At Absolute Painting & Power Washing we paint, and when we paint, we use tape, a lot of tape. We prefer the blue tape from ScotchBlue. We use, what seems like, miles of this blue tape.
One of the functions of this blue tape is to protect the surfaces that we work around. We put it on wood trim to help protect it when we are sanding walls. If we are painting two colors on a wall we use it to mark where to end one color and begin another. We also use the blue tape as a guide when we are cutting in ceilings and walls. Another of the common uses of the blue painters tape is creating crisp lines by painting over the edge of the tape.
One of the great things about this blue tape is that it is low tack. This means that it has low adhesion glue. When you use a normal yellow masking type tape it will adhere to most surfaces firmly over a short period of time. By the time the paint has cured enough to remove the tape some of the yellow masking tape can remain stuck under the paint or it may remove a layer of paper from the sheetrock with it. This is why Absolute Painting & Power Washing recommends using ScotchBlue blue tape.
Sometimes when we are doing interior painting our customer would like to have stripes on a wall. One method we use to accomplish this is by applying the base color, letting it cure, then applying the blue tape to the sections where we want the stripe. Then we paint that section and over the edge of the blue tape. We are always careful to remember to remove the tape the same day.
When we prepare for interior painting, baseboards can sometimes be a problem if they are not taped off properly. Even if they are prepared correctly the blue tape can sometimes stick to the paint. To prevent the paint from peeling away with the blue tape when you remove it we suggest carefully running a razorblade along the edge of the baseboard. This will separate the paint from the tape and produce a clean edge.
Just remember, if you want clean, straight, borders and edges use ScotchBlue. Combine this blue tape with proper surface preparation and your do-it-yourself project can look like you hired a professional. If you decide you are not ready to take on your interior painting project and you live in the Portland, OR area, give us a call at Absolute Painting & Power Washing. We will gladly provide our services, ensuring that your home will have a beautiful interior paint finish.
“We guarantee you will be a satisfied customer”
Mike Hughes
