Painter’s tape is a huge help for those of us who like to do our own painting jobs around the house, but don’t have the steadiest of hands with a paintbrush. Painter’s tape, if applied and used correctly, virtually guarantees clean, crisp lines and edges on all your jobs. So what is painter’s tape, and how do you use it correctly and remove it from any surface? Keep reading for the 411.
Painter’s tape, like this example manufactured by Scotch, is usually blue, but there are brands that are green for different substrates. No, it is not the same as masking tape. If you try using masking tape instead, you won’t see the same results. Painter’s tape is made to adhere without leaving a sticky residue behind. You can use it on all sorts of applications, such as walls, trim, metal and glass. You can buy 3M Scotch painter’s tape here.
When you use painter’s tape, try tearing off 10-20 foot lengths at a time. Position the tape carefully, and go slow to be sure you get it where you want it. If you need to reposition a section, just lift it away and try again. To get a good seal and ensure that paint doesn’t get through, use your fingernail to help securely adhere the tape to the surface.
A lot of people don’t know when the best time is to peel away the painter’s tape after painting. The answer is simple. Peel the tape away when the paint is just dry to the touch. This could be as soon as 20-30 minutes after painting, depending on the paint manufacturer. Use a utility knife to score all along the edge of the painter’s tape and release the tape from the fresh paint. Scotch recommends peeling the tape slowly back on itself at a 45-degree angle, but if the tape seems to stick to the surface, try a 90-degree angle instead.
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