If you want your paint job to look professional, you need to make sure the edges and corners are straight and clean. In reality, most of the painting can be done with ease, since most of your wall will be covered with a large roller. However, when it comes time to paint the textured edges with a brush, you need to use a little more patience and skill. In the end, you might spend just as much time painting your edges as you will painting the rest of your walls. However, taking your time when painting the lines is important, and you shouldn't rush it. You can talk with a professional, like APC Services, for more tips. Read on to learn the best techniques and supplies for getting cleaner lines on textured walls.
Taping Off
For edges to look the best, you need to apply the tape as straight as possible. Of course, you can do this very well by just eyeing it or trying to follow the corner of the wall. For the best results, you need a long level (at least 6'). Simply hold the level where you want the line to be and trace it with a pencil. Then, you can follow this pencil line as you apply the tape. You want to push the tape down as hard as possible. You will rub your finger raw if don't wear gloves or use the edge of a rag to push down the tape.
Use Lightweight Spackle to Get Even Cleaner Lines
No matter how well you push down the tape, there is a good chance that paint will seep underneath if you paint right over it. You can fix this problem quite easily with some lightweight spackle. With your finger, spread the spackle along the tape line. Rub it very thinly onto the edge. You don't want the spackle to alter the texture of the wall. You just want it to cover any gaps between the tape and the wall. These gaps are nearly invisible. Since spackle is thicker than paint, it will not seep under the tape. Instead, it will block the gaps and create and stronger line. When you paint over the tape, you don't need to worry about seeping.
When you pull the tape off after everything is painted, you be impressed by how clean your lines look. This step will add a few hours to your paint job, but it is well worth it if you want professional-quality lines.