Prep & Paint

November 1, 2020

People often ask the paint pros at Euston Hardware… “Should you apply tape before painting?” The plain answer is “YES!” Even though the prep work before you paint is not the most fun part of the project, it is the most important if you would like an uncomplicated clean up and a good-looking final project.

Depending on the surface you are painting; preparing the surface could change, depending on if there is old paint or if it is a fresh clean surface.
You ultimately want the surfaces to be smooth and clean.
Sometimes you may have to fill in holes or cracks with a patching plaster.
Next, you will need to sand down any rough areas and wipe clean to remove any of the dust particles.
If you haven’t already removed the hardware such as light switch plates, or handles, you will need to do that first.
Then apply painter’s tape to ward off these places from the paint splatters that the roller may make or from brush painting.

There are umpteen types of painter’s tape that you can use for the job. So, what sort of painter’s tape is best to use? There is the classic manilla masking tape that society has used for a long time and you might still use if you have some. In modern times, places have invented many varieties of painter’s tape that is notably invented for painting inside, outside, and for different kinds of surfaces.

Traditional manilla tape can leave a sticky film if it isn’t taken off pretty much right after you paint, within a couple of hours. Also, because of its high adhesion it can occasionally peel off or chip some of the surface being covered. And, if the manilla masking tape stays in direct sunlight, specially on windows, a chemical change happens in the glue, making it more difficult to get off. You will want to try to complete the job as quickly as possible, but if you have problems removing the tape, try mineral spirits. But instead of forming more efforts for yourself, use an actual branded painter’s tape if you plan to leave your tape up for a spread out period of time, and for the easiest removal. Painter’s tape has a light-adhesive for effortless removal and no left-behind glue residue.

Which tape is better? blue or green? Blue painter’s tape was first patented by 3M in the early 1990’s. 3M’s reasoning was to make the tape stand out from the competitors’. Currently painter’s tape is accessible in a mixture of colors. So the color really has nothing to do with the actual performance of the tape it does, however, add to identify the different adhesives and purpose of the tapes. Blue, green, and sometimes yellow, the colors will usually vary by brand. Branded painter’s tape will have the lighter adhesives, and will make it easier to peel and less likely to chip or damage surfaces. The painter’s tape paper also has a solid finish, to help keep the paint from soaking through to the surface.

Branded tape is simple to apply, it can save on cleanup, and has a smoother removal.
Painter’s tape should easily protect all of the items in the area such as light switches, windows and knobs, and more.
Your edges and lines will be more clean and your paint project will look like an actual paint pro finished it.

So…which color tape will you pick? Blue or green, it doesn’t matter! They are all kinda alike – but stick with a manufacturer tape that you can trust.

Have questions? Just ask. You can also visit the paint department pros at Euston Hardware in Kansas City for all your paint supplies; brushes, drop cloths, painter’s tape, and the top-quality paint you need for inside and outside applications.

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