The trick to re-creating this gingham pattern is to pull a potter's rib (into which teeth have been cut) through yellow glazes, first vertically and then horizontally. Working in small, squared-off sections makes it easier to cover an expansive surface, such as a wall.

Base Coat: Martha Stewart Colors MS109 Yellow Narcissus
Glaze Tint: Martha Stewart Colors MS106 Rain Slicker

Tool
The size of the gingham checks depends on the width of the teeth that are cut into a potter's rib.

Paint the Background
Begin all projects by applying a base coat. 

Using a 9-inch paint roller with a 1/4-inch nap, paint the surface in desired color using latex paint. Let dry thoroughly. 

Make the glaze: Mix 1 part latex paint (pearl finish or satin finish) with 1 part latex or acrylic glazing liquid and 2 parts water. (If using oil paint, mix 1 part oil paint with 1 part oil glazing liquid and 1 part mineral spirits.) 

Proceed with any of the patterns, applying the tinted glaze over the dried base coat.

Tip: Smooth irregularities as you work (they can catch the glaze and obscure its effect).

Paint the Gingham
Mark several 9-inch-wide sections on dried base coat using a pencil and a level. 

Cut several 1/4-inch-wide teeth into a rubber potters rib, using a utility knife. 

Apply a thin coat of tinted glaze to the dried base coat using a 9-inch paint roller with a 1/4-inch nap. Working in sections, drag the teeth of the potters rib through the glaze vertically. Let dry completely. 

Apply a second coat of tinted glaze. Drag the comb through glaze horizontally. 

Tip: Use a small (1/4-inch-wide) artists brush to touch up lines that are not well defined.

Other Colors to Try
1. Base Coat: Benjamin Moore 199 Barley
Glaze Tints: Martha Stewart Colors MS106 Rain Slicker (vertical lines) and MS244 Cardamom (horizontal lines)

2. Base Coat: Benjamin Moore 750 Seabrook
Glaze Tint: Benjamin Moore 648 Kokopelli Teal

More Painting Technique Videos