Painting clean edges

17 years as a remodeler, (in a former life) i have never used a tape line, but if you have to the caulking method is the only way to seal tape on a textured wall

Purdy brush and at tape line. I was a commercial and residential painter for 7 years and have thrown more paint than I care to remember. If its a rounded corner I will tape and leave a little space for the bleed and then finish the line with a art brush. Don't use crap paint!!! I will only use Benjamin Moore, it's thicker and blends better then any paint on the market.


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Originally Posted by Jamnanc

Blue tape with caulking apply the caulk with a tube which you wipe off with a wet finger clean off finger on a wet rag, make sure a little caulking seals the edge of the tape. Don't wait too long after painting to pull the tape, dry to touch.

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This is the correct answer. I even did my house this way with heavy rough texture.

How are you guys getting the caulk off after you pull the tape. When you rub the caulk out (not dirty at all) arent you just going to get the base color showing through. Or are you all happy with a straight caulk in a textured wall (I realize this is very very small - but its still noticeable).

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Originally Posted by asmotao

How are you guys getting the caulk off after you pull the tape. When you rub the caulk out (not dirty at all) arent you just going to get the base color showing through. Or are you all happy with a straight caulk in a textured wall (I realize this is very very small - but its still noticeable).

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When done correctly you cant tell. You just have to let the caulk dry just enough it doesnt pull up with the tape. I will try to get a picture tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by crashdown

Buy a quality brush and learn how to cut.
Tape does not work on textured walls.
Cutting in is faster and looks cleaner. Might need to water your paint down a bit to do it.
Google up some videos on how to do it, it's really not hard.

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Exactly what I would do. A good brush is the secret, a seven dollar brush will just make you mad.

I tried the caulking and blue tape... Worked great! There were a few spots I let it dry too much and it kinda pulled up with the tape.
One question though, should I be able to see the edge of the tape under the caulking?

Thanks for the advice!

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Originally Posted by crashdown

Buy a quality brush and learn how to cut.

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Ditto. I prefer to use a short handled brush with angled filaments when cutting in, gives you more control. Once you get the hang of it you will never go back to tape because this is so much faster. No tape to lay down or pull up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jamnanc

Blue tape with caulking apply the caulk with a tube which you wipe off with a wet finger clean off finger on a wet rag, make sure a little caulking seals the edge of the tape. Don't wait too long after painting to pull the tape, dry to touch.

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this is the way to do it with perfect edges.
I just paint everything the same color

Saw you got pretty much all the answers. I use clear caulk. Very thin bead, let it dry. Then tape on top of it. Paint. A tiny thin line of caulk will not be noticeable and if the lines are perfectly straight it won't draw attention like a jagged paint line will.