Masking Tape

[SwitchTheElectricsOff]

Afternoon everyone, this is an issue that has plagued my life for years, it's really frustrating as I don't know what I'm doing wrong

When I'm applying masking tape to my walls to paint the skirting, I start to lay the tape down, but when I go re-adjust the tape it's pulling the backing colour coat off with it underneath and I don't know why (I usually put two coats of dulux matt as a colour coat)

I've tried a range of tapes from no-names (with excellent reviews) through to green and yellow frog tape, yet they all give me the same result - peeled backing paint!

I'm wondering whether the colour coat isn't adhering to the undercoat - I'm using this-

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Contract-Matt-Emulsion-Paint---Pure-Brilliant-White-10L/p/121732

What do you use as a backing/primer? My walls are awful green and I'm using light colours

Any help will seriously be appreciated

 

[CJRatch]

Been there done it. The heart ache when it goes wrong isn't worth it.

Get yourself a quality cutting in brush and ditch the frog tape.

 

[SwitchTheElectricsOff]

I've spent the last hour watching youtube videos of experts doing it

Have you got any tips in the technique (apart from holding your breath!)

Been there done it. The heart ache when it goes wrong isn't worth it.

Get yourself a quality cutting in brush and ditch the frog tape.

 

[ironsidebod]

I've spent the last hour watching youtube videos of experts doing it

Have you got any tips in the technique (apart from holding your breath!)

Practice, practice, practice. Once you get the knack it's really not that hard. Oh and use a bigger brush than you think it needs, it's easier to control.

 

[SwitchTheElectricsOff]

Thanks matey - I've just done a longish skirting board using a short brush, reasonably happy with it but did think it'd be easier with longer bristles, much easier than i thought (for the first time), this is the one thing that lets me down, so certainly as you say, lots of practice is in order!

Practice, practice, practice. Once you get the knack it's really not that hard. Oh and use a bigger brush than you think it needs, it's easier to control.

 

[ironsidebod]

Thanks matey - I've just done a longish skirting board using a short brush, reasonably happy with it but did think it'd be easier with longer bristles, much easier than i thought (for the first time), this is the one thing that lets me down, so certainly as you say, lots of practice is in order!

No worries, you'll get there, try not to get frustrated!! Relax and you can always paint the bits where you've drifted and go again.

For bushes, length wise I only really use "normal" paint brushes, it's more the width that helps, so pick a 2" brush over a 1/2 inch or a 3" for ceiling cutting in etc

 

[gc1967]

Tesa tape is the best tape on the market can be left on for days, rather than using tape use a 15mm sash brush to cut in the top edge of the skirting and then paint the remainder of the skirting with a 2 inch brush, use quality brushes ,for example Hamilton perfection from a decorating trade centre

 

[opps]

use quality brushes ,for example Hamilton perfection from a decorating trade centre

I stopped using those years ago once I discovered the better quality American brushes (eg Purdy, Wooster, Picasso, Corona).

I would rather quit decorating than go back to using Hamilton Perfection natural bristle brushes.

Sorry, just my preference.

I do however agree that one should not use tape for cutting.

Edit----------

Sorry GC, just noticed that you are a pro. Why recommend Hamilton over the likes of Purdy?

 

[gc1967]

I recommended Hamilton brush as I thought the poster was a diyer. I use arroworthy finultra, wooster, rembrandt, purdy, myself, I was giving a cheaper version that would do the job, I haven't used a Hamilton brush in years as they kept crippling in my brush mate box, ask to speak to a Hamilton rep but I am still waiting

 

[Chud]

I recommended Hamilton brush as I thought the poster was a diyer. I use arroworthy finultra, wooster, rembrandt, purdy, myself, I was giving a cheaper version that would do the job, I haven't used a Hamilton brush in years as they kept crippling in my brush mate box, ask to speak to a Hamilton rep but I am still waiting

The Wooster silvertip brushes are cheap enough in SF etc. 3 for £14 iirc - still way better than some of the brushes I've tried from the sheds!

 

[opps]

The Wooster silvertip brushes are cheap enough in SF etc. 3 for £14 iirc - still way better than some of the brushes I've tried from the sheds!

I was so excited when I discovered the Silver Tips in Screwfix. As soon as I used them I became disappointed. I would much rather spend that much on one single 50mm Wooster Pro Ultra.

Your post raises a good point though. I/we may recommend brand X,Y or Z but many firms sell inferior low cost versions of their superior quality products. Additionally, even the premium brushes in any given range will be better suited to some tasks than others. I prefer the Purdy Sprig Elite for painting oil based wood work but will use the Purdy Monarch Elite for cutting in emulsion.