Step 1: I wanted a large flag on the fence in the back yard of my portrait studio. I wanted it big enough for an entire family to be photographed with it. So, using a measuring tape out 9 feet wide x 6 feet tall. I also used a level to make sure that the lines I made were straight.
Step 2: Next, I painted the entire area of the flag, white for a base, (only need 1 quart) plus I would already have the white part of the flag painted, as well as the star. (Note: Make sure you ask for exterior paint and double check it. I got Behr paint made up and after I painted the white coat, looked at the can and saw they made up the wrong paint. (blue and red were fine). They were great, knowing it was their fault and made up new paint at no charge.
Step 3: Did you know that all three colors (white, blue, and red are all even rectangles on the flag. Next I drew 2 more lines using the level. The first line was straight down the fence at the 3 yard (36″) mark to be painted blue. The 2nd line was to separate the white and the red rectangle. I measured the right side of the white box down to 36″ and then drew a horizontal line across to match up to the box that will be painted blue.
Step 4: Next, paint the right bottom box red. If you are careful painting (and since you have a white base) you will only need one sample paint of red to cover the entire area.
Step 5: Then draw the outline of the star with a permanent marker so you can see your lines. The paint will cover it up. Leave the inside of the star white and then paint the left rectangular box surrounding the star, blue. Again, you will only need 1 sample container of paint if you are careful.
Step 6: Either let the grass grow tall under the flag or plant some ornamental grasses. It makes it more rustic. In time, the paint may fade and look really neat. I am looking forward to the fading of it and putting in some ornamental grasses in the fall (once texas gets a little cooler).
If you paint your fence, let me know how it turns out. Happy painting and photographing! Karen