Masking off wood / carpets when painting

John_the_Boy

ninjaef said:

so you use frogtape when masking the carpet , or this basic stuff in the vid? If not frogtape then does not the basic masking tape allow paint - possibly - to bleed onto the carpet?
So you don't paint the walls first then? I thought decorating , you work top down which means the walls first then the wood so why cover the wood when its going to get sanded/painted - you're the expert so I'm just curious , not challenging you , just wondering.

The cheap stuff for the carpet, normally Wilko wide masking tape. Frog tape for the woodwork. If you push the masking tape down far enough between the carpet and the skirting there shouldn't really be any transfer on to the carpet, or just where the edge of the pile brushes against the skirting if you remove the masking tape whilst the paint is still drying which you can't see anyway.

Certainly not an expert, just found a way that works for me after trial and error. Most of the time I paint the wood after painting the wall and rely on a 'steady' hand to paint up to and hopefully not onto the the wall. Doesn't give a perfect straight line but it is good enough from a foot or two's distance.

TELLIT01

ninjaef said:

TELLIT01 said:

o protect the carpet I have just used thin card pushed down between the skirting and the carpet.

Ah, so like a cut up cereal box ?? that would be an idea - have to start saving the boxes if so   

Exactly that.  Just slide the cardboard along as you paint.  You don't need umpteen cereal boxes.

[Deleted User]

I wouldn't dream of decorating without rolling up the carpet and putting it out of the way first. It must be a PITA trying to work around it without getting it clogged with dust, paint drips, filler etc.

twopenny

I've used both techniques. Takes a bit longer but easiest is cheap masking tape along the edge of the carpet with enough to tuck down over the edge btwn carpet and skirting. I find a blunt tea knife does the job quickly and easily without tearing.

I put it down and leave it till the both coats are finished then run said blunt tea knife along the space between carpet and skirting to cut any overflow before pealing the tape up.

Always worth having a sheet or bin for when you take the tape up in case there is wet paint blob on the tape. Saves you getting it on yourself or the carpet if it's a long run.

I've used card and proper paint thingys but found it fiddly and as you move it paint can more easily get on the carpet.

Bits of cardboard from tea boxes or cereal packets are great for sliding under doors if you're painting them. Much easier to ease in and out than newspaper.