how do you paint stripes so the line is straight and doesn't feather or run?

Answer 1

Aside from using a straight edge and a level for square-ness, here's how to make sure the paint won't bleed under the tape:

Use a low-tack tape (it doesn't matter what color it is because different manufacturers have different colors for their tack scale...some are white, some are green, some are blue). Just don't use the standard manilla colored tape. Not all blue tape or green tape is made the same. There is a low tack green tape and a green tape used for lacquer that is extremely tacky (this will pull off any old paint and you will have a nightmare on your hands). Some blue tape has ridges in it and some are flat. Some are 7 day tapes, and some are for delicate surfaces. So just saying to use green or blue tape isn't correct. Look for the degree of tackiness. The least tacky tape will indicate its for delicate surfaces.

First, paint your walls with the base coat and let dry overnight...at least.
Then measure and mark your walls with the tape.
On the side of the tape where your new color is going, apply a light coat of the base color. If anything should bleed under the tape, at least it will be the same color.
Use a hair drier to dry this to the touch, then go ahead with your new stripe color over top.
Pull the tape off when the paint is still wet. DO NOT leave the tape on the wall overnight!

You will have a PERFECT line everytime!

Answer 2

To get the line straight use a chalk snap line.
If you don't know what that is ask at your homecrafters place and they will show you how to use one. Its a very clever little device that easily creates a straight line.

MAKE SURE YOU USE A LIGHT COLOR! I just put 42 vertical stripes down the long wall in my bedroom and my husband used red chalk. With beige paint and glaze. Without going into details let's just say it was a bad idea. A variety of chalk colors are available. Use a light one that blends closely but that you can still see.

Once your stripes are chalked, use painter's tape to follow the lines. Make sure the edges are pressed all the way down so no paint slips underneath and ruins your sharp line. Painter's tape is a great product. If you do it right it should give you the precision look you want.

Note: Remove the tape before the paint is dry. You don't want to glue it to the wall with the dried paint.

Stripes can be very effective. Mine always get compliments from my friends. They think it is wallpaper.

Good luck!

Answer 3

A level works great. Just make your tic marks and connect them with a vertical level. Then tape them off with blue painters tape and burnish the edge with a metal spoon. Paint your stripes and be sure to peel the tape off slowly before the paint dries. Otherwise it can pull the paint off.

Answer 4

Use masking tape to mark off the stripes and then paint in between the tape. Make sure you leave the tape in place until the paint dries!!

Answer 5

Use blue masking tape, aka painter's tape. It can be found at Home Depot & Lowe's or other hardware stores. I used it when I painted light blue & dark blue stripes in my bathroom on one wall. If you paint on it by mistake, you don't have to worry. When you peel it off, the stripes are straight & clean.

Answer 6

Green painters tape. And if you are doing this on the floor, say hardwood flooring, you can score it along the tapes edge to deter any leaks under the tape. Use something with a pointed edge not a sharp knife though and press down and run it along the tapes edge.

Answer 7

Painters tape. It's blue. Do not use masking tape. Or try both and see the difference for yourself. Really makes a difference. m

Answer 8

tape off the edges of the line and let dry and it will be straight if u got the tape straight

Answer 9

Masking tape.