For real alternatives to
'For the quickest and most economical alternative to masking tape when painting edges, use a sheet of paper or thin card,' confirms Pat. 'It works along the same principle as a paint shield by forming a barrier between the paint and the surfaces you want to protect. '
Painters tape is going to be a lot easier to peel off. But as long as you're not sticking it to fur or using ducttape most any tape should be fine.
Painting Without Tape or Cutting-In
Using an angled sash brush and a special cut bucket (a small paint can without a lip), draw wide sweeps of paint close to but not touching the excluded area.
Masking films are an efficient alternative to tape, providing complete coverage of windows.
Paper Strips
Cut strips of paper, wet them, and apply them to the glass. Then, run a dry paintbrush over then to secure them. Another great thing about this is that you don't need to worry about the paper strips leaving hard-to-remove residue—it can quickly come off, and you're all set.
Cutting in is the process of painting edges or straight lines with a quality angled brush without tape. It is all done freehand. This is the method that most professional painters use. The case can be made that using painter's tape is extremely time consuming and can be a colossal waste of time.
The answer may vary depending on the specifics of your project. But the easy answer is yes. When it comes to protecting walls while painting, blue painter's tape is the industry standard. Masking tape and painter's tape may look and feel similar, but you'll notice a difference in how they perform.
Use an Edger. Another option you have in your painting toolbelt is an edger. Using an edger is a great way to get cut in when there is a 90 degree angle. To use an edger, simply load the square pad with paint and run the wheels of the edger along the surface.
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.
Scotch tape isn't all that great for getting clean edges, but it works for masking off an area that you want to protect but won't be getting paint directly. For real alternatives to masking tape, you're looking to pay more. Masking fluid, parafilm, and frisket sheets are the most common.
For occasions that call for quick and easy decorating, Scotch® Wall-Safe Tape is the best solution.
Many people opt to use masking tape instead of painters tape because it's cheaper. Sometimes the substitution works just fine.
Masking tape, also known as painter's tape, is a type of pressure-sensitive tape made of a thin and easy-to-tear paper, and an easily released pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is available in a variety of widths. It is used mainly in painting, to mask off areas that should not be painted.
The only edger tool you need to paint the edges of your walls and ceilings is an angled paintbrush. When you use this brush, you will find it much easier to get neat cutting in. That's because the angle of these brushes gives you more control and precision in tight corners.
If you don't want to spend any extra money or are in a pinch and need to use something that's already in your house, then a sheet of paper or thin card will do the trick. 'For the quickest and most economical alternative to masking tape when painting edges, use a sheet of paper or thin card,' confirms Pat.
The primary technique for painting a straight line is using painter's tape.
For perfect razor sharp paint edges, the best choice is Q1® Precision Line masking tape: an ultra-thin painters tape that sticks perfectly and assures a perfect adhesion. Once removed, it leaves no residues. Use this kind of tape to obtain extremely precise and sharp, straight lines.
Edge without using tape!
Take your clean, angled brush, load it up with paint, and rest it gently close to the edge you want to paint. Make sure it doesn't glop too much. Carefully move the brush up to (or down to) the edge, and use the side of the brush to create that straight edge.
The other main method for achieving a crisp line is “cutting in,” which uses an angled brush loaded with paint to carefully carve out a straight edge. This is the go-to for professional painters, because once you get it down, the process is much quicker than using tape.
Using the Right Tape on Your Walls
If you're trying to hang a temporary banner or party decoration, painter's tape is a good option, as it's designed to release easily from painted surfaces. This tape is available in a variety of colors and can even be part of your decorations.
Why Is Painter's Tape So Expensive? Because of its special design and residue-free results, painter's tape costs more than your average roll of sticky tape. That's because it offers premium properties and desirability for contractors and painters.
3M™ Professional Masking Tape P3630 is a professional painter tape with medium adhesion for masking smooth surfaces.