In this blog we discuss how to paint professional looking lines with a minimum of hassle. With years of experience as painting contractors, we’ve developed painting methods that will help you save time when completing your painting projects. You can save a lot of time, money and aggravation by eliminating all of the taping and by “Cutting” your lines without tape! “Cutting in” with a paint brush refers to the process of painting the edges and corners of a wall, typically around trim, ceilings, or windows, with a brush before using a roller on the larger surface area. It’s done to create a clean, precise line where the wall meets other surfaces.
Many people rely on masking tape to create clean paint lines when painting a room, but the results are often unpredictable and messy due to “bleed-through” and tape lines.
Our advice is to mask only to protect horizontal surfaces (like window-sills, wall sockets and baseboards) from spatter. Learn to create clean paint lines through eye-hand coordination. Often, when a paint line looks uneven, it is due to the color not going all of the way into the corner (In the photo; the blue goes all of the way to the ceiling). Holding back from the corner leaves a bit of unpainted space, which looks messy.
Pro tip: First, invest in a great angle sash brush. We like Corona brushes, but Purdy and Wooster also can do the trick. Our size of choice: the 2.5 Corona Excalibur, which is a “full angle sash”. For tighter angles, try a 2″ or 1.5″ sash, but keep in mind that narrower brushes are harder to control in cutting long, straight lines. Then:
1. Load Your Brush Properly
Dip your brush about one-third of the way into the paint and gently tap it against the side of your container. Avoid wiping it off—you want enough paint to work with, but not so much that it drips or becomes uncontrollable. Keep in mind that you will want a lot less paint on your brush when cutting in baseboards.
2. Start Away from the Edge
Use long strokes starting about an inch back from the edge being painted and gradually pushing the color into the corner or edge. As you pull the brush along the wall, gradually ease the bristles closer to the edge. This gives you a chance to control the paint flow and direction before committing to the detail work.
3. Use the Full Length of the Brush
Let the angled edge of the brush do the work. Drow the brush along it’s edge, like a knife, from the heel to tip of the bristles. Instead of just using the tip, draw the full length of the bristles against the surface. This helps create a more even line.
4.See the whole picture
Inexperienced painters often work inside a “bubble”, all of their focus on the brush and the paint. They have a closed posture. Step back a bit, keep your eyes about two feet or so from the brush and your arm slightly extended. View the whole line that you are creating, not just the brush. A more open posture allows you to move more quickly and surely.
5.Keep a damp rag and a 5 in 1 or putty knife on hand
If you go outside the line, don’t panic. Use a damp cloth wrapped around a putty knife to clean up any mistakes before the paint dries. With practice, your corrections will become fewer and farther between.
6. Gravity is on your side!
Start with ceiling lines, then move to the vertical edges of window and doors. In both cases, gravity works to your benefit, as paint wants to flow down. When cutting baseboards (last), you will want less paint on your brush.
In conclusion:
While painter’s tape can be helpful for beginners, experienced painters generally skip it entirely when cutting in. Tape takes time to apply, and it will still bleed. Also, slight variations in wall and trim edges require adaptability, which taping does not allow. With a steady hand and good technique, cutting in is faster and neater.
Still need help with your painting project? Contact Color Touch Painting for help in San Francisco, San Ramon, Alamo and Oakland.
