Masking carpet next to skirting board.

[alexmc123]

Hello,

We had new carpet fitted last year, and unfortunately we couldn't arrange any time between the old carpet up and the new one down, to allow us to paint the skirting board.

I have avoided this job for a bit now! Not wanting to get any paint on the carpet edge!
I'm assuming that wide masking tape with a good tack should be used to pull back the pile from the skirting and hold it away whilst painting, until properly dried?

That being the case any recommendations of what tape i should use? And any tipes for useage?

 

[Tigercubrider]

I like frog tape . I pay attention while masking
Probably goes without saying but mask the edges then fill in or at least cover the entire carpet

You can get rolls of sticky plastic carpet protector but I have never used it in anger

 

[alexmc123]

Thanks mate, I nearly bought a roll of the carpet protecter the other week, will give it a try.

I'm suspecting there's a bit of a knack to getting the tape down nicely, and a bit of practice is required before painting.

 

[opps]

I use 2" tape and tuck it down into the gap between the carpet and gripper rods. I use a relatively blunt filler knife/scraper to push it down. It is time consuming though. I use the bog standard masking tape from places like Toolstation.

When painting, do not allow a lot of paint to be pushed into the void, it will bridge the gap and may be pulled off the woodwork when removing the tape. Use a quality 2" brush. The Purdy Sprig elite is quite thin and great in those kind of situations (it will cost about £12).

The cracks where the stair stringers meet the wall. I'd rake out and back fill with two pack filler. Most decorators just run caulk though.

Do you plan to use oil based or waterbased paint. When I use OB I normally remove the tape the day after the last coat and use my finger nail to scrape away any visible paint build up.

 

[Doggit]

I'd take the carpet off. Unlike a floor, stair carpets aren't stetched, only fitted. You'll need a bolster to knock it back in the grippers, but you'll get a tidyer job than trying to mask it. If you don't feel that confident, ask the fitters what they'd charge to come back and relay it. If you decide to go with the masking tape, then use 2 inch tape, and allow enough to push about half an inch down into the edge.