How to use painter's tape

EricL

Difficulty: Beginner

Painter's tape can help ensure a professional finish for your D.I.Y. painting projects, with sharp lines along edges. Tape can protect specific areas you don't want to paint such as glass windows and architraves and ensure well-defined straight lines.

This simple guide shows you how to apply and remove painter's tape on corners. We will be painting a skirting board near a corner as an example without getting any paint on the wall.

Steps

Step 1

Repair and clean the surface.

Repair any cracks or holes on the surface you intend to paint. Refer to the Bunnings guides How to repair cracks in plaster and How to fix a hole in the wall for handy tips.

If you’re painting a surface with existing paint, sand it lightly to create a smoother surface.

Wipe the area clean, ensuring it is free of any dirt, debris or moisture. Make sure it is dry before proceeding.

Step 1.1 Sand and repair..png Step 1.2 Wipe the wall clean.png

Step 2

Apply the painter’s tape.

Determine the area where you want to apply the tape. Unroll the tape, using your thumbs to keep it straight.

Align the tape with any corners or edges you want to protect. Use a plastic putty knife to secure your tape to the corner. Run the knife along the entire length of the tape to make sure that the edges are flat. Make sure no air bubbles are trapped in the tape.

Now press down the tape firmly with your thumb to ensure it adheres well to the surface.

Cut any excess tape in the corners using your utility knife.

Step 2.1 Lift start of tape..png Step 2.2 Line tape up to corner..png Step 2.3 Use putty knife to apply tape to corner..png Step 2.4 Use putty knife to flatten tape.png Step 2.5 Use thumbs to keep tape straight..png Step 2.6 Use thumb to secure tape..png Step 2.7 Use utility knife to cut excess tape..png Step 2.8 Remove excess tape..png

Step 3

Overlap the tape on corners.

If you are painting near any corners, apply another strip of tape on the other edge. Make sure the two strips of tape overlap slightly at the corner. This will prevent any paint from bleeding through the corner and help you achieve a sharp, clean line.

Use your thumb to unroll another strip of tape and keep it straight. Align it with the other edge of your surface, starting at the corner.

Use your putty knife to secure the second strip of tape to the first at the corner. Now run the knife along the entire length of the second strip of tape to ensure that the edges are flat.

Step 3.1 Finger on tape second application..png Step 3.2 Push second strip corner tape down with scraper.png

Step 4

Paint.

Double check to make sure that there are no wrinkles or air bubbles trapped in the tape.

Prepare your paint by following the product and safety instructions on the label. Don't forget to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while painting, including a face mask and gloves.

Paint the surface with a steady hand. Use smooth, even strokes. Paint away from the edge of the tape to prevent pushing paint underneath. Make sure the entire surface surrounding the tape is painted well. Refer to our guide How to paint like a professional for more painting tips.

Step 4.1 Double check tape layout.png Step 4.2 Paint skirting board.png Step 4.3 Slowly paint edge.png

Step 5

Remove the tape.

Remove the tape while the paint is still a little wet. This will prevent the paint from bleeding over and drying onto the tape, helping you achieve cleaner lines. Removing the tape once the paint has fully dried can also cause the paint to pull off with it.

Use the edge of your putty knife to lift the edge of the second strip of tape, starting at the corner. Pull the edge of the tape back at a 45-degree angle to avoid tearing or peeling off the paint. Gently remove the entire strip of tape.

Use the knife again to remove the edge of the first strip of tape at the corner. Peel away the rest of the tape carefully and dispose it.

Step 5.1 use putty knife corner to lift tape.png Step 5.2 Lift second strip tape with putty knife.png Step 5.3 Slowly lift tape to remove.png Step 5.4 Use scraper to remove tape 1.png Step 5.5 Remove first strip.png

Step 6

Fix the paint if needed.

Inspect the painted surface for any imperfections or areas that need touch-ups. Use a small paint brush to fix any uneven lines or gaps.

You have now successfully used painter's tape to ensure a professional-looking paint job.

Step 6.1 Finished painted surface.png

Materials

Painter's tape, like Frog Tape 24mm x 55m Multi Surface Masking Tape - 24mm
Your preferred paint
Plaster filler (if needed to repair holes or cracks).

Tools

Sanding float or block
Plastic putty knife
Utility knife
Clean cloth
Paint brush or roller
Paint tray
Drop sheet (optional)
Safety gear, including face mask and gloves.

Images

Step 1.1 Sand and repair..png Step 1.2 Wipe the wall clean.png Step 2.1 Lift start of tape..png Step 2.2 Line tape up to corner..png Step 2.3 Use putty knife to apply tape to corner..png Step 2.4 Use putty knife to flatten tape.png Step 2.5 Use thumbs to keep tape straight..png Step 2.6 Use thumb to secure tape..png Step 2.7 Use utility knife to cut excess tape..png Step 2.8 Remove excess tape..png Step 2.9 Push first tape corner in.png Step 3.1 Finger on tape second application..png Step 3.2 Push second strip corner tape down with scraper.png Step 4.1 Double check tape layout.png Step 4.2 Paint skirting board.png Step 4.3 Slowly paint edge.png Step 5.1 use putty knife corner to lift tape.png Step 5.2 Lift second strip tape with putty knife.png Step 5.3 Slowly lift tape to remove.png Step 5.4 Use scraper to remove tape 1.png Step 5.5 Remove first strip.png Step 6.1 Finished painted surface.png