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When to Remove Painter’s Tape for Clean Lines
Paint like a pro
Photo: Mariakray / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Mariakray / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
Painter’s tape minimizes paint splatter and stray brush strokes.
You should remove painters tape once the paint is dry to ensure clean lines and peel slowly to reduce mistakes.
Painter’s tape costs between $10 to $20 per roll on average.
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Painter’s tape makes your paint job look as clean and precise as possible. So, knowing when to remove painter’s tape to ensure clean lines is essential to make all that taping worth it. Read on to learn the ins and outs of using painter’s tape to make your paint job just right.
What is Painter’s Tape?
When it comes to learning how to paint walls, painters tape is likely going to come up in those steps. So, what is it exactly? Painter’s tape is a pressure-sensitive tape that leaves no residue behind as long as you remove it in a timely manner. You’ll want to place painter’s tape around the top and bottom of walls to prevent paint from getting on the baseboards or ceilings.
Angi Tip
Painter's tape will ensure crisp, clean lines, but only if you use it correctly. Wash and dry your surface before applying tape, then remove it as soon as the paint is dry to the touch.
Tips for Removing Painter’s Tape to Ensure Clean Lines
Photo: Jecapix / E+ / Getty Images
Here are some key tips to remember to ensure clean lines when removing painter’s tape.
Wait Until the Final Coat is Dry
Exactly how long it takes to paint a room depends on how many coats you need. Once you’ve determined you’re on the last coat, ensure it is fully dry before removing the painter’s tape. This will prevent any paint that hasn’t fully dried yet from splattering and getting on unwanted surfaces when you remove the tape.
Peel Slowly
Paint takes a decent amount of time to dry, so once you’ve waited that long, don’t bother rushing with this next step. Peel the painters tape off slowly and keep an eye on the lines as you go along.
Don’t Leave it on Too Long
While painter’s tape is meant to be used on paint and not leave residue behind, this doesn’t mean you should leave it stuck to your walls for days on end. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to remove.
Remove the Paint in Sections
It might feel nice to peel off the tape in one clean strand. But, the longer the strand you’re holding onto, the less control you have, which makes mistakes more likely.
Hire a Pro To Do Your Paint Job
If you’re concerned with ensuring these clean lines yourself, you can hire a painter who will tackle the whole job for you. Look into interior painting companies near you to find the best person for the job you want done.
Is Painter’s Tape Worth Using?
Painter’s tape is a pretty commonly recommended supply needed to paint a room. It is also pretty affordable, costing between $10 to $20 per roll. If you’re DIY-ing a home painting project, painter’s tape might be worth it to ensure the most professional-looking job is done.
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