The Correct Way to Use Painter’s Tape

Are you planning a paint job in the near future? If you want to get the finish precise and symmetrical, it is important that you use painter’s tape to mark the areas that you are going to paint. It will provide you the guidelines you need to ensure the finish is smooth, plus you won’t have to be extra careful when doing the actual painting. However, before you start using painter’s tape, it is important that you know how to use it correctly. To make things easier for you, here’s a guide to the correct way to use painter’s tape:

• Before you apply the painter’s tape, it is important that you clean up the surface properly. If there is dust on the surface or some moisture, the tape won’t stick and you will have to keep replacing it, which will slow you down and lead to wastage of time and energy. It is a good idea to keep a rag on hand so you can wipe the surface before you apply the painter’s tape. In case the surface is greasy, you will have to wash it. For this, use an appropriate detergent that won’t affect the surface of the wall and yet get the job done.
• Applying the tape by hand isn’t difficult but you can ease the process by investing in an applicator. You can easily find a painter’s tape applicator at a paint store. This will enable you to apply the tape in precise lengths. You only have to roll the tape along the surface the way you want to apply it. Since the applicator comes with a cutter, you can cut the tape when you have reached the desired length.
• To make sure the tape sticks to the surface, apply pressure on it once you have applied it. It is crucial that you press it down on the edges so that the tape seals with the surface. Otherwise, there is a chance that the paint will seep under the tape and that can affect the finish. You can use a putty knife blade to press down the tape and ensure a strong bond.
• Last, but not least, you have to be careful when removing the tape from the wall. As you would know, you cannot remove the tape while the paint is still wet. You have to wait till the paint has dried completely and then score the painter’s tape before you remove it. This way, the tape will come off smoothly without affecting the paint job at all. Use a putty knife to smoothen the tape before removing it, which will ensure the tape doesn’t stick to the knife.

These are some basic tips you can follow to ensure you use painter’s tape correctly. Keep in mind that painter’s tape is a key component of any paint job and using it the right way will give you the finish you desire and reduce the hassle involved in the process.