Painting Tape 101: How To Use Painters Tape (Use and Removal)
Painters tape is perfect for protecting areas such as trims and transitional edges. Usable on multiple surfaces, the painter’s tape is perfect for providing straight paint lines, lifts off cleanly and does not leave a sticky residue behind. Also, the tape minimizes the visibility of paint splotches and discoloration, therefore eliminating the need for a final touch up.
Using a thin strip of low, medium or high tack painters tape, in different areas such as window sashes, electrical outlets or door frames is an effective way of speeding up any decorating projects.
Using a door tape is an easy DIY task. Below is a guideline of using and removing the tape.
Using tape
Clean the taping surface
Make certain that the surface you are taping is properly prepared. While the temperature, type of surface, weather, and the chemical composition affect the preparation of a surface, always ensure that the surface is clean, dry and dust free so that the tape sticks properly.
In case the surface has a sticky residue, certain DIY remedies can thoroughly clean the surface. For instance, if you have a hair dryer, you can first heat the adhesive; heating will relax the adhesive, therefore, making it easier to remove it. Alternatively, you can use Mayo, orange peels, or a sharp razor.
Applying
Tear sections of tape that are no longer than the size of your arm, or rather at a tape strip that is at least two feet long. Starting from a corner, ensure the tape is straight and then lay down the tape lightly with one edge of the tape abutting to the surface to be painted. As you lay the tape, firmly, but cautiously press into the surface’s crannies and nooks as you work. Lift and adjust the tape as needed, but avoid stretching the tape, for it may lift or break.
Securing the tape
You can use a putty knife, credit, fingers to remove any bubble and seal the edge tape firmly to the surface.
Let tape set
Depending on the surface type you’re painting, you can give the tape 30 to 60 minutes before painting begins.
Removing the tape
Wait for the paint to dry
Wait until the painted surface is dry. You can use the paint can to determine the expected drying period.
Score
Using a putty knife or a sharp object, you can score along the edge of the painter’s tape and the painted surface, to create a guideline of the tape removal. IT also helps in minimizing the chance of the wet paint from falling off.
Tape
At an angle of 45 degrees, can gently remove the tape. If it sticks, you can increase the removal angle.
Finish
If you follow the laid procedures to the letter, you can be guaranteed of a sharp, clean line that has a professional outlook.