One of the most pleasing aspects of a quality interior paint job is clean, straight lines. Whenever you have a transition between two colors, be it at the baseboards, the edge of the ceiling, or where two walls meet, those crisp borders give a nice sense of satisfaction. How is that achieved? What are the best ways to use tape to improve interior painting results?
As an interior house painter, Southington Painting is happy to share some tips that should help you! We will look at the process in three stages.
Applying Painter’s Tape Prior to Interior Painting
The first stage of using painter’s tape involves preparation and application, well before you open that can of interior paint:
- Purchase a high-quality painter’s tape. Use wider rolls, generally, unless you are working on small details in a confined space. Traditional painter’s tape is blue, and this works well. In recent years, some great new tapes have also been developed. Frog Tape has a green variety and a yellow variety; these have been shown to produce excellent results.
- Make sure the wall is clean and dry before you apply the tape. The tape might not stick to a dirty wall, and you don’t want hairs or dust-bunnies getting caught in the tape, as that could create messy results when you paint.
- Use strips of tape about 2-4 feet long, and overlap each piece with the previous one. If your tape pieces are too short, it is harder to get a straight line, but if the tape is too long, it becomes unmanageable.
- As you apply the tape, use one hand to pull it tight and straight, and the other hand to press the tape against the wall, being careful to get a straight line. Take your time with this stage, as it is the single most important step to getting those crisp lines you love!
How to Apply Interior Paint after Taping
When you begin applying your interior paint, you typically begin by “cutting in” around all the edges with a brush, then you use a roller to fill in the wide open surfaces. You do the same when there is tape at the edges. Just keep in mind:
- Immediately before applying the paint, run a finger along the edge of the tape again, making sure it is fully stuck to the wall all along the seam.
- The tape is not a perfect barrier. If you depend too much on the tape, assuming it will not let any paint seep behind, you are likely to be disappointed. Aim to touch the edge of the tape with the paintbrush without overlapping it significantly.
- Try not to let large amounts of paint come in contact with the tape. Don’t leave drippy, heavy layers of paint against the tape. Instead, brush carefully with a moderate amount of paint.
How and When to Remove Painter’s Tape
Watch out! Incorrect removal of painter’s tape can create an unsightly disaster! Here are a few tips to avoid significant regrets:
- Remove the tape promptly, while the paint is still quite wet. This way, the paint on the tape has not had time to bond with the paint on the wall, and it can pull away cleanly.
- As you pull off the tape, be careful not to create a mess with the paint on the tape. Don’t let it droop onto the floor or come in contact with other surfaces. Try to roll it into a ball with the wet paint facing inwards.
- If you need to apply multiple coats, or if there is another reason you can’t remove the tape while the paint is still wet, then wait until it is thoroughly dried. Carefully use a razor knife to make a very light cut along the edge of the tape. That way, when you peel off the tape, it separates cleanly from the new paint on the wall.
Now you get to enjoy those smooth, straight, crisp, beautiful lines you were aiming for!
Southington Painting
The most reliable (and effortless!) way to achieve gorgeous results from your interior painting is by hiring a quality local painting company. By working with a reputable painter, you save a great deal of time and effort, and you ensure an exceptional interior paint job!
For over 40 years, Southington Painting has been serving Connecticut homeowners and businesses. We provide superb interior painting services, and we additionally offer exterior painting, drywall services, deck maintenance, kitchen cabinet painting, and much more.
Contact Southington Painting for a free interior painting estimate. We are excited to meet you!
