How to Use Masking Tape For Edges When Painting a Room

Masking tape provides clean edges when painting.

A fresh coat of paint adds a quick update to the look of any room. Even with all the paintbrushes and edgers available to the homeowner today, getting crisp edges and avoiding paint splatters requires prep work before you paint. Avoid paint splatters on floors, trim and windows with regular, readily available masking tape. Masking tape, unlike other types of tape, peels off easily from most surfaces without leaving behind adhesive or damaging the trim.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Drop cloth

Instructions

1. Wipe the trim or windows with a damp cloth and sweep the floors, removing any dust or debris that may prevent the tape from adhering cleanly. Wipe the trim dry afterward or allow it to air-dry completely.

2. Lay a drop cloth over the floor. Attach the edges of the drop cloth to the baseboards with a line of masking tape. Begin taping in one corner and continue the tape down the baseboard to the opposite corner, then repeat for each wall. Place the tape on the floor, right up against the baseboards, if you are painting the baseboards. Place the tap along the top edge of the baseboard if you are not painting them at this time.

3. Tape around door and window frames. Tape along the very edge of the frame, beginning at the bottom and taping up to the top. Tear the tape off and repeat on the other side of the frame. Tape along the top and bottom, if applicable.

4. Apply tape to the inside edges of window glass if you are painting the window frames. Run the masking tape around the edges of the glass, abutting it to the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the glass with sheets of newspaper and run the tape around the edges of the newspaper to avoid getting paint splatters on the glass, if you tend to drip while painting.

• Remove masking tape by pulling it slowly upward. Pulling too quickly may remove paint or varnish from woodwork and trim.

• Do not apply tape to bare drywall, as the masking tape adhesive can tear the protective paper covering on the drywall.

References

• Bob Vila: How to Paint a Room
• American Profile: The ABCs of Painting a Room