I’ve never painted before and getting ready to paint my bedroom. After I paint the walls, how long do I wait before I use painters tape on the new paint so I can paint the trim?

 

Thank you.

It's funny, because if you ask professional painters, they frequently won't have much of an answer since they rarely, if ever use painter's tape. They are usually just skilled enough at cutting in that the painter's tape isn't a necessity. That's not a knock on you for not knowing how, but that can explain why there aren't always "expert answers" about it.

 

I'd say, first off, make sure you're using proper painter's tape, and not the cheap tan masking tape. Also, another warning, more inexpensive paint can pull off with the tape no matter how long you let it cure.

 

I usually tell folks to let paint cure for a full 24 hours - especially if you're double-coating with your paint, which I definitely would recommend. After you let it dry, take the end of your fingernail in an inconspicuous location and try pressing it into the paint. If the nail leaves much of a mark or if the paint feels even remotely, wait another day before applying the painter's tape.

If you're going to be doing any more painting after this job, try practicing cutting in like this while you are using painter's tape (that way, even if you screw up a bit, it won't matter). It's really not too too tough to get the hang of.

 

[video=youtube;-QpdW-l0FRg]

I have done a ton of painting in my home over the years. I learned two things the hard way:

 

1. Pay extra for quality paint. Less dripping and much better coverage. You often only need one coat.

 

2. Invest in good, quality paint brushes. They last for years and make jobs like cutting in much easier.

 

Also, a good playlist of music helps too!

 

I enjoyed painting. Hope you do too!

I hate painting unless it is a deck and then I dislike painting.

Paint the trim first if painting it white. There's no need to tape anything as you wall color will most likely be darker, thus covering the white much easier. Then tape off the trim and paint the walls. You only have to tape once, and it's much easier to cover white with darker colors rather than cover darker colors with white. Plus, if you want to try cutting by hand, IMO, it's easier to do that around trim.

Paint the trim first if painting it white. There's no need to tape anything as you wall color will most likely be darker, thus covering the white much easier. Then tape off the trim and paint the walls. You only have to tape once, and it's much easier to cover white with darker colors rather than cover darker colors with white. Plus, if you want to try cutting by hand, IMO, it's easier to do that around trim.

 

I would agree UNLESS you are painting the trim in a different sheen, such as a satin. If you use a flat or matte on the wall, any of the trim overpaint you’ve done might show through on the walls.

Thanks for the advice everyone

I hate painting unless it is a deck and then I dislike painting.

 

I'd rather watch you dance to Taylor Swift than paint a deck.

I've painted a ton (2 houses and have painted just about every room in both, some twice) and quit taping long ago. I've gotten good enough at cutting in I don't need to tape. If I do mess up it's very few times so it's quicker and easier just to touch up my mistakes than tape everything. Cutting in is pretty easy actually with some practice and a good brush.