how do you paint very thin lines on a wall?

Question

I recently painted 22 1/2 inch squares on a wall and want to outline them with thin black lines the problem is i dont know how to do it and make it look professional. if you have any ideas or thoughts on how to do this please let me know. thnaks :)

Answer 1

Use a ruler (a straight edge). Or masking tape (make sure it doesn't take off the paint)
For a circle, a tac and a pencil on a circular string.For an oval, two tacs.

Answer 2

Painters tape is your best friend here. You can find it at any store that has home improvement items. Take a piece of the tape and tape the INSIDE of the square to the edges. Then, take another piece of tape (after making marks on the wall for the exact width you want your line) place another piece of tape running parallel with the inside piece. Two more pieces of tape to tape off the top and bottom. Do this all the way around on all four sides. You can literally paint the line and not have to worry about the rest of the wall because the tape will protect it. Wait for the paint to dry before removing tape and you will have a professional line.

Answer 3

Use Tape. Measure 2 pieces the same length as the squares and You can KEEP using the same two pieces!!! Place one piece so that the edge is even with the square's edge, then place the other in the spot that indicates how wide you want the line to be. In THIS case, since you want the line VERY thin, you aren't goin to put the 2nd piece of tape TOO far away from the first. Now in between the two pieces of tape you should have the "stencil" of the line you want to paint, so HAVE at it!!! with the tape there, it will come out perfect EVERY Time!!!

Answer 4

Try the paint pens (available at Micheals, Wal-Mart, AC Moore, etc.) Use a straight edge if you are not sure of your steady abilities. Tape would be a hassle for the thin lines I think you want. Sharpies could be used but the finish would be better visually with the paint pens, but more $$. They come in different widths too. Perhaps the free hand look would be quaint, try it first. Then tape it up on the wall and step back to see how it would look. Good luck.

Answer 5

I would contemplate getting a professional in. Or at least practise on your own before you touch the wall. Most painters do this free hand.

Two suggestions
1- try doing it free hand, but get lots of practice first.
2-or make a template in cardboard with the square in the middle and the black outline and then cardboard on the other side. You will need to keep some of the cardboard attached to keep the outer square attached but you could fill it in afterwards by hand.

Good luck

Answer 6

Measure the distance you want and mark it with a pencil then use painters tape and outline it. Proceed to paint inside the tape. Oh and use a thin brush.

Answer 7

Use masking tape and tape off the area. Only leave exposed a little thin bit where you want the paint to be. Wait till it dries and remove the tape. Walla a nice neat line.

Answer 8

if the squares have had time to dry , line them w/ painters tape and paint the lines or what Ive done in the past was used a ruler or yard stick and outlined them w/ a Sharpe marker... no one can tell the difference and it looks great..
very sharp.

Answer 9

use a tin brush..if you are painting long lines use painters tape. If it is short lines use the edge a piece of cardboard. Some people have the skill of painting a straight line just with their hands.

Answer 10

Tape it off...tape off the area you dont want to paint and just paint in between the lines.....make sure you take off the tape immediately after painting, tho...for crisp, clean lines.