This project is best done with two people. One person paints the top coat on while the other person drags the comb through the paint to reveal the base coat underneath.

• alkyd or oil-base paints -- a darker color for the base coat and a lighter color for the top coat
• metal comb, or a window or silk-screen squeegee and a crafts knife to make your own comb
• brushes, low-tack painter's tape (for masking off surfaces), rollers and roller pan, mixing containers and sticks, disposable gloves

1. Apply base coat; let dry. Paint the top coat, and while the paint is still wet, drag the comb through the paint.

2. Don't worry if the rows overlap slightly or aren't perfectly straight. When you get to the edge of a wall or another tight space, use a smaller comb or cut another squeegee to fit the space.