How to Use Blue Painter's Tape Like a Pro

 

How Do You Use Blue Painter's Tape?

Let's start with a basic step-by-step guide of how to use blue painter’s tape, then we'll go over some tips for getting the most out of your tape. Using painter's tape is a simple process that involves five basic steps:

Step 1. Clean the surface:

Before you even begin applying the tape, make sure the moldings and anywhere you plan to apply tape are clean. Dust and dirt can prevent the tape from sticking. If the area is greasy and requires a more thorough cleaning, wait until the surface is completely dry before applying painter’s tape.

Step 2. Apply tape: 

Once you have a dry, clean surface, you can start to apply your painter's tape. If you're painting interior walls, you can either start by taping off the ceiling line or the baseboard. Either way, start at a corner of the room and tear or cut off pieces of tape no longer than your arm. For corners, tear the tape at an angle to fit.

Step 3. Smooth tape:

As you apply the pieces of blue tape to your borders, smooth it down with your hands to ensure it adheres well and that there are no wrinkles or air bubbles that could get in the way of achieving a clean, straight line. It helps to press the tape down and smooth it out as you go rather than applying a whole run of tape and then smoothing it.

Step 4. Paint:

Once your borders are all protected by painter's tape, you can start painting. You may find it easiest to start by cutting in, which means painting around the border and then filling in the rest of the wall. The tape is there to keep you from getting paint on the ceiling and floorboard, so it's fine to get some paint on the tape, but try to avoid getting too much paint on it.

Step 5. Remove tape:

Once the paint is dry to the touch, which typically takes about an hour, you can remove the tape. Pull the tape gently at a 45-degree angle. Once you've pulled a foot of tape off, grab the tape again at the base. Continue to pull all the tape off the ceilings, baseboards and anywhere else you've applied it, revealing your finished project.

 

What Are Some Tips for Applying Painter's Tape Like a Pro?

We've gone over the basics, but to tape a room off like a pro, you may want to pay attention to these tips and tricks we've assembled:

Cover outlets and switches: 

You can use blue tape to cover outlets, light switches and anything else that's in danger of getting paint on or in it. It can be easy to let paint drip into an outlet, for example, while you're painting a wall, but a layer of tape can keep that from happening.

Use paper or plastic for more protection: 

Use carpet protection film or floor protection film in conjunction with painter's tape to avoid splatter. This can be very helpful if you’re painting a surface with large trim or using a paint roller on the walls or ceiling. 

Contractors may use a painter’s tape applicator to speed up the process of laying the tape. If you don’t have an applicator, try sticking a few inches of tape to the molding and then unroll about six inches. Hold the tape roll tight against the wall and rotate it down quickly to stick the tape. Repeat with the next section.

To avoid getting unwanted paint between the sections of tape, make sure you overlap your sections of tape. This is especially important in corners and uneven areas where paint may find an opening.

Use a tool to smooth tape: 

While you can use your fingers to press and smooth tape, your fingers may get overheated or feel raw from doing this task for too long. Thankfully, you can also use a flat tool like a credit card or a putty knife to assist with the application, so your tape stays smooth and bubble-free.

Beware of uneven services:

Since flat surfaces in older houses tend to be uneven, you'll have to work harder to press and smooth tape and make sure you have the protection you need. The best thing you can do in these cases is to avoid painting over the tape. When painting the desired area, don't bring the fully-loaded brush all the way to the tape. Instead, paint lightly when you get close to the edge.

Use tape to divide walls:

If you’re painting an accent wall, you can use painter’s tape to get a straight line at the inside corner where the walls meet. Start by painting around the corner with the first color. When that dries, mask off that side with painter's tape. Place the tape about 1/8 inch from the corner, and you’re ready for your second color. You will have a nice straight transition between colors.

As you work on your own projects, you may discover your own tricks for using tape for trim or other surfaces in a way that helps you achieve the results you're after. 

Blue Painter's Tape From TapeManBlue

TapeManBlue knows the right tape can make or break a painting project. Our blue painter's tape is the best product on the market today. It's American-made and is designed to help you achieve the best results possible on your next painting project. We offer painter's tape at wholesale prices and free shipping on all online orders. At TapeManBlue, you'll find tape you can trust to get the job done right, every time.