How to Paint a Chair Rail

Last Updated: June 9, 2019

A chair rail is a piece of molding made of wood, plastic, or composite placed on a wall at the top of a chair. It is designed to protect walls from damage. Updating paint on a chair rail can bring out this feature in a room, as well as change the look of the room all together. Chair rails may also be painted on a wall without the presence of wood to give a room a fresh look without the expense of purchasing the chair rail molding. Learn how to paint a chair rail to maximize a room's appearance.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Painting Chair Rail Molding

1
Inspect the chair rail molding you wish to paint to determine whether it is wood, composite, or plaster.
2
Repair any damaged areas in the chair rail with the appropriate repair product. For example, wood chair rail nicks may be filled with wood filler product and sanded until smooth.
- Plaster chair rails may require the services of a professional for repair.
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3
Clean and dry the chair rail.
4
Choose a color of paint for the chair rail and for the walls to give a room a whole new look. Take into account the color of the crown molding and baseboard to create a cohesive look.
- Darker colors are often painted below the chair rail to ground the room.
- Lighter colors above the chair rail will open up the room and it a larger feeling.
- Chair rails are usually painted a complementary color that offsets the 2 wall colors. Light or dark tones depend on the look you are trying to create.
5
Paint the walls above and below the chair rail. Allow the walls to dry completely at least 24 to 72 hours before moving on to the next step.
6
Run painter's tape along the top and bottom edges of the chair rail.
7
Use a narrow paintbrush or small roller to paint a thin layer of color on to the chair rail.
8
Allow the paint to dry, and then repeat with thin layers until the desired color and coverage is achieved.
9
Remove the painter's tape gently from the wall.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Painting a Faux Chair Rail

1
Decide the height of the chair rail you wish to create. You may want a chair rail situated at waist height or the height of a chair.
- Lay a piece of tape on the wall at the height you are considering, and stand back to determine if it is the look you want.
2
Mask all trim that will not be painted with painter's tape.
3
Clean and dry the wall.
4
Paint the wall a base color. This will end up being the color of the chair rail, so make sure you match it to the color of the other trim in the room.
- Apply several coats to get the desired coverage you want.
- Allow the coat of paint to dry completely,.
5
Measure from the floor up to the desired height and mark the wall with a pencil.
6
Use a regular or laser level to make a straight line across the wall.
7
Use painter's tape to cover the area to become the chair rail. An ideal width for a chair rail is 2 inches (5.08 cm). You may use tape the same width, or you can use multiple strips to get the desired width of chair rail.
8
Paint the upper and lower walls the colors you have chosen.
9
Remove the painter's tape to reveal the chair rail.