A spiral what? Stripe? Groove? Staircase?

black painted stripe like cape hatteras
Thanks
Ray

Couldn't you wrap a heavy string around the lighthouse, and adjust the string with scotch tape? When you have the string situated to your liking, pencil in a line, & then paint.

I'd establish the lines by tacking a couple of strings at the bottom, winding them around a few times and tacking them again at the top. Adjust their positions until they look right. Then use the strings as a guide to mask the area off with blue painter's masking tape. Remove the strings, paint and finally remove the tape.

Thanks guys, I have tried that too , but still cant seem to get it ritght. I have even tried a ribbon I can do it but it still does not look even all the way down.
Keep on thinking :))
Ray

Here is how I would do it. Divide the base circumference into four equal points which would be 90 degrees apart. This will be the start for two red stripes and two white stripes. Do the same at the top of the tower. Start at one point at the base with a piece of string and make two loops around tower and anchor the string at one of the marks you made at the top of the tower. Now repeat with three more strings. You now have your stripes laid out. Mask off using string as a guide and paint. If spiral appears to tight or to loose move the top anchor point one mark to left or right. I would think you want the spiral to be at an approximate 45 degree angle.....Jim

Here is a link to a pic posted on the photography forum

Here is a link that might be useful: Lighthouse

Use 1/2 or 1/4 inch wide ribbon to establish the edges of the painted areas. It will lay and track a lot nicer than string.