How to Paint a Border Without Tape

Painting a border freehand on a wall is not a simple task. If you need to paint a border without tape, you can do it, but it requires some preparation and, should you have the time, a little practice. In addition, there are a couple of tips to getting the cleanest edge possible. You don't need any special tools you won't already find around the house aside from a decent brush. For this kind of job, it's worth it to spend the extra bucks on a pro brush. It will cost two or three times as much as the cheap one, but you will have much more control. Plastic edging tools are best avoided for this job, as the usually cause more mess.

Straight edge
2-inch angled brush
Damp rag

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a line for the border with a pencil and a straight edge.
- 2
  Dip a two-inch angled brush into the paint and try a few practice strokes on the side of the border where you want the paint. Insert the bristles one-quarter of the way into the paint. Find a comfortable angle and apply a paint stroke parallel to the border line. As you draw the brush, you will notice the bristles aligning (if you are using a good brush) and creating a perfect edge. It will stay straight if you pull the brush straight.
- 3
  Load the brush when ready to paint the edge of the border. Start a stroke just away from the border line and approach it as you pull your stroke across. Continue to pull the brush across, even with the pencil line, until the paint begins to run dry or you feel you cannot keep the line straight. When that happens, slide the brush away from the line and lift it off the wall.
- 4
  Reload the brush and repeat. Continue until you have completed the border.
- 5
  Use a damp rag to quickly wipe any paint the goes over the line.

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