Painting sharp edges on a wall

[tomb215]

We have a room we want to paint three different colors horizontally. I need to get a good tight seal along the masking tape between each color. Can some one tell me how to accomplish this without damaging the surface of the new paint.

[marksr]

Welcome to the forums!

It is hard to tape fresh paint and not risk damage when removed. It is also hard to get the tape seal good enough to prevent paint seepage under the tape. The best method is to chalk or mark a line and brush to it. Unfortunately that requires a fair amount of experience with brushing paint.

You will want to use a low tack tape and let the prior coat dry for a few days. It would be a good idea to use the tape as a guide and try and keep the tape paint free. Remove the tape as soon as your done painting..... and hope for the best.

[sfd48]

3M makes a fine line delicate surface painters tape perfect for this application. it comes in widths from 3/4" to 3". You will know it when you see it because it is a bright yellow and is labled fine edge delicate surface.

If I am painting stripes or need a very sharp edge it works great when I applie it I use a 1" wallpaper seam roller to ensure good adheasion only on the edge that will be painted. Also allow your paint to dry at least 4 hrs before appliing the tape.

I generally use the 2" just because it gives me plenty of room to over mask if I'm spraying. for the DYI it affords alittle extra saftey if your not so careful with the rollor or brush.

The tape cost about $ 8.00 per roll.

[Slatz]

The 3M tape item number is #2080.

Don't use the #2090 tape (another popular blue tape by 3M). The #2090 is a crepe paper tape and has a textured surface, even though it is an easy release tape, paint will bleed under the texture.

The inner core of the #2080 tape is orange (#2090 is blue).

[FauxFun]

Everyone is absolutely right. Other colors must be dry before applying tape. BUT - cool secret - after applying the tape paint along that edge with the color that is under the tape you are trying to protect. It will fill in the gaps and save the color under! Let it dry for about 30 mins then go ahead and roll on the color you want in that section. As soon as you finish the room remove the tape. Nice clean crisp edges. :-)
P.S. Last color you paint in the room (taped off section) should be the darkest color as well.

[Dan Thompson]

I have used the technique that FauxFun discribes on BULLNOSE corners and it works very well.