I never use painters tape and am not a very messy painter. I’m breaking my technique down in today’s blog post! You can find 10 of my best tips for cutting in a perfectly smooth and clean line.
Invest in a High Quality Brush
Setup Your Workspace
Investing in quality paint brushes is half the battle. For cutting in, I always turn to Purdy’s Clearcut or Clearcut Elite brush.
Skip the Painters Tape
I grab the Clearcut brush- because it allows for crisp lines and the perfect paint release. Painters tape usually ends up just being a mess and takes up a lot of time.
Lightly Load Your Brush & Keep It Clean
Setup Your Workspace
An overloaded brush can get messy and doesn’t create that crisp line. Try to keep your brush relatively clean, only using the bottom portion.
Don’t Start Exactly on the Line
Setup Your Workspace
Pull back about a quarter of an inch to begin with, then slowly move closer as you gain control of the brush.
Fan Out The Bristles & Apply Even Pressure
Setup Your Workspace
As you’re dragging your brush down the line or edge, apply gentle even pressure, fanning the top bristles slightly as you pull the brush.
Use a Light Hand
Setup Your Workspace
Applying too much pressure can cause the paint to ooze or drip from your brush. Try to use a light, gentle, and steady hand.
Feather It Out
Setup Your Workspace
If you’re noticing any excess paint or ridges, use the backside of the brush to feather it out, blending any harsh edges or noticeable brush strokes.
Work in the Appropriate Order
Setup Your Workspace
It’s important to cut in before you beginning rolling a wall. Always work from the edges inward.
Tackle One Wall at a Time
Setup Your Workspace
I always recommend finishing one wall completely before moving onto the next. This way, you’ll have a seamless transition and all of your walls will match perfectly.
Keep A Wet Rag Nearby
Setup Your Workspace
Keep a wet rag nearby and clean mistakes immediately… paint is more forgiving than you expect, and is easy to wipe off if you mess up.
Of course practice makes perfect. It may take you a time or two to really nail the technique, but I know you’ll be cutting in like a pro in no time at all.