Rooms Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas Bathroom Remodeling Ideas DIY Bathroom Projects How to Paint Buffalo Check Pattern as a Cozy Wall Accent Follow this four-step process to make a classic buffalo check pattern with three coordinating paint shades and a handful of simple tools. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on June 16, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Project Overview Working Time: 5 hours Total Time: 1 day Skill Level: Beginner Buffalo check isn't just for flannel shirts. This trendy plaid is making a comeback in every aspect of home design, including textiles, accents, and wall treatments. Though you could opt for a wallpaper buffalo check pattern, the plaid painting technique isn't as difficult as you might think. There's a secret formula for finding the perfect color combination for your buffalo check. Start by choosing the shade of your dark stripe. For the medium stripe, ask your paint dealer to mix the dark color at 25 percent. For the light stripe, mix a 1:1 ratio of the medium paint color and white paint. Once you have your stripe colors, follow our step-by-step guide for applying the pattern. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Metal ruler Level Pencil 2-inch angled brush Materials White paint Quart light stripe paint, we mixed 1 part white to 1 part Benjamin Moore in Hale Navy HC-154 Quart medium stripe paint, we used Benjamin Moore in Hale Navy HC-154 mixed at 25 percent Quart dark stripe paint, we used Benjamin Moore in Hale Navy HC-154 Painters tape Instructions Measure and Level Apply white paint as a base coat to walls; let dry four hours. Once dry, use a metal ruler, a level, and a pencil to mark vertical and horizontal lines spaced 4 inches apart. Paint Lines Use a 2-inch angled brush for freehand straight line painting, alternating horizontal lines in the lightest paint color. Let dry. For crisp lines, use painters tape to outline stripes before painting. Paint Medium Lines Use a 2-inch angled brush to freehand paint (or mark off with tape) the vertical lines in the medium paint color. Let dry. Fill in the Dark Use painter's tape to mask off squares where vertical and horizontal lines intersect. Paint these squares with the darkest paint color. 11 Timeless Ways to Decorate with Buffalo Check Plaid