How to Edge Textured Walls

Painting adjacent walls and ceilings different colors requires crisp, clean lines along the edges. Painters typically use blue painter’s tape to achieve this effect. Unfortunately, paint has the tendency to seep into the nooks and crannies of textured walls and can slip underneath painter’s tape, resulting in a crooked edge. A bit of preparation and extra supplies can seal the texture along edges, preventing sloppy edges.

Soft sponge
100-grit sandpaper
Rag
Painter’s tape
4-inch angled brush
Painting caulk or paint
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the wall and the edge of adjacent walls and ceilings thoroughly, using a soft sponge dipped in soapy water. After the water dries thoroughly, lightly sand the wall and the edge of adjacent walls and ceilings with 100-grit sandpaper. Brush away sanding dust with a rag.
- 2
  Apply painter’s tape along the edge of the wall or ceiling adjacent to the wall you want to paint. Press down firmly on the edge of the tape facing the wall you want to paint.
- 3
  Using an angled brush, apply painting caulk or paint that matches the current color of the wall along the edge of the tape facing the wall to be painted. Make the caulk or paint overlap the edge of the tape.
- 4
  Allow the paint or caulk to dry thoroughly before painting the wall the desired color. The dried paint or caulk will seal the edge of the tape, preventing different-colored paint from seeping underneath.
- 5
  Paint the edge of the wall with the desired color of paint, using an angled brush. Overlap the edge of the tape as you paint.
- 6
  Finish the wall with the desired color of paint, using a paint roller.

How to Make Perfect Lines on a Textured Wall

Sealing a Faux Glazed Wall

Paint & Wallpaper