tips for paint not to creep under masking tape?

Question

Does anybody know a good tip for paint not to creep under the masking tape? I'm painting but when I pull the tape off, some spots on the baseboards and walls have paint. I want a clean line without having to do touch ups.

Answer 1

First use the blue painters tape, second If you are adding water( or spirits) to thin the paint, dont. the thicker the better around these areas
third, use a minimal amount of paint in the brush, done properly, a little goes a long way

Answer 2

I share your desires here! I usually don't even use masking tape for the reason(s) you mention. I just paint very carefully along moldings and baseboards, with very little paint on the brush but using two light coats. And then I have either a damp rag or paper towel and a 1' putty knife with me. After painting a foot or two, use the damp paper towel folded over the putty knife to clean up anything that got onto the wood.

The times I have tried to use masking tape, I was usually disappointed too. I tried pressing the leading edge down harder for a better seal, like you just did, and still had to clean up where the paint got under the tape. Only now the paint was either dried, or nearly dry.

I just painted a stairwell wall yesterday and used duck tape to hold carpeting away from the wall. I took the duct tape off this morning and was pleased with my results. Got the paint on the wall, not on the carpet and the nap of the carpet is not stuck to the wall now.

Instead of buying masking tape, buy paper towels and find your small putty knife.

Jack of all trades, master of none.

Answer 3

After applying thousands of gallons of paint, both residential and commercial I suggest its the TAPE you're using, and the amount of pressure as applied, plus the amount of paint and method of application.

BLUE is what I use, exclusively, in conjunction with proper application methods. Pressure in applying the masking is important, in that paint needs time to cure, even after drying. If you apply any adhesive tape to a freshly painted surface, you risk something. It also largely depends on the surface you apply the tape to. Is it textured, or rough to begin with,,, or smooth as a new born bottom?

PULL,,, DON"T DO THAT!!!!

Example: If for instance you painted molding. or wall, to the tape sealed line,,,, DO NOT start at one end and PULL the tape up/off, like you might operate a Zipper. The better method is to slowly, gently bring the adhesive off the surface from under the paint line until you can slowly release it from the surface. OR if you have the time, score gently, at the tape/paint line and gently remove the tape.

Latex applied, especially as you allow it to flow onto your tape, with the thought that tape allows a bit of sloppy,,,,will form a bond over all it is applied to. The paint doesn't distinguish that you had in mind to separtate two surfaces.

Also you should apply any coat of paint, especially at a cut line, with less than you need, and build from there, perhaps even re-masking and cutting. you'll still achieve the tone and effect, but with less possibility for error.

Painting,,,much like carpentry is "measure twice to only have to cut once". In the case of painting it may be that the same is true in application. Determine that you will have to do a second coat,,dry each time perhaps, as opposed to refitting paint into areas where YOU pulled it off.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

the cheapest and easiest is to use a brush with little paint and always paint from the tape in to the wall, never down to the tape.

plan b is to go over the edge with a glaze which is clear. when it drys you have a seal to paint to and its see through.

Answer 5

most of the answers here are good ones, and the only thing i can add to that is... if you are going to use tape, you get what you pay for... the more expensive tape is going to be your best bet.... don't skimp to save a few pennies here, it will cost you in the long run...

Answer 6

Buy the blue tape made by 3M. Don't buy the cheap stuff. it should fork fine. Just make sure you rub it down with your thumb when you use it.

Answer 7

don't soak your brush when you near the tape, dry paint close
to tape areas.