Painting 101: Is taping trim and edges worth it?

Is it really faster to paint trim and baseboards without masking tape and can you still get a crisp paint edge? That's what I test in this video.

--Contents of this video ----------------------------
00:00 - Is it faster to paint lines by hand or use masking tape?
01:00 - Test part 1 - painting without masking tape
01:36 - Tips for painting without tape
02:32 - Test part 2 - painting with masking tape
03:45 - Results and conclusion

---Materials and Tools needed for the job ----------------------

It seems like most pro painters all say that once you get good with a paintbrush, cutting in your edges around trim is faster than using masking tape.

Cutting in is when you use your brush to paint around trim, windows, and ceilings without using masking tape. It requires a skilled hand and lots of practice to do it efficiently.

But is painting baseboards and trim without tape really faster?

I've tried it many times, and I find it frustrating. That's why I decided to put it to the test to see if it really is faster than using masking tape. So, I painted one wall without tape and one wall using tape to compare the time and quality of the job.

I was surprised at the results.

Painting without tape was actually much slower.

In this video, you'll learn several painting tips for painting without tape, plus why it's better to just mask off your baseboards before painting them.

---About my Youtube Channel ----------------------
I create high-quality tutorials and tool reviews that save you time and money and help you get better results with your home projects. No BS, just straight-to-the-point info. Basically, I create DIY videos that don't suck.

---About Handyman Startup ---------------------------
Handyman Startup is a website designed to help you turn your DIY skills into a profitable handyman business. Learn things like how to start your business from scratch, how to get customers, and how to price your services - even if you only have limited handyman skills.

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[dianastacey]

In LA when they painted my house they just removed the baseboards, painted everything, then put down new baseboards. They said it was easier. I saw someone say you could paint against a flat surface you lay against the trim as you move along the edge and slide it. I recall she used a file folder but this would only work for a small area before going crazy.

[FaithandFun-wq]

This is so nice. Thank you for sharing. 💖

[DconBlueZ]

Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

[audiophileman]

I agree that for someone who doesn't paint very often and isn't as skilled as a pro painter, this masking method is a better way to go. A lot of times the pro painters will slop the paint with their "faster" method, so it isn't always cracked up to what it's supposed to be even with pro painters. Thanks! 👍👍👍

[mawrmcmahan]

What my Grandpa and I used to do was mask the line by placing an old metal slat from louvered window blinds. I'm pretty sure that something like it is sold at the hardware store.

[adventure_]

Ive found it to be situational, tape for baseboards and improving ergonomics....yes, door trim and ceilings...ive actually gotten away from taping and becoming efficient not using tape and just having a steady hand and quality brush to knock it out swiftly.

[Asgro]

I agree! Especially for baseboards. Gravity is work so hard against you when cutting in base lol now, if I'm painting the baseboards... I go no tape

[scottschreiber]

I only tape the baseboards that way when I am rolling, I can roll dow to the tape and then when I get done rolling I can quickly brush the bottom of the walls and not worry about going slowed down.

[kenmitchell]

Frog tape is so expensive though. Is there an alternative more budget friendly tape?

[ad]

My last home was painted professionally using the free hand method and it looked terrible...the previous paint peeked out from the bottom. Masking tape leaves a clean line with no bleed through.

[TheUuhhh]

You have to take into account cleaning existing baseboard in order for the tape to stick.

[voiceofreason]

Try using the one coat paint saves a ton of time

[briananderson]

Why not paint the wall first before putting the baseboards on?

[pmubdeeps]

Pro painter here with 20 years experience. If you're not painting every day or very often, it's impossible to cut clean, FAST lines without masking tape. So therefore, the guy in this video is going to find it faster to use tape, because he cuts lines very slow without it. I would fire anyone who showed up with masking tape on a professional level.

I also recommend against taping for beginners. In many (but not all) cases, the tape should be removed while the paint is still wet. If the paint is allowed to dry or become sticky, the fresh paint will peel up from the wall when you remove the tape. Paint can dry very fast.

Therefore, if you are applying 2 or 3 coats, you'd have to re-tape in-between each coat. I've been on many jobs where the customers allowed the paint to dry, and it can turn into a huge mess.

[DessieTots]

But the rolls and rolls of tape is adding to your and customers expenses/bills. Maybe practice with just the brush or else use a brush with angled bristles? I just use an angled brush and use a damp cloth to clean any mistakes.

[billybobthornton]

First step should’ve been painting and then put in the new trim

[jamstor]

I have been painting for over 25 years and I never had the problems you had with painting Dan but keep practicing I'm sure you will get better and i love how you put in that lil smart ass remark at the end of the video. I'm sure I have painted more than 90 percent of the people watching this video. that is a very un cool thing to say Dan and Dan by you using material that you didn't really need to use your a champion to the environment

[allenlilly]

I disagree. I have been painting over fifty years and have painted with both techniques. The taping takes too long lost of time and money. You can become better if you try.

[TheUuhhh]

You’re just not good enough yet bro. Definitely no tape. Love your channel though

[victorianantiquities]

It is your lack of skill, You dont have to make a trip to a store, you save money (more time and your time should have some value). this is why amatuers giving advice is simply bad advise. "Pro Handyman" what is that? A guy who thinks he know what he is doing and has a business card?