Painters Tape - To tape or not to tape.

To tape or not to tape. That is a question I’m often asked. The answer is that it depends. In most instances I find taping a hindrance. It adds time to a project and can result in frustration and extra work if not done properly. Have you ever pulled off the tape only to pull paint with it? Or you pull the tape while the paint is still wet, as is often recommended, only to find the paint has bled under the tape? Now you have to go back and touch up all those spots. I also find taping gives a false sense of security and the painting gets a little sloppier.

Patience and a steady hand can produce clean lines along trim, baseboards, and where the wall meets the ceiling but if that technique makes you nervous, here are some tips for a frustration free project.
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• Invest in quality tape. I’ve found blue painters tape to be hit and miss. My preference is green or yellow Frog Tape. Its better at preventing paint bleeding and won’t pull the paint off what it’s stuck to.
• Paint the door trim and baseboards first and allow them to dry overnight.
• Apply your tape carefully and ensure the edge is sealed.
• Paint as if the tape isn’t there. Tape isn’t an excuse to get sloppy.
• Don’t pull the tape while the paint is still wet. Wait for the paint to be dry to the touch then run a utility knife along the line where the tape meets the wall. This will ensure paint won’t be pulled off when you remove the tape.
• Slowly pull the tape at a 45 ͦ angle. By going slowly you can catch any spots where the paint might pull away with the tape. Go over the spot again with the utility knife and keep going.

Following these steps should help give you a clean finish to your paint job.

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