Painter's Tape Tips for Crisp, Clean Lines

Painter's tape can give you razor-sharp lines, or a fuzzy mess. These tips make the difference.

1. Start with a clean, dry surface. Tape won't stick well to dust or damp walls.
2. Use short strips. Pieces a couple of feet long are easier to keep straight than one long stretch.
3. Press the edge down firmly. Run a putty knife or credit card along the edge. This is the step most people skip, and it's why paint bleeds under.
4. Seal the edge. For extra-clean lines, brush a thin coat of the color underneath (like your trim or ceiling color) over the tape edge first. Any bleed is invisible, and it seals the tape for your new color.
5. Don't overload your brush near the tape. Heavy paint pushes under the edge.
6. Remove it at the right time. Pull the tape at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still slightly wet. If it's already dry, score the edge lightly with a utility knife first so you don't peel paint off with it.
7. Don't leave it up too long. Check the label, since tape left on for weeks can leave residue or pull paint.

Bottom line: Press, seal, and pull at an angle for pro-looking lines.

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