DIY Masking to Paint Trim Molding

• Paint Raised Panel Doors
• Painting Trim Molding
• Washing Brushes and Rollers
• Caulking Techniques

Painting a nice, straight line on trim molding or along a ceiling is known as "cutting–in". In this article we offer two methods of using painter's masking tape to form a straight cut–in line between walls and trim molding. Both work well so choose the one that suits your situation. See Painting a White Ceiling for help painting a straight line between walls and ceiling.

Painting Walls First

Before you begin make sure your trim is primed with a color close to the finish color. If necessary, apply a first coat of trim paint before painting the walls. This will make it possible to cover the trim with one final coat and minimize the risk of pulling the new paint off with the tape when you're done.

If you're using alkyd paint on the trim let it dry for 12 to 24 hours and lightly sand before proceeding. If you're using latex paint, give it about an hour to dry but don't sand it.

When the trim is dry, paint your walls with latex paint and let it overlap onto the molding a bit. Apply a band of paint about 3 inches wide along the perimeter of the walls with a brush and roll the remainder. See paint rolling techniques, painting with shiny paint and painting a room for more about painting walls. Let the walls dry for about a week before proceeding.

Tape the Walls

Use painter's masking tape to form a straight line on the wall surface as close to the trim as possible without sticking the tape to the trim itself. Use several short lengths of tape if necessary to control exactly where it sticks. Overlap the ends of each piece of tape a bit.

Paint the Trim

Use quality latex or alkyd paint and apply a coat on the trim. Let the paint overlap the tape slightly. Work on one piece of trim at a time and remove the tape as soon as possible to minimize peeling.

Pull the Tape

Pull the tape off before the paint can dries. This will minimize the chance of peeling the new paint film off with the tape. Pull slowly and watch for peeling. If necessary run the point of a putty knife along the edge of the tape to break the paint seal as you go.

Painting Trim Molding First

Paint the trim molding first, overlapping onto the wall slightly. If the paint doesn't cover well, use two thin coats to avoid a thick build–up on the wall. Allow the paint to dry between coats. Wait an hour or so for latex paint to dry and a day for alkyd paint. Lightly sand between coats when using alkyd but don't sand between coats of latex paint. Let the final paint coat dry for a week before proceeding.

Tape the Trim

Mask the trim using several short pieces of tape, overlapping the ends of each new piece. Press the tape tightly to the edge of the trim with a clean putty knife.

Paint the Walls

Paint the walls with latex paint. If you need to do more than one coat for good coverage, brush the paint close to the tape to cut–in the first coats. Don't let the paint touch the tape until the final coat.

To minimize the chance of pulling the paint off with the masking tape, it's a good idea to do the final paint coat on one wall at a time so the tape can be removed before the paint can dry. This is especially true if you're using a shiny paint like eggshell or semi–gloss on the walls.

Apply the final paint coat on the walls brushing a three inch border around the perimeter. Let the paint overlap the tape slightly. Avoid applying too much paint that will bleed under the tape.

Pull the Tape

Roll the final coat on the wall and remove the tape as soon as you're done. Pull the tape slowly and watch for peeling. If necessary run the point of a putty knife along the edge of the tape to break the paint film.