How to Paint With Masking Tape

Tape for Painting Straight Lines

• 1

  Choose the appropriate masking tape for your painting project. Get painters' tape for creating crisp, straight lines on walls and along the edges of trim.

• 2

  Clean or dust off the surface onto which you'll be taping so it sticks securely. Apply tape to dry surfaces--it won't adhere if the surface is damp.

• 3

  Press tape down with your fingernail, a putty knife or the edge of a credit card. To ensure very straight lines, rub it with a dry cloth just before you start painting to make sure the smallest wrinkles are smoothed out.

• 4

  Apply paint with a brush in two or three thin, even coats along the masking tape. Heavy applications are more likely to bleed under the tape.

• 5

  Either remove the masking tape immediately after you've finished painting, or else wait at least four hours before removing. Removing the tape while the paint is in the process of drying can result in paint pulling away from the wall and uneven, jagged edges.

Using Masking Tape to Protect Surfaces

• 6

  Use the inexpensive beige masking tape for attaching plastic or paper to windows and other areas you want to protect.

• 7

  Purchase a hand-masker for larger jobs, especially if you are planning on using an airless sprayer. This allows you to apply masking tape together with plastic or masking paper in a single application with precision and speed. Attach the roll of tape to the short dispenser, and the roll of paper or plastic to the longer dispenser. The dispensers are clearly marked. Stick the tape to the edge of the masking material, and start applying it.

• 8

  Protect carpet when painting baseboards with 2- or 3-inch wide masking tape. Lay the tape loosely along the carpet with the edge of the tape about one half of an inch up on the baseboard. Use your fingers or a putty knife to tuck the tape down between the baseboard and the carpet.