Painter’s tape is the best friend for DIY painting projects. It helps you get crisp, clean results and professional-looking lines. Contrary to popular belief, a painter’s strip on the ceiling or floor, as well as around trim, will not guarantee perfect results. It takes some practice to learn how to remove and apply painter’s tape correctly.
Learn everything you need to about masking and painter’s tap from the experts at Five Star Painting (r) before you begin masking your walls:
- What is the best painter’s tape?
- What is the difference between masking tape and painter’s tape?
- What color of painter’s taping do I require?
- How to use painter’s tap
- Masking the room before painting
- How to remove painter’s tape
What is the best painter’s tape?
There are different sizes and adhesive strengths of painter’s tape to suit various types of painting jobs. The type of paint you use, the location where you paint, and the surface condition will determine the best painter’s tape. Read on to learn how to select the best painter’s tape for your project.
Painter’s Tape Adhesion
It’s important to take into account the adhesion of the tape when choosing it.
- Level tape with loAdhesionon can be used on delicate surfaces such as wallpaper or paints that have a faux finish.
- MediuAdhesionon tape can be used for both interior and exterior projects. It can be left in place for up to two weeks.
- HigAdhesionon tape is best used on exterior surfaces or those with a rough texture. It is also perfect for holding down drop cloths. The tape must be removed in seven days.
Painter’s Tape Width
You can also use the width of the tape to mask off certain areas in your home.
- Windows and trim: Choose painter’s tape measuring between 1.41 and 1.88 inches. These widths will give you enough tape to get a neat edge.
- Tight Spaces: Use a narrow-width painter’s taping of 0.94 inches.
- Floors Wide painter’s tap (2.5+ inch) is best for protecting floors and ceilings with plastic or tarps. If you do not want to purchase multiple widths, you can use a one-half-inch roll of tape.
What color painter’s tape do I need?
You should choose the color of the painter’s masking tape based on where it will be used. Blue painter’s tape resists UV light, which can degrade the glue and tape over time. Use this tape if you are working outdoors. Visit our Blue Versus Green Tape article for more information about which color tape is best suited to your project.
What is the difference between masking tape and painter’s tape?
Masking tape and painter’s tape are not the same thing. Although they may appear and feel alike, the two tapes do not have the same function.
Painter’s Tape is designed to be easily removed, leaving no residue behind. It will not shrink or wrinkle when in contact with the paint. Masking tape can be useful in an emergency, but if left on the surface for too long, it may leave a sticky residue behind or even wrinkle when exposed to paint.
How to Apply Painter’s Tape
To avoid painting mistakes, it’s important to use the tape correctly.
Follow these steps:
- A dirty or dusty surface will not allow the paint to adhere. Run a damp cloth around the area that you are masking to remove any dust or debris.
- After the tape has been applied, use a flexible, small putty blade to push the adhesive into the surface. Do not skip this step, or use your hand instead of the putty blade.
How to Mask a Wall for Painting
Preparing for painting takes more time, but it ultimately saves time and effort. Professional painters who have a steady hand and use a proven method can paint ceilings and trims without masking. This is a dangerous move for DIY painters. It’s better to spend the money and time masking the area as much as possible to avoid mistakes.
- If you plan on spraying texture or paint, you’ll have to mask entire walls or rooms. This can be done by running a wide strip of painter’s tape (2.5+ inches in width) around the perimeter. The bottom edge should be left exposed. Only attach the top edge.
- Slide the plastic sheet under the exposed edge and gently press the tape into place. Use lightweight, thin, high-density (.31mm) plastic sheeting.
How to mask trim
- Paint floor trim, such as baseboards. Run a wide strip of painter’s tape on the floor and along the trim.
- You can make more mistakes by using a strip of painter’s tape and a sheet of masking paper that is 6 inches wide.
- It’s easier to paint new trim before installing it on sawhorses.
How to Remove Painter’s Tape
As with the application, removing the tape requires patience and practice. Painter’s tap should not be left on for longer than the manufacturer specifies. The adhesive may harden if you wait too long. It will remain on the surface even when you attempt to remove it.
Remove the painter’s tape as soon as the paint is wet for best results. For a clean, straight line, tear off the tape at a 45-degree angle.
It is important to score the tape edge after the paint has dried to remove any paint that may have dried on top. If you forget to score the edge of the tape, it will have an uneven and ragged appearance. To break the seal, swipe your putty blade along the edge.