Cutting in tips/tricks??

glowboy77 · 13 Jan 2011

Hi all,

Any tips on getting the perfect cutting in finish between wall and ceiling??

With small brush, no matter how steady my hand is, i always get some on ceiling and the line is never spot on, used various tools ie tape, small roller etc.

Any help/tips much appreciated.

joe-90 · 13 Jan 2011

Use a decent synthetic brush.

Diyisfun · 13 Jan 2011

I always think a bigger brush is better more paint on on.

Richard C · 13 Jan 2011

glowboy77 said:
With small brush, no matter how steady my hand is, i always get some on ceiling and the line is never spot on.

That’s your biggest mistake; apart from right in the corners, a large brush is far more easy to control & will give a much straighter line. I use a 2 ½” - 3” brush, sometimes larger. Difficult to explain technique but push the bristles into the corner & turn the brush back so the bristles bend into the direction your painting in.

malshep · 13 Jan 2011

1) For every section I do two strokes. The first is a quick stroke to try to get plenty of paint to within 2-3mm of the line. I then go back and do the actual cutting in stroke. The first stroke I think of as providing some lubrication, so the brush doesn't drag when you're doing the actual cutting in.

2) Like they say about ploughing (not that I've done any ploughing): don't keep looking back to check what you've just done. While you're cutting in be sure you only look forward to where you're going, right up until you take the brush away. Then look back and see you've still made a pig's ear of it

Diyisfun · 13 Jan 2011

Malshep..brill last sentence....

glowboy77 · 13 Jan 2011

Thanks for all your help guys, nice ploughing analogy!

Was expecting, "Cutting in, it's like making love to a beautiful woman........

Richard C · 13 Jan 2011

malshep said:
2) Like they say about ploughing (not that I've done any ploughing): don't keep looking back to check what you've just done. While you're cutting in be sure you only look forward to where you're going, right up until you take the brush away. Then look back and see you've still made a pig's ear of it

Good tip about the 1st stroke providing lubrication though; on reading it back, I realise I also do it but didn’t think about; it’s just second nature thing now.

roofcoating · 17 Jan 2011

Hi there

I once seen on a video that breathing out as you cut in helps with keeps a nice straight line.

Also as my father has been a painter for over 30 years. He always told me that it is best to keep the width of a midges dick away from the ceiling ( like half a mm ).

Purdey brushes are the best I have come across and they also have a very good range of videos which teach people the basics.

One of these happens to be named how to cut into a ceiling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bEfydl6upM

I hope this is of some help for you. Also I would ensure your nice and comfortable on your ladders, take your time and let the brush do the work.

Mike

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Cutting in tips/tricks??

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