painting two colors with chair rails

katbrown01

What paint color is best above a chair rail, the lighter or darker color? And what paint color should the chair rail be painted, the lighter color, darker color or white?

Brushjockey

There are no hard rules- but commonly, the darker color will be on the bottom (it's 'heavier"). And is the other trim in the room painted? The chair rail is usually what the base and other trim is, but can be its own thing too- usually a lighter color. And the rail is most often painted with a trim type paint- which would be a little glossier than the walls

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sdsester

Agreed. I like to caulk between the chair rail and the wall with a quality paintable caulk material so there are no gaps. I then find it easier to paint the chair rail first and then cut in the wall color to it. Use a quality 2.5 inch angled sash brush. If the chair rail is painted or varnished now you should scruff it up a bit with fine grit sandpaper so the paint sticks.

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