: Step back and enjoy

Then, finally. This was done! It was a long process, with a big hiccup.

But if I am being honest, I am so happy with the last minute addition of the two-tone wood look. The Masonite has a great appearance of dark wood, matching my dark wood floors, so it all flows wonderfully. My initial plan to have the x’s be white would have been great too.

And less work!

This project is an excellent way to add wood trim to a feature wall without committing too much time or resorting to overdone options like wainscoting or wood panels. It’s perfect for those who want to make a statement and add some fun and detail to a room, making it truly unique. You can choose to follow my initial plan, which involves taping X’s to reveal the light paint, or go with another approach by adding Masonite or any wood board to make the X’s more prominent.

Either way, it offers a creative and distinctive solution.