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Photo: Painter putting masking tape on the wall. |
What is the correct way to apply and remove painter's tape?
- Before using masking tape to cover paint, clean the surface it is protecting, such as printed markings on the wall.
- Apply caulking with a little spackle, water and a brush, between the tape and the ceiling, as close to the edge of the wall as possible.
- Remove excess spackle with a semi-wet sponge.
- Unroll the ribbon into long strips. The less seams, the less paint will leak behind the tape.
- Smooth over the tape with a putty knife to prevent air leakage, making sure it seals well between the ceiling and wall. This prevents air bubbles and wrinkles.
Painting by a professional
Pro Tip: Use a putty knife to smooth painter's tape or masking tape into place, angling it to apply pressure to the edges of the tape and create a tight seal that will further prevent potential leaks. Oh! And don't forget to apply the spackle, a painter's secret, right?
Remove the masking tape about an hour after painting it, as when it is dry to the touch it is ready to be removed from the wall. If the ink is being pulled by the tape, tap the ink. If it's still sticky, wait until it hardens and dries before removing the tape.
Se a tinta parecer completamente seca, use uma espátula para marcar a borda da fita e quebrar o selo. Descasque a fita em um ângulo de 45 graus em relação à parede; isso ajudará a manter as linhas suaves e uniformes.
But be careful! If painting with satin or semi-gloss paint, these tips will help, however, drying is faster and the tape should be removed from the surface as soon as possible. This is because washable paint forms a protective film on the wall that prevents dirt from accumulating; therefore, the faster you remove the masking tape, the less likely you are to pull off paint chips.
Masking tape, can I use it to paint stripes on the wall?
- First, decide how long you want the sash to be, then use a pencil to mark the measurement on the wall to measure the sash.
- Use a ruler, contrast level or laser level to draw stripes from floor to ceiling, horizontally or vertically, or however you like!
- Check the different heights on the wall to ensure the strips are the same width from top to bottom.
- Repaint as needed until they line up correctly.
When the first coat of finish color dries, add another coat for optimal color and coverage.