How to Get Straight Paint Lines Using Tape & Caulk

Painting one surface while trying to prevent paint from touching an adjoining surface often requires the placement of a piece of masking tape to protect the second surface from errant paint spray or brush strokes. Unfortunately, unless the surface is absolutely flat, the tape tends to leave some small spaces along the seam that paint can seep through, leaving the taped lines ragged. You can get straight paint lines though by using caulk along with the tape. With the caulk, you can cover the seam, preventing the paint seepage and keeping your paint border precisely where you want it and the paint lines straight.

Masking tape
Straightedge
Utility knife
Paintable latex caulk

Instructions

- 1
  Place a strip of masking tape along the edge of the surface adjoining the one that you wish to paint. Slightly overlap the edge with the tape by about 1/8 inch and then place a straightedge onto the tape along the straight paint line that you want. Run a utility knife lightly over the tape, cutting through the tape but taking care not to score the surface beneath. Peel the cut section of tape form the wall.
- 2
  Apply a thin line of paintable latex caulk along the edge of the cut tape. Take your thumb and rub the caulking along the seam, thinning it out until barely visible while covering the seam completely. The caulk will fill in any of the gaps in the tape’s edge on the surface. Allow the caulk to dry for two hours.
- 3
  Paint the surface normally with whatever type of paint is desired.
- 4
  Pull the masking tape from the surface after painting, while the paint is still wet, to reveal the straight line on your painted surface.

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