To tape or not to tape?

Should it even be a question?

Masking to create a precision brush finish is undeniably growing in popularity, largely driven by higher customer expectations than ever before when it comes to perfection on the job.

That said, there remains a significant number of more traditional painters and decorators who prefer to cut-in free hand, even on complex applications such as sash windows.

Changing the longstanding habits you were taught and have mastered throughout your career can seem unnecessary, but there are some undeniable benefits to masking, which could make your working day shorter and your bottom line bigger. Let’s take a look at three of them:

Time is money

Surely adding in another preparation process like masking will make your job longer, right? Actually no, not once you’re used to handling your preferred tape. In fact, it won’t take long at all.

If you choose to mask, the time you will save during the paint application process will far outweigh the time expense of masking in the first place. Don’t believe us?
We’ve calculated that if you use a premium masking tape which offers easy application, you will actually halve the time it takes to paint a 12-pane sash window.

In other words, instead of painstakingly painting six sash windows by hand, taking a total of 12 hours using a three-coat system, you could mask and paint the same windows in just six hours – an average of just one hour per window.
That leaves you time to quote for other jobs, restock for tomorrow’s project or leave work altogether!

Crisp lines, quality finish

Consumers are now wiser than ever to the finish that can, and should, be achieved when paying a professional painter and decorator. Instagram and other style-led social media sites are brimming with interior design inspiration showing nothing less than perfection and that is now the desired effect.

No matter how seasoned you are at cutting-in free hand, nothing compares to the finish which is achievable with quality masking tape, whether that’s a multi-purpose tape for simple decorating tasks or a precision line masking tape for the ultimate finish. Masking instead of free-hand edges will leave your customers with jaw-dropping, razor-sharp lines throughout their entire renovation project.

Which masking product should you use?

Different masking products solve different parts of a painting job. The choice depends on whether you need to define a paint edge or protect a larger surface.

• Washi paper masking tape: made with a very thin Japanese paper backing, it is designed for precision masking and sharp paint lines. Its reduced thickness helps minimise paint build-up along the edge, making it particularly suitable for detailed work and spray applications. Adhesion and surface compatibility vary by formulation, so delicate surfaces require a tape specifically designed for them.
• Painter’s tape: intended for painting and decorating, it combines controlled adhesion with clean removal and is available in different formulations for general-purpose, outdoor or sensitive-surface applications. It is a versatile option for masking walls, skirting boards, trim, wood, metal and similar surfaces, but the correct tape must be selected according to the substrate and exposure conditions.
• Masking paper: unlike the previous products, this is a covering material rather than an adhesive tape. It protects larger areas from overspray, splashes and drips and can be combined with masking tape or supplied as a pre-taped product. It is particularly useful for window and door frames, beams, skirting boards and other areas where tape alone would not provide sufficient coverage.

Painting near and over masking tape: best practices

Masking tape works best when the paint edge is controlled rather than heavily covered. After applying the tape, press the edge firmly onto a clean, dry surface to create continuous contact and reduce the risk of paint bleeding underneath.

• Painting along the tape: apply paint from the tape towards the area being painted rather than pushing a heavily loaded brush against the tape edge. Avoid excessive paint build-up over the tape, as a thick film can bridge the edge and make clean removal more difficult.
• Sealing the edge: on textured or slightly uneven surfaces, where paint is more likely to bleed underneath, the tape edge can be sealed with a very thin coat of the existing base colour. Once dry, this helps close small gaps before the new colour is applied. On smooth surfaces with a well-adhered precision tape, this extra step may not be necessary.
• Applying multiple coats: leave the tape in place between coats only if the application remains within the tape manufacturer’s recommended removal time. Avoid allowing a thick, fully hardened paint layer to build up across the tape edge.
• Removing the tape: for many painting applications, removing it while the final coat is still slightly wet or tacky helps prevent the dried paint film from tearing along the edge. Pull the tape back slowly at an angle rather than away from the surface. If the paint has already dried across the tape edge, carefully scoring the paint film before removal can help prevent lifting.

The maximum time a tape can remain in place is product-specific. Always follow the stated clean-removal period and consider exposure to sunlight, temperature and the type of surface rather than relying on a single removal time for every job.

A team-wide quality standard

If you work as part of a duo or small team, it can often be said that skill-levels will differ between painters. This can be particularly noticeable when it comes to creating straight edges free-hand.

Masking your edges, around skirting boards, architraves, windows, banisters and ceilings, will bring a team-wide quality standard to your finish. It means more junior - or less confident - members of the team can take on the task of cutting in, confident that they will produce the same standard of work.
There are undeniable time saving benefits in being able to share project tasks without compromising the quality standard of your finish.

Do you remember making the switch from free-hand to masked edges? What was the main benefit for you? Share your story with us on Facebook. 

If you’d like to see the difference for yourself, why not order your first rolls of Q1 today, with next day delivery on all products if your order is placed before 2pm. Click here to view our full range of products designed specifically for the painting and renovation sector.