How can one paint straight lines without using masking tape?

Question

The masking tape although effective tears the paper.

Answer 1

Use artist's tape. It's very simlar to masking tape but it won't tear the paper when you remove it.

http://www.misterart.com/store/view/001/group_id/1225/Pro-Tapes-White-Artist-s-Tape.htm

Answer 2

Painting Without Tape

Answer 3

They're right about the ruler. Best to used a brush with short hard bristles. Load the brush then wipe most of the paint off, otherwise it will bleed under the ruler.

Another possibility is friskfilm, a low tack film used for airbrushing. Be sure to test it before use to be sure it doesn't catch on the paper, if it does (and this is a trick you can use with making tape too), place the tape/film, sticky side down on the leg of your pants, lift off, and the fibres it has lifted make it lower tack. Repeat as necessary... magic !

Also, when removing masking tape, heat it with a hairdryer and it should some off cleanly.

www.notthetate.co.uk/lizzie

Answer 4

I have always found it easier to paint a straight line free hand. If you are painting a line on paper you will need (1) a steady hand, (2) a chalk line to mark your line. Loading the brush with a liberal amount of paint makes it easier. If you are painting around a door frame the painting should be done before the papering so it doesn't matter if the paint goes on the wall, if however the wall is papered and your just painting the frame try using a new, clean plasterers smoothing trowel to protect the paper. Good luck.

Answer 5

if the masking tape is tearing your paper you are probably using the wrong tape. there is painters tape that will stick to the wall or whatever your painting but will remove much easier without ruining the product being painted. professional painters use it all the time. its normally comes in green or blue colored. and as for straighter lines, well its all on the painter and how steady he or she is. pinstripers are the best to making staright lines they are pros at getting straight lines.

Answer 6

everyone above gave good answers, you can also cover the area you don't want painted with rubber cement (using a piece of paper for the straight edge over the portion you plan to paint) and then rub it off after. It usually rubs off easily, but a small square eraser like tool called "rubber cement pickup" works very well for removing it all too.

Answer 7

Blue painters tape

Answer 8

buy a roll of brown tape it is just gummy on about 1'" on the end it will not pull anything off

Answer 9

use the kind of "magic tape" the not-so-clear one that doesnt tear that much and thats not so sticky :)

Answer 10

you need some painter's tape or something that is only slightly sticky like post-it notes... (not to use them, but that kind of removable sticky).