To cut in corners when painting, start slightly away from the corner and use a small, angled brush to create a crisp, clean line.
Cutting in corners is a crucial technique for achieving a professional-looking paint job. It involves painting the narrow strips along edges and corners that rollers can't reach, ensuring a seamless finish. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Steps for Cutting In Corners:
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Prepare Your Supplies:
- High-quality angled brush (1-2 inches)
- Paint that matches your roller application
- Paint tray or bucket
- Drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect surfaces
- Painter's tape (optional, for extremely precise lines or textured walls)
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Load Your Brush:
- Dip the brush into the paint, saturating about one-third of the bristles.
- Tap gently against the side of the paint container to remove excess paint and prevent drips. Avoid overloading the brush.
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Start Away From the Corner:
- Position the brush about an inch away from the corner you intend to paint.
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Create the Line:
- Using light pressure, draw the angled brush along the corner, moving inwards to create a clean line against the adjacent surface.
- Try to create a straight and even line.
- Feather the edge of the painted strip slightly to blend with the area that will be rolled.
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Work in Sections:
- Cut in a manageable section (e.g., a few feet) at a time. This prevents the cut-in paint from drying before you can roll the adjacent area.
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Roll the Walls/Ceiling:
- Once you have cut in the corners and edges, immediately roll the remaining surface to blend the cut-in paint with the rolled areas while the paint is still wet. This helps avoid "picture framing," where the cut-in areas appear darker or have a different texture than the rolled areas.
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Second Coat (If Necessary):
- Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat, following the same cutting-in and rolling process.
Tips for Sharp Lines:
- Use a High-Quality Brush: A good brush holds more paint and allows for better control.
- Maintain a Wet Edge: Keep the brush loaded with enough paint to maintain a wet edge, which helps prevent streaks and ensures even coverage.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Practice on a less visible area to improve your technique.
- Consider Painter's Tape: For extremely precise lines or on textured walls, apply painter's tape along the edge you want to protect. Make sure the tape is firmly adhered to the surface to prevent paint bleed. Remove the tape immediately after painting while the paint is still wet.
By following these steps and practicing your technique, you can achieve professional-looking results when cutting in corners for a flawless paint job.
