A method is disclosed for creating an attractive and colorful decorative pattern or finish utilizing a water based polyurethane paint with specific chemical additives, and a removable taping system that prevents unsightly streaking when applying the coating on floors and walls. To achieve the effect of a colorful decorative pattern a water based acrylic pastel or white primer base coat is applied to a substrate by brush, roller, or spray-gun. A removable tape is applied to form barrier lines. A pigmented water based polyurethane dispersion containing specified additives is applied, thus chemically forming a pattern when applied. The tape is removed after the pigmented coating has dried, and a clear protective topcoat is applied over the patterned coating.