Today's Tutorial for a Buffalo Check Pattern is sponsored by Plaid Crafts and contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

These Buffalo Check Wooden Letters are the first of a few projects I'm working on for my boys' bathroom overhaul. I think they are perfect to distinguish whose towel hangs where (notice there is definitely not a letter to indicate anyone's towel should be wadded up on the floor...Jonathan, I'm talking to you). See how I created the Buffalo Check Pattern below.

This tutorial has been the craziest one to put together. I've had the letters finished for a bit, but got a wild hair to go ahead and start on the actual re-do of the boys' bathroom (and ripped out wallpaper and popcorn ceilings in the process) so I could really show these fun letters off. It was an interesting chain of events. But, yay for this wall being done (we still have a *bit* more to do everywhere else in this space). But check out the tutorial for how to paint a buffalo check pattern on these wooden letters below.

Buffalo Check Wooden Letters

I love a good buffalo check pattern. I have it all over my house: on throw pillows, pajamas, blankets, kitchen towels, a lamp, ribbon...and now wooden letters! This checkered pattern is such a classic one that isn't too complicated to paint. Whether you're into farmhouse style, or modern boho, this plaid print works wonderfully in a variety of decor. It's also a lovely pattern for the holiday season...especially a nice red buffalo check pattern. See how simple this is to paint in the tutorial.

These buffalo check letters actually turned out exactly how I had pictured them in my head. That doesn't always happen. They're a little rustic and a little vintage...and the letter shape reminds me of my favorite "varsity" font. Their light texture (from the wax) also adds lots of interest!

How to Paint a Buffalo Check Pattern

Please note: today, I'm specifically sharing how I created this buffalo check pattern onto large, wooden letters. This same principle and method can be applied to larger items (even walls), just adjust your measurements to different sizes based on your craft projects. The basic idea is that you'll want large squares of equal size throughout the pattern.

Supplies for Buffalo Check Wooden Letters

• You can find a big variety of unfinished wooden letters here on Amazon.
• Chalk style paint in two contrasting colors (I'm a BIG fan of Waverly's Chalk-Style paint, which you can find in the craft section of Walmart, or below on Amazon). Colors I used:
• Waverly Chalk Style Paint in Plaster (an off white)
• Waverly Chalk Style Paint in Ink (now called Rich Black under the Folk Art Brand)
• Flat artist's paint brush (two recommended)
• Medium grit sandpaper
• 1" painter's tape
• Waverly's or Folk Art White Wax (also available at Walmart)
• Felt scraps for wax application (or a nice wax brush)

Creating your Buffalo Check Wooden Letters:

• I gave the letters a light sanding before starting the real fun (pictured above).
• Be sure to wipe off all of the sawdust with a damp cloth.

• I gave the letters two coats of the chalk paint in Plaster (a lovely creamy white that's not too off-white). These letters take paint really well. 

• After the letters completely dried (I set them near a small fan for an hour or so), I taped off vertical stripes with painter's tape. 
• I used a small piece of tape as a template to space out my pattern (they were exactly one inch or one width of tape apart).

• I used more of the Waverly Plaster Paint to "seal" the edges of my tape to prevent any bleeds.

• Next, I used about 1/4 cup of the black chalk paint and diluted it with about a tablespoon of plain tap water. Diluting it makes it the perfect consistency for the black pattern in the buffalo plaid.

• To paint the buffalo check pattern, you want a really dry brush with little paint on it. 
• I kept both a dry and damp paper towel handy, along with a scrap piece of paper to dab off any excess paint. 
• I did this before every stroke.

• After the vertical stripes of the black paint dried completely, I repeated the process with the horizontal stripes...again, spacing the lines one inch apart from one another.

• Again, I sealed the paint with the original white chalk paint base coat...but this time I was very careful and only sealed the areas without any of the black color of paint.

• Repeat the same process with dry brushing the black color on the horizontal stripes.

• To soften the buffalo check pattern a bit, I grabbed my favorite white wax.

• I keep my leftover felt pieces in a scrap pile to use for waxing...I like the way they apply wax. 
• I just apply a dime-sized amount and work it into the piece...muting the colors just a bit.

No more excuses for towels on the floor, y'all! I'm loving how fun and preppy these wooden letters turned out. I want to paint everything in buffalo check, now.

If you love buffalo check like I do, be sure to check out my Buffalo Check State Printables (featured in the video below):

More fun buffalo check pattern projects:

• Donna from Funky Junk used an adorable Buffalo Check Stencil to give loads of projects a cute look.
• This Buffalo Check Accent Wall over at Classy Clutter is seriously the cutest.
• My Buffalo Check Pom Pom Drapes were made from cheap tablecloths!

Where would you paint a buffalo check pattern in your home decor?