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How to Block Paint From Seeping Under Painter's Tape

Painting a perfectly straight edge on a wall is an extremely difficult thing to do. To do it successfully, it is necessary to place painter’s tape on the wall so that when the paint is placed over the top and then removed, it will leave a clean smooth line. The tape is not perfect, though, and paint may seep under the very edge to make the line less perfect and straight. There is a way to eliminate this paint bleed with the help of a layer of liquid glaze over the tape.

Things You'll Need

  • Painter’s tape
  • Putty knife
  • Clear matte glaze
  • Paint can opener
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • 1-inch paint brush
  • Paint
  • Paint roller
  • Paint brush
  • Razor blade
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place tape over the surface where desired. Extend the tape slightly longer than the area needed to ensure that it fully blocks the area where the paint is needed.

    • 2

      Draw the tip of a putty knife over the tape and apply even pressure to bond the tape to the surface.

    • 3

      Shake a small can of clear glaze vigorously for approximately two minutes. Open the can using a paint can opener or flat head screwdriver.

    • 4

      Dip a 1-inch paint brush into the glaze and drag the brush against the edge of the can opening to let excess drip back into the can.

    • 5

      Spread the glaze over the top edge of the seam. Draw the brush so that it covers some of the tape and some of the outer wall for the most successful coverage and bond. Leave the glaze to dry on the tape and wall for approximately one hour or until it is dry to the touch.

    • 6

      Paint the wall with a paint roller or paint brush. Cover the wall up to and including no more than half of the tape, but do not go over. Let the paint dry for 2 hours.

    • 7

      Use the tip of a razor blade or utility knife to pry up the tip of the tape and slowly peel it off the wall. Lift the paint straight off the wall and not at an angle to avoid pulling at the paint covering.