*grumble* Paint bleeding under tape

[AndyL]

Had a contractor (who I'm never using again) do a 2 tone paintjob on a door... Luckily I unpacked it and checked before installing...

Now I have to clean up this mess:

My hands not steady enough for the pinstripe fix, tape + very light coats is still bleeding (tried 4 varieties of tape; the woodgrain texture is impossible to seal against it would seem; used the green, 3M blue, frog and an automotive tape; heatgun + mash it down real good didn't help)

I'm leery of the white silicone on the tape method - as it'll be a nightmare to cleanup if it fails like the other methods...

Anyone have brilliant ideas that aren't coming from the paint supply houses/google? would greatly appreciate any advice...

 

[theoldwizard1]

My wife does all of the trim painting. She has tried both Scotch Blue and Frog tape. Neither are perfect. Here results look like yours.

 

[LeonardY]

Paint the edge with some type clear finish. It will bleed under the edge but you won't see it. Then paint your second color.

 

[cglasgow]

Paint with a coat of the background color first. It will still bleed under but since it's the same color you can't see it and it will seal the edge.

 

[Zeke]

Paint with a coat of the background color first. It will still bleed under but since it's the same color you can't see it and it will seal the edge.

That's probably the answer, but if you get if on too thick, it will pull when you pull the tape and look even worse.

When using tape on texture, take a nylon comb and use the teeth at an angle to push the tape into the grain. I even do this on smooth surfaces because most tape has its own texture.

Texture on top of texture is tough to seal. You have to work at it.

 

[skamp]

One of the painters I used once taped off and the used a tiny amount of caulk down the tape line to seal it before painting. The tape line was perfect. The caulk is thick so won't bleed under. Works great. I use that technique all the time now.

Steve

 

[Krash Kadillak]

We painted a bathroom a few weeks ago. Based on some recommendations here, I had the wifey buy some Frog tape. I've never had good results with the blue stuff, but this Frog tape really works good. Sharp lines, absolutely NO bleed-through. Certainly worth the extra money, IMO. One tip - run your finger over the tape after laying it down, just to ensure the 'seal'.

 

[Cryptic1911]

you have lumpy walls, that's going to be basically impossible to tape 100%

 

[Daniel Dudley]

Caulk or paint to seal the edge are the two standard ways to do it.

 

[Zengineer]

Try black automotive pinstripe tape over the transition.

 

[ChristopherLutz]

+1 on skamp's caulk. While and additional step, you can actually save money because you don't have to buy terribly expensive tape.

I used inexpensive tape and paint-able caulk and ran a "very thin bead", then pressed in with my finger to ensure the caulk got into to the wall texture crevices. You can get a "perfect line" this way, even with wall texture.

 

[Cardboard Man]

Another method I have found to work very well is to remove the tape before the paint dries; almost as soon as you're done painting a panel.

 

[KPSquared]

You HAVE to pull the tape the second you're done painting. It's also a good idea to do a very light wispy coat over the tape just to try and seal that edge up before you paint. But the second that last brush stroke is done, pull the tape.

This method has always worked for me.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Paint with a coat of the background color first. It will still bleed under but since it's the same color you can't see it and it will seal the edge.

This^^^^
All those other "tricks" are just hit-or-miss.

 

[Cemoto]

Try black automotive pinstripe tape over the transition.

This is what I do (any color is ok) but then put the masking tape over the pinstripe. You get a nice edge!

 

[jhelrey]

I don't think it looks that bad. Plus, you won't see it unless you are close and personal with it.

 

[mark11]

First coat of paint goes on light, that seals the tape. The second coat can be heavier to cover and won't bleed under the tape.

 

[ArkTinkerer]

There are mask materials that can be painted with a brush or sprayed on. Ones I have seen are used more often for airbrushing artwork and models though so they are pricey. Some can be washed off, others go on thick and peel off. Some are thick and can be scored and peeled to leave a sharp line.

 

[Big-Foot]

We painted a bathroom a few weeks ago. Based on some recommendations here, I had the wifey buy some Frog tape. I've never had good results with the blue stuff, but this Frog tape really works good. Sharp lines, absolutely NO bleed-through. Certainly worth the extra money, IMO. One tip - run your finger over the tape after laying it down, just to ensure the 'seal'.

First coat of paint goes on light, that seals the tape. The second coat can be heavier to cover and won't bleed under the tape.

Toss the blue stuff into the bin... Frog Tape is the right stuff and they have two formulas, Green and Yellow. The yellow is for more delicate surfaces.

Also the first coat as the second quote above indicates, will seal the edge. Easy to just cut in a first coat right next to the tape with a brush.

I'll never waste another dime on the blue stuff.. Total ****...

 

[AndyL]

Finally got it... in a roundabout way...

Frog tape + a skim coat of matte clear latex paint to seal the tape. Frog needs a water based paint initially for it's magic to work, guess some industrial enamels aren't adequately water based to do that...

now onto finding a new painting contractor...