What is an effective way to tape trim when painting?

Question

The last time I painted was a few years ago, and we taped around the baseboards and stuff with regular masking tape and it worked just fine, we hardly had to touch up at all. Then we painted again this weekend, and the tape didn't work at all - we had to spend hours touching up. We used 3M painting tape.

Is there a better way to do it? Is there some entirely different method? Is there a type of tape that works better than others?

Answer 1

Using the blue masking tape helps. Run a pen knife or something pointy with which you apply localized pressure along the edge (where trim meets wall). The blue tape has a little wax that melts from the heat generated and seals the edge so you don't have paint leaks.

Also, it's wise to remove the paint in 48 hrs of finishing the job. I've had bad experience where the old tape when pulled took paint away along with it.

Answer 2

Masking tape works well, but do not leave it on very long as it becomes difficult to remove after a couple of days.
There are more than one variety of "painters tape." In addition to the Green variety there is also a Purple variety.
The difference being that the Green tape can be left in place for a few days longer than masking tape and the Purple tape can be left on even longer and still remove easily.
Having said that, if you use plain masking tape and remove it as soon as the paint is dry it does a good job, at less cost.

Answer 3

People make the mistake of slopping the paint all over the tape and then wait too long to remove. When you apply your brush full of paint start a couple inches away from the tape and brush into it , you kinda want to dry brush your tape this way it doesn't get under the tape and plus when your using a finish with a gloss (semi or eggshell) they tend to pull off if left to dry too long resulting in a very bad line. Paint as if the tape wasn't there and you'll do a great job. good luck and stick with the 3m product

Answer 4

I like using the regular masking tape instead of painters tape. It is easier and cheaper with the regular masking tape.

Answer 5

My husband has always used masking tape. I hired professional painters and they used like freezer paper on a larger roll. It also protected the floor from any drips.

Answer 6

don know
did u use blue tape
do not paint in the winter
peel the tape before it's completely dry
clean your walls...paint doesn't stick to dust

if all fails send in marthastewart

Answer 7

Because mabe u didnt like where tired there is a diffrents like ya