Guys: How do I get a smooth edge between where the roller stops and the painter's tape? Do I use a really small brush or a really small roller? I've got the walls painted up to the tape, but can I trust the tape to stop all of the paint if I brush over the edge of the tape?

I've never painted an inside room before; I've only stained outside stuff. I don't want to screw up the kid's bedroom. I'm painting it for a surprise while she is gone this week.

I'm using satin paint. If I brush across the tape line, can I switch brush stokes and then go up and down, or will it show?

WJ

FWIW, if you have the tape applied good, it will stop at the line of the tape. Let the paint dry before removing the tape and be careful when you take the tape off that you dont pull up the layer of paint off of the surface that it is painted over.

You may have a little "fuzziness" at the edge but it should be something that can only be seen by looking closely.

I would personally use a small roller and paint along the tape and then blend in the strokes with the big roller comming up almost to the tape but stopping right at the edge.

Keep in mind I am not a professional, just someone that has painted a few rooms over the years.

Good luck!

For a really sharp edge use "fine-line" tape, available at auto paint stores. Otherwise use the 3M blue masking tape and make sure the edge is rubbed down well.

+1 3M blue tape, smooth down edge, use a paint roller that is almost out of paint from doing the wall beneath and roll parralel with the tape. Nice sharp edge.
Sloppy wet rollers and rolling back and forth over the edge pushes paint under the tape.

The tape is there to make the edge, not just protect the ceiling. You shouldn't need to use a different applicator, putting a double strip of tape on the ceiling may help if you're really worried. Like they said, make sure the edge is rubbed down, and don't take it up until the paint is dry, and don't use a freshly dipped roller.

Hope that helps,
Acer

jesus, you use tape? uh....

I would hate to have a few of the guys here all get on it, and give you lessons......


DONT USE TAPE UNLESS YOU REPAINT THE OPPOSING EDGE IN YOUR PRICE.

Blue tape is more expensive, because it doesnt always take off the original surface with its glue, once its been there for a week.


use the blue tape, by eye, to draw the line that you paint down, and just lightly touch the tape joint to the corner or wall, and draw the line, then remove the tape, then DRAW the actual line. this takes a great amount of patience, if you are not a trained painter.

I would very much enjoy seeing a pic of the work you are doing......

Bvamp, I think he's wondering how to get the paint into the corner without getting it on the ceiling. I don't know of any way to do it without using tape...

Bvamp, you and I cut the ceiling in with a 3" or 4" brush. Most people cannot do that. (Note: I have never seen 'vamp paint - but he is definitly as crazy as I am).