8/12/2019 How to Paint Clean Lines

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http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Paint-Clean-Lines/ 

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How to Paint Clean Linesby starshipminivan on June 8, 2009

Table of Contents

intro: How to Paint Clean Lines  ..................................................................................................

step 1: First Color  ............................................................................................................

step 2: Taping  ...............................................................................................................

step 3: Bleed Line  ............................................................................................................

step 4: Second Color  ..........................................................................................................

step 5: The Reveal  ............................................................................................................

Related Instructables  ...........................................................................................................

Advertisements  ...............................................................................................................

Comments  ...................................................................................................................

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http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Paint-Clean-Lines/ 

intro:  How to Paint Clean LinesHave you ever tried to use masking tape for its intended purpose only to discover that, no matter how carefully you apply the tape, paint bleeds under it, ruining yourefforts?

Making clean paint lines between two colors doesn't have to require a steady hand or special equipment. This technique is very simple and requires only paint, brusheand masking tape. This time, however, you will be controlling the bleeding paint and using it to create crisp lines that precisely follow the edge of the tape.

I have this and other eclectic craft and home projects on my blog http://craftasticworld.blogspot.com/ 

step 1: First ColorLay down the first color, extending past the area where the line will be. If you are using two layers per color, paint both layers.

step 2: TapingOnce the paint is dry, place your masking tape. In this case, the bottom of the masking tape marks the location where the edge between the two colors will appear.

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step 3: Bleed LineUsing the same color, paint along the tape edge. This seems strange but, there will always be some bleeding under the tape. By deliberately painting against the tapeyou seal the edge with the first color, allowing it to bleed under the edge, so the second color can't do it. The edge of the tape becomes the edge of your line.

Make sure the lower edge of the paint feathers softly away so you won't see a thick edge of paint later on.

Image Notes1. Paint TOWARD the tape. This will bleed under and seal the edge of the tape.

step 4: Second ColorWhen the bleed-under layer has dried, paint the second color. Make sure your paint overlaps the location of the tape line.

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Image Notes1. The brown paint extends past the tape line.

step 5: The RevealRemove the tape by pulling it at a 90 degree angle. Do this when the paint is wet, if possible.

Tah-dah! Crisp, clean paint lines!

(I hate adding a caveat but it seems warranted here: I haven't had any problems with the line when removing the tape after the second color has dried BUT other peopknow have. It has to do with paint setting up and binding to itself. So, if you cannot pull the tape while it is still wet or at least soon after it dries, you might consider usicraft knife and a straight edge to score the line before pulling the tape.)

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Comments

50 comments   Add Comment   view all 59 commen

 den08088 says:  Jul 3, 2009. 5:54 PM REP

I'm not certain, but I believe i t was Frank Lloyd Wright who said (paraphrased a bit) that a good solution to a problem should be elegant. This painting tip isone of those "elegant" solutions. Thanks.

 garling37 says:  Jun 18, 2009. 1:03 PM REP

any good tips on getting the line straight from wall to ceiling I never get it straight i hate taping because one way or the other,when I take tape down and pa

comes off either the wall or the ceiling I can't cut in straight and it drives me nuts.

 finfan7 says:  Jun 29, 2009. 5:22 PM REP

If the tape is taking the new paint off with it when you take it down you are waiting too long to remove it. If you remove it while the paint is wet it separacleanly and as long as you are careful you won't get any paint on things you don't want to. If the tape is taking off the old paint you're using the wrongkind of tape.

 przemek says:  Jun 25, 2009. 8:36 AM REP

The secret to straight lines is to stick on the beginning of the tape at one end of your run, unroll and stretch it taut, and bring it down to stick at the otheend. It should stick lightly along the full length, so you'll need to press it down gently so that it adheres well along the entire run.

If you try to unroll the tape and stick it on as you go down the run, the edge will wander around.

 garling37 says:  Jun 25, 2009. 12:49 PM REPthank you I will try that I hate the wave between the wall and the ceilings

 ODDJOBS says:  Jun 19, 2009. 1:56 AM REP

Oops. It should be "TESAKREPP"

 ODDJOBS says:  Jun 19, 2009. 1:53 AM REP

You'll notice that the tape is blue. It is a special masking tape of superior quality which is also less sticky than normal, which can be left (even on glass) forseveral weeks and still be removed with no tearing, residue etc. The brand name I use is "TESAKREP 4438" or just Tesa tape. Available from Paintsuppliers.

 lampajoo says:  Jun 19, 2009. 12:33 AM REP

brilliant

 JorritJ says:  Jun 16, 2009. 1:52 AM REP

Great instructable!My thoughts:Always use the right tape for the job. Use the blue paper tape for masking lines, not the white tape because that will not stick to your surface without anygaps.Another tip if your painting a line on a small surface, or you can't paint the other side: use a template brush. Those are the thick brushes with short hairs. Jtap on the paint along the lines. This gives a great result, but will be a lot of work for big surfaces.

 tommy tinker says:  Jun 12, 2009. 3:33 PM REP

I have worked in construction ever since I was 14 and worked as a head painter for 13 years for a small outfit that was specializing in custom residentialpaint jobs. this is absolutely correct, the edge of the tape that you are painting to MUST be sealed to prevent bleeding. Excellent instructable.

However, having said that, I did a large commercial job a few years ago and time didn't permit me to use that technique, after a long sleepless night Idecided to use something from another profession, an arborite roller. It's about four inches long made of hard rubber and about twenty bucks.

After placing the tape I ran over it with the roller to seal it to the wall and NO bleeding, the tape will work if it is good quality and placed correctly.

 starshipminivan says:  Jun 12, 2009. 4:37 PM REP

Thanks for the real-world reply.

I think this is a valid point--as long as the tape's edge is sealed, that's how you get a nice line. I think that the initial coat of paint has to be fairly wellcured for the tape to be used in this way--or it likes to stick (as I've learned in previous taping episodes).

My father used to build custom cabinets for years and specialized in laminate (formica, etc.) so think I am familiar with the kind of product you aredescribing. That would certainly seal tape well. Brayers used in art are similar but smaller and cheaper and might work for someone doing projects athome. They are hard rubber rollers for applying ink and other printing uses.

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 tommy tinker says:  Jun 13, 2009. 9:02 AM REP

The cheaper it is the better it is as long as it works. Excellent suggestion. And yes, I forgot to mention that the first coat needs to be cured first.

 kkinney says:  Jun 11, 2009. 7:08 PM REP

A very good idea for dealing with the problem. I like elegant solutions.

Personally I use black electrical tape. Absolutely zero bleed. Plus, it's flexible enough to make curved lines or pinstripes.Also, when pulling off the tape pull it away from the second color. In your example, this would be in an upward direction. This way you don't rip off shards othe new color.

 starshipminivan says:  Jun 12, 2009. 4:39 PM REPI will have to try electrical tape sometime. I love it when things have a uses outside of their intended purpose.

 jossdw says:  Jun 12, 2009. 4:06 PM REP

Best tool to use to get into corners and paint a straight line by hand is a 12 mm bevel paint brush - cost about a buck. I'm obsessive about straight lines -they sream of quality.

 starshipminivan says:  Jun 12, 2009. 4:25 PM REP

In my home painting on corners and along ceilings, I use a sash brush with the point of it sort of drawing the line and "eyeball it." I've gotten pretty goodat it so that's normally how I tackle those areas.

This instructable was intended for clean lines between two paint colors (as in decorative elements rather than corners, etc.) but I think, for the worried ofrustrated painter, it translates well to these other applications.

 Nicknight says:  Jun 11, 2009. 10:46 PM REP

I am painting stripes on a mobile hamburger stand at the moment and got bleeding. I'll give this a try. Very timely, thanks very much.

 oldnukeet says:  Jun 11, 2009. 6:38 PM REP

Champersand had it right - Abso-friggin-lutely BRILLIANT! I have fought with this problem for 20+ years painting I dont know how many homes andapartments we've lived in - next job will look great. Thanks again.

If brevity is the soul of wit then simplicity is the soul of genius - Me.

 annfill says:  Jun 11, 2009. 5:17 PM REP

Thankyou for that tip- it is going to save me heaps of angst. I am very gratefull.

 hotLatte says:  Jun 11, 2009. 2:58 PM REP

Genius. 'Love it.

 GrantLevy says:  Jun 11, 2009. 1:44 PM REP

Thank you! That explains why the edge of my painted cabinets came out with the wall color on them! Now I know what to do! Again, thank you!

 bettybst says:  Jun 11, 2009. 10:22 AM REP

I've never left a comment before, but this instructable is great! Thank you for the simple-but-I-never-thought-of-it trick.

 WonderSlug says:  Jun 11, 2009. 8:01 AM REP

Thanks thats an awesome tip.

Another thing you can do is place a ultra thin layer of paintable caulk over the edge of the tape on the line you want to join. Literally smearing it along theedge with your finger very thin. This way the caulk takes up any of the voids where paint might go under the tape and you don't have to paint the same coloover and under the tape.

 starshipminivan says:  Jun 11, 2009. 8:44 AM REP

Won't the caulk color show once the tape is removed? Or is it clear?

Even a clear product used in this matter--and they do make them--could create differences in opacity or reflectivity that may give a jagged edge to theline. It will appear more shiny or more matte even if the color comes through the product. However, the paint (which matches precisely in all qualities anis already on hand) is going to have a straight edge with the same light bouncing qualities.

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That's why I like Instructables.

 starshipminivan says:  Jun 9, 2009. 12:47 PM REP

You can get a somewhat thick edge with this technique--it's true. If you are can get away with single coats of paint (better with tone-on tone), thethickness difference is very slight.

 arirang777 says:  Jun 9, 2009. 9:52 AM REP

I just love this kind of helpful tricks. By cleverly going with the flow of the "problem" instead of fighting it. Simple yet effective. This tip just came handy for mhome makeover. I enjoyed this instructable. Thanks!

 secretshedfreak says:  Jun 9, 2009. 5:12 AM REP

nice one, will come in handy when painting our nursery. have you tried it on the corner of two walls?

 starshipminivan says:  Jun 9, 2009. 8:41 AM REP

I have not. I just use a sash brush for the trim, ceiling line and corners. But if you don't want to chance it, I don't see why it wouldn't work there.

 pest003s says:  Jun 9, 2009. 8:33 AM REP

That is so cool. I hate the bleeding - NEVER thought of that!

 Richard.marier says:  Jun 9, 2009. 5:00 AM REP

Ha HA! That's the secret the pros use!

Great tip, Thanks!

 Maureclaire says:  Jun 9, 2009. 4:52 AM REP

THANK YOU ever so much !!!

 jeff-o says:  Jun 9, 2009. 4:01 AM REP

Very clever. I shall remember this the next time I paint something; I always have troubles with paint bleeding under the tape.

 lemonie says:  Jun 8, 2009. 2:37 PM REP

That's what masking tape is for - nicely shown.

L

 rimar2000 says:  Jun 8, 2009. 6:37 PM REP

Yes, lemonie, but the clever secret is step 3. I didn't know that. Always my paintings was "bleeded" or dripped under the tape.

 lemonie says:  Jun 8, 2009. 11:33 PM REP

It's a good one, and shows how to use the tape well and better than one might have thought possible (although I had been aware of that trick).

L

 kenbob says:  Jun 8, 2009. 10:01 PM REP

ah ha! i wondered how people got those crisp lines.

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