Quick Tips On How To Paint Without Tape
If your walls, ceilings or cabinets are in dire need of a facelift but you don’t have extra cash to burn, you should consider painting your home fixtures on your own. There are a lot of homeowners who resort to DIY makeovers in order to save a few bucks and avoid expensive labor costs. If you’re worried and have no idea where to begin, then this article is right for you.
It’s about time you give your old, dirty, and stained walls a fresh new coat of paint. In most cases, you may need to paint on the edge of your walls which may be challenging for some if you don’t use a painter’s tape. The good news is, in this article, we’ll show you how to paint without tape.
For most DIYers, a painter’s tape is an essential tool to make sure you don’t accidentally paint over areas you’re not supposed to. The painter’s tape is masked along the sides of the walls, ceilings or cabinets. However, you may be unaware of the fact that instead of wasting your precious time on applying and removing the tape every time you paint, you can actually just scrap this step entirely.
Yes, you read it correctly. It is possible to makeover your house without using a single tape. Keep on reading and we’ll show you how.
First, here are the materials you’ll need for this project:
- Primer and paint
- Paintbrush
- Painting tools (edge painter, paint roller, extension rod)
- Drop cloth or plastic sheets
- Disinfectant wipes
Instructional Guide
1. Pick the right set of tools.
The first and most significant step you need to do is to select the proper set of tools for your project. Having the right tools and equipment can make your work easier and faster. This will save you tons of time and effort so you can focus more on other important tasks at hand.
An edge painter can make all the difference in the world or at least when it comes to painting. This tool is built with a wheel to help you create consistent and straight lines along the edge of your walls or ceilings without having to worry about getting paint marks on the other side of the surface.
For areas that require you to use a brush, pick one that has soft and smooth bristles with an angled edge. The angle on your brush will allow you to paint over the edges, corners, and other surfaces easier than a regular brush. It doesn’t matter if you’re using an expensive or cheap brush as long as it is made with good quality and you can rely on the bristles not to split while you are painting.
Once you’ve picked the weapon of your choice, prepare the other materials you need. Place a drop cloth on the surface of the room. You can use a plastic sheet to cover your furniture and floors. This will prevent the paint from spilling and damaging your fixtures. Make sure you press your drop cloth firmly against the wall to prevent any paint leaks.
2. Start painting.
Once your surface is clean from any dust, oil, and grease, you can start applying a primer. Afterward, dip your paint using the edge painter and start applying on the edges and corners of the walls first.
After covering all the edges, use a paint roller to cover the rest of your walls. You may attach it to an extension rod to help you reach all surfaces with ease. Keep your application even and smooth.
Allow the first coating of paint to dry off for at least an hour before you apply the second layer of paint. Use a regular paintbrush for touch-ups. Then apply your final coat of finishing to set your paint.
3. Use an angled brush.
If you’re painting on the corners using a brush, bead the paint. Dip your brush lightly in the paint and let the paint bead on the edge of the brush.
You can also opt to use a paint shield when you’re painting on the trims to avoid a mess. Keep a set of disinfectant wipes ready to clean up any paint spills.
Here are some tricks on how to properly use an angled brush. Dip the brush in paint and drag it to the edge of the container so that the paint sticks to one side. Position the brush closely on the edge or corner you want to paint on. Avoid soaking the brush with too much paint.
Brush the paint in upward or downward strokes to create a straight line using the side of the brush. Keep it at least a quarter of an inch away from the edge. Make sure you hold your brush steadily on your hands. Repeat this process until you cover the edge completely.
Why Painting Without Tape Is Effective
Personally, I’ve tried and tested this method a dozen of times. As an avid DIY painter, I’ve already paintedseveral doors, walls, and ceilings in my house without having to use a painter’s tape. I find it more effective compared to using a tape.
Applying a tape takes time, not to mention removing it afterward. As a busy parent who’s trying hard to juggle between work, chores, and children, I barely have time for home makeover projects. Time is a luxury I, unfortunately, don’t have.
However, at the end of the day, I don’t have any choice but to finish my painting tasks. This is what led me to do some research and luckily, I stumbled on this technique. Painting without tape has shaved off hours from my painting job. Now, I have more time to do other important things.
Hopefully, this tutorial can help you do the same. If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends. Feel free to send your comments or feedback. We’d love to hear your suggestions on how to paint without tape.