How to get a crisp paint line with decorators tape (and avoid paint bleeding every time)
Decorator’s tape has become hugely popular in the last decade for a myriad of DIY tasks but it’s no secret that everyone seems to get different results. If you’re trying to paint a straight crisp line, whether it be for stripes, colour blocking or a half wall, from the paint bleeding through the tape to the paint peeling off when the tape is removed, it can feel like a bit of a minefield!
I have used tape for a range of projects over the years, from simple colour blocking, a striped wallpaper effect hack and checkerboard floors. I’ve also experienced different results (mainly due to the surface I’m painting on) but one thing I do get everything single time is a beautiful crisp line.
The kickstarter for my obsession with this hack to get crisp lines, came about in 2021 when we employed professional decorators to paint our son’s bedroom which included a simple colour block. I didn’t think this would be tricky for them - considering it was their job - but the results left me hugely underwhelmed so I decided to find a way to redo it myself better.
As you can see in the images above, the paint bled through the tape resulting in a messy edge.
How to get a crisp paint line with decorators tape:
Step One:
Paint your base colour first. This will preferably be the lighter colour, however don’t worry too much if you have already painted a darker base. Allow it to dry (and preferably cure) first for best results. See tips below on avoiding paint peeling off when tape is removed.
Step Two:
Apply the good quality decorator’s tape, ensuring you measure up correctly or use a laser level to get a straight line. You won’t want to be redoing this painted edge (as it will require sanding back to redo and will generally be a bit of a faff) so this step is crucial to ensure you’re happy with the end result.
Step Three: If you skip this step you will NOT get a crisp paint line!
Paint the edge of the tape with the paint you used for the base colour. This seals the edge between the tape and your surface so any paint that bleeds through is the same colour as the paint underneath and you will not notice it. Then when the new colour is introduced, it will not bleed through under the tape as you have sealed the edge.
Step Four:
Paint your top colour with multiple coats and do not remove the tape between coats. For best results I find you don’t want to leave it too long between coats (ie let it dry to the touch before the next coat rather than leaving these layers to cure as the tape will dry out too much as well.)
Step Five:
Remove the tape carefully when your top coat is still relatively wet. See tips below on how to avoid paint peeling off when removing tape.
Step Six:
Enjoy your super crisp lines!!
Remember if you’re colour blocking on the walls, to take it on to the skirting board for a beautiful cohesive look!
Top Tip for Avoiding Paint Peeling off When Tape is Removed:
There are a few tips you can try to help the tape peel off the wall cleanly without pulling any paint or plaster away from the wall. Please note, unlike my tips for how to get a crisp paint line, these aren’t fail safe as it does really depend on the surface you are painting on. You may find very freshly plastered walls are more likely to peel, or very old walls (as in the case in our house) can peel a little too. ‘
Unfortunately you won’t really know until you try, but personally, I always find the results are worth the risk!
Ensure the painted surface below is completely dry before applying the tape. Paint can dry to the touch pretty quickly, but it can take a few days to ‘cure’, which is when it’s at its most durable. If you have the time in your schedule, you’ll get best effects if you can wait 24-48 hours before applying the tape.
Press the tape firmly on the side you need the crisp edge, but don’t press firmly on all the tape (it could even sit a little off the wall in places on the edge you don’t need.)
Pull the tape off when the final top coat is still wet.
If the decorators tape is getting stuck and paint is coming off with it, use a hair dryer to heat the glue on the tape whilst slowly removing it.
Remember if there are a few nicks here and there, once you’ve carefully painted them in, it’s probably only you that’ll ever notice them!
Which Decorator’s Tape Should I Buy:
Use the best quality you can afford. I use this decorators tape by Frog. Good decorator’s tape isn’t cheap, especially if you’re using a lot for a stripe wallpaper effect, the cost can quickly add up. However, every time I’ve tried to save money by buying a cheaper non-branded tape, I’ve deeply regretted it! One left a sticky residue when removed and another kept tearing when pulling it up which became very time consuming to deal with.
Inspiration Gallery: My projects using decorator’s tape
Checkerboard effect on wooden floorboards in the summer house. If you want to see the tutorial for creating a checkerboard paint effect, read the blog post here.
Striped wallpaper effect I created using decorators tape for our boy’s bedroom.
Find out where everything is from and shop our boy’s bedroom here.
Colour blocking to inject warmth into our boy’s bedroom using paint in Marrakesh by Fenwick & Tilbrook.
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