Prep & Paint

November 1, 2020

Home DIYers oftentimes ask the paint authorities at Packs Hardware… “Should you apply tape before painting?” The uncomplicated answer is By all means, Yes!” Even though the prep work before you paint is not the most thrilling detail of the paint job, it is the essential if you would like an uncomplicated clean up and a good-looking final paint project.

Depending on the surface you are painting; prepping the area could change, depending on if there is aged paint or if it is a new clean surface.
You fundamentally want the surfaces to be smooth with no blemishes.
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 dirt particles.
If you haven’t already taken off the hardware such as light switch plates, or handles, you will need to do that first.
Then apply painter’s tape to protect these areas from the paint splatters that the roller may produce or from brush painting.

There are various types of painter’s tape that you can use for the job. So, what sort of painter’s tape is right to use? There is the traditional manilla masking tape that people have used for a long time and you may still use if you have some. Today, manufacturers have designed different varieties of painter’s tape that is chiefly created for painting interior and exterior, and for different types of surfaces.

Traditional manilla tape can leave a film if it isn’t removed pretty much right after you paint, within a couple of hours. Also, because of its high adhesion it can frequently peel off or chip some of the surface being guarded. And, if the manilla masking tape stays in continuous sunlight, specially on windows, a chemical change happens in the glue, making it more strenuous to get off. You might still want to try to finish the project as quickly as possible, but if you dp have problems removing the tape, try mineral spirits. Instead of spawning more work for yourself, use an actual manufactured painter’s tape if you plan to leave your tape up for a continued period of time, and for uncomplicated removal. Painter’s tape has a light-adhesive for simple removal and no left-behind residue.

Which branded color tape should you use? 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 other manufacturers. Currently painter’s tape is accessible in an array of colors. Yes, 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. Green, Blue or yellow, the colors will mostly vary by brand or type. Branded painter’s tape will have the lightweight adhesives, and will make it a lot easier to peel and way less likely to chip or damage surfaces. The painter’s tape paper also has a tougher finish, to help keep the paint from soaking through to the surface area.

Branded tape is simple to apply, it can save on cleanup, and has an easier removal.
Painter’s tape should quickly cover and protect all of the items in the area such as light switches, windows and knobs, and more.
Your edges and lines will be crisper and your paint project should look like an actual qualified and skilled painter finished it.

So…which color tape will you pick? It actually really doesn’t matter which color you choose. They are all similar – but stay with with a professional tape that you can trust.

Have questions? Just ask. You can also visit the paint pros at Packs Hardware in Smithville for all your paint supplies; painter’s tape, drop cloths, rollers, brushes, and the value paint you need for indoor and outdoor applications.

Back To Tips & News