How to Paint Edges Without Tape - Cutting In Tutorial

In this video, professional painter Chris Berry (aka The Idaho Painter) teaches us how to cut in ceilings and edges without tape. He also gives painting tips on why he doesn't use an edger and prefers to paint by hand.

Credit: LiamLRY
Tracks: MmHhmm, Somebody
Used with permission

[gamedude]

I cannot thank you enough for attaching a go pro to the paint brush. Every video ive see explains the process well in detail, but to actually be able to see the angle and the flex of the bristles is a huge help!

[nhtmhhj]

No doubt this guy is a great professional painter. When I was younger I worked as a commercial painter and was taught by guys that actually went to apprenticeship schools. Most were very good at cutting in but one guy had worked in a body shop in the 50's when they actually did pin striping by hand. That dude was incredible with a brush. He taught me and it was like this. Load your brush with as much paint as it will hold without dripping. Lay the paint out in one stroke about a quarter inch below the ceiling line. Then as you bring your brush back to you brush the paint you just laid out up to the ceiling. All in one movement. lay out about a four foot line and do the final cut as you bring the brush back. After a little practice I could cut the ceiling line on an average size bedroom in less than ten minutes. Once I was pretty good at it I started doing a lot of side jobs. Let me tell you guys, in painting speed is money. Back in the 80's I was making $50 an hour on the side.

[yak]

As pro painter of 30 years I think this is a good video. Here, I have added my thoughts going deeper into it. So dipping alot keeps the brush lubricated and makes it easier. However to avoid drips, the brush needs to be, robustly scraped out periodically, on the side of the tin, as the paint needs to be at the tip end of the bristles not the handle end, where it can also start to dry. Typically when cutting in, a novice will be tentative with the brush, when actually, for a good line, pressure is needed . In this video you will see the bristles curving up to the line because he is pushing them into that corner where the wall meets the ceiling . This pressure, makes it difficult for paint to go round the corner and onto the ceiling . However after dipping, too much paint on the top side of the brush can bridge up and ruin the line so softly brush back and forth a bit below before applying more pressure and flowing along your line in one smooth, slowish stroke. With experience, the cut can be extended further by increasing the pressure and forcing out more paint. I agree, it is good to go both ways, the second direction with a dryer brush. So cover up what needs to be protected, have only a few inches of paint in your pail and go for it.

[bobloblaw]

I’m a professional painter. I have a method I use to cut in edges that is quick and easy, and leaves no mess. Once you get the brush in position, lock your wrist and elbow. Use your shoulder to move your brush, instead of your wrist, arm, or elbow. You’ll notice that nothing else will move if done correctly. It creates a pivot, and will keep everything nice and straight.
Just a little tip I thought I’d share.

[dth]

What the heck?!?!

That was the most straightforward, professional demonstration, explanation and presentation of information I’ve listened to in a while.

Bravo!

[michaeltomlinson]

The man is a genius ! Not sure about his taste in music, but his painting skills are awesome. I learned a lot just off this one video.

[SF-rlhl]

Great video a true professional painter! Not many left. I spent 3 years as an apprentice under master union painter learning the skill before I was allowed to paint on my own. 50 years later I can still out cut any device on the market. Perfect straight lines every time not one drop on floor. But it takes years to be a Professional painter. I can see you are a professional. Thank you!

[josephlacerra]

I am not a pro painter. But, as a building manager I had to know a little something about most of the trades. Years ago a painter gave me a tip for cutting in: paint a brush stroke close to the edge you want, then cut in by floating the brush over that wet stroke, this time at holding a straight edge (not a straight-edge tool) line. The wet paint of your first stroke lubes the finish stroke (eliminates the pulling from a drywall or ceiling). You can get pretty fast this way, and accurate, too.

[judichristopher]

A Go-Pro on a paint brush...
Now I have seen everything ...
Great Idea...

[danradu]

Thanks a lot for the tips. I've tried this in the past but didn't realize how important it was to have a firmer tapered brush. Makes a big difference.

[ij]

Here we go with the usual negative comments. This guy is only demonstrating the perfect finish. He never said that this is the quickest method, or that you had to do it his way. Backrolling your cut ins takes longer but it is the best result to ensure less visible brush marks. Some jobs this is necessary, some jobs not. Some people notice the difference, some people don’t. You’re entitled to have an opinion, but just because you have your own opinion doesn’t mean this guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

[eROniZeR]

you are the first american who actualy does a good job at freehand cutting. 98% of all people do not have the natural talent and exp to do this the right way. you actualy do a good technical job!

[michaelwon]

Thank you for the video! I tried cutting by hand for the first time since I was fed up with wasting time with tape. It went really well! Thanks again!

[NedRyerson]

I am not a professional painter but I am faced with painting my basement this weekend. In the last 20 years I have had alot of painting experiences and I gave up on tape and edging tools along time ago and just did cut ins by hand with a good brush. I watched this to see if there was a easier takes time and the paint job I'm covering up says I got a long weekend ahead.

[toddlavigne]

having the small roller in the same bucket for back rolling is a great idea
thank you

[marybanh]

That’s awesome. After I spent 40 minutes taping painter’s tape - the result was bleed through and my lines weren’t even straight. LOL.😂

[deanpelton]

Thanks so much for sharing this information and the closeup footage was very helpful! My wife asked why I wasn't using tape and looked at me like I was going to screw up the project. Using these techniques has improved my painting skills immensely with much better results, faster too. Much appreciated!!!

[Maryjane]

I wish I could treat yall to dinner. This vital tip alone is about to save me some serious coin. Clear, easy to follow directions. Thank you 💜

[navsingh]

Cheers Chris, I didnt realise the type of brush made such a difference! Time to make a new investment

[lemonade]

I took an oil painting class like art on canvas, and same principle applies for finding good brush, sharp, tapered, stiff thin brushes are better quality and more precise. I never thought it would also apply to walls for some reason... maybe because I always see the typical flat thick brushes. They’re so hard to cut with, just tried today.