You want to glide the brush on its edge at a 45-degree angle in a slight arc motion, ensuring you are getting into the tight areas. The slower you spread the paint, the more concise the brush line will be. Make sure you cut in on every coat of paint that is applied.
The best way I have found is to use a good angled 2 to 2-1/2 inch brush, load paint and scrape the paint off of the side you are not painting and then push the brush onto the surface near the edge and then work the brush in a straight line making your own edge line with the paint.
There is a caulk and painters tape trick that worked well for me. First you place the tape then apply caulk thinly on the side you are painting then brush the paint on. Left a nice straight line on my uneven ceiling where walls meet.
Using only a brush to create a straight line without a baseboard, ceiling, or other reference line can end up in disastrous squiggly lines. Instead of just eyeballing it, use a ruler or yardstick to lightly draw out the line with pencil. Carefully paint along the line with the angled brush.
No, you should not have to cut in twice. You should plan ahead enough that the last color painted on a surface is the one you will be cutting in. This is primarily a time-conserving and therefore money conserving move. Technically, cutting in twice makes no difference; both painted edges will end up looking sharp.
Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.
Paint rollers are designed to efficiently paint large flat surfaces, such as walls and ceilings. A paint roller can hold more paint than a paint brush and will distribute an even layer of paint quicker. Similarly to paint brushes, paint rollers also differ in sizes, styles and material.
Invest in a good-quality angled sage brush that is the right size for the job. A two or two-and-a-half-inch brush works well for most applications, but if you will be applying paint to windows or other areas with more delicate woodwork you may want to invest in a smaller brush as well for ease of use.
While paint edger tools may seem like a convenient solution at first glance, they often don't lend to the results you desire. Instead, stick to the tried and true method of using Frog Tape with a damp rag to achieve the professional-looking paint job you desire, even as a DIYer!
Tip: For easier installation it is recommended to install the plasterboard ceiling before lining the walls.
Wait until the paint is dry to the touch before removing the tape. Check the paint can for the manufacturer's dry times. Use a putty knife or razor blade to score along the edge of the tape. This prevents paint from being pulled up with the tape and from cracking along the paint line.
Buy a Good-Quality, Angled Sash Brush
Angled sash brushes are easier to control and provide a better cut-in for a new painter. The angle gives you a fine line of paint to make a straight line from.
If you're having trouble getting a straight line, try using a straight edge. You can use a ruler, a level, remember to wipe clean between each movement. Hold the straight edge against the edge you want to paint, and use your brush to paint up to the edge of the straight edge.
It is actually recommended to cut in for every layer of paint you add. So basically, you should cut in your walls first, and then roll out.
The Zibra Triangle Brush, was designed specifically for painting the corners and edges of furniture, trim and walls. The three sides of the brush hold a nice amount of paint, so you don't have to re-dip it into your paint every-other-second.
Try to maintain a wet edge. When using a roller keep the open side towards the area just painted. Try to complete one full surface at a time. Paint in an even grid pattern from top to bottom.
Key Takeaways: Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results. Wait for the trim to dry completely before painting to avoid an uneven finish.
Some professionals recommend using paint pads instead of rollers for smooth surfaces. Because there is no rolling action, there is less paint splatter, and the regular shape of the pad means you can paint into corners and edges, so there is less cutting in to be done.
Use a liner brush and clean up the edges of your stroke. Also, you can use a dry brush or another type of brush with a smaller tip to blend in your strokes.