How to get Professional Quality Paint Lines

There is something about an interior paint job by a professional that makes it really stand-out. You can usually tell a do-it-yourself paint job from a professional job. One major difference between these two types of jobs is in the lines. This is especially true when you are utilizing two colors on a wall. A two-color wall isn’t an easy project.
The lines accomplished by professionals have a particular trick involving overpainting. Some paint will bleed through no matter what type of paint you utilize in your project.
The tape will actually keep your second color from bleeding and messing-up your crisp line. There is a process though, and following this process to the letter is highly important. So if you are interested in doing this type of job yourself, here is the best way to make those lines look crisp and professional. 

Color Number One

Two-color projects aren’t easy, and when you are painting two colors on one wall you’ve got to start somewhere. You begin with the first color of your choice, painting a little beyond where you want your paint line. This provides a solid base color and there will be less bleed when the second color is applied. 

Adding Your Tape Line

Because the edge of the tape line identifies where the two colors on the wall join, it is absolutely necessary that this is a straight line. Measure appropriately and apply the tape to mark this straight line. This cannot happen until the first color has properly dried. Don’t rush this step! Give it plenty of time to dry completely before adding the painter’s tape. 

The Bleed Line

The bleed line is perhaps the most important part of this process. Getting a professional look isn’t hard, but it is important that this is done properly. You create the bleed line by painting the tape line against the tape using the first color. This seals the tape and will prevent the second color from bleeding through and ruining the line. It’s very important that you then taper your new, second color away from the line of your seam to your color contrast isn’t too abrupt. It will look natural and make the two-color wall look amazing! After you’ve done this (and the bleed line layer is dry) you are ready to add the second color. Make certain that you paint over the edge of the paint line. It will look very smooth and professional! 

Peeling the Tape

You’d think that you need to wait for the paint to dry before peeling your tape away. This is not at all the case! If you peel back the tape as it is dry, you are likely going to create a bigger mess, as it will likely chip in places where the paint sealed to the wall. Peeling while the paint is wet, at a 90-degree angle will assure that you are getting a great looking paint line with no mess! 

Getting Help

While this is a job you can do yourself, it may not be a job that you “want” to do yourself. Residential painting takes a certain level of skill and patience. Doing this type of residential painting project yourself will undoubtedly take more time. Many people love the challenge of doing the job themselves, but there is certainly no shame in getting some professional help. Whether you try this technique and it doesn’t go according to plan, or you just don’t think you are quite ready for this project, contact us to get some expert help from knowledgeable professionals that will do an amazing job.