Cutting in paint: how to get a seamless finish with & without tape

We get it. The most intimidating part of painting a room is getting those pesky edges and corners just right. After all, achieving satisfyingly clean lines along the edge of a ceiling, skirting boards, door frame and more can make all the difference between a haphazard, rushed look and a dreamy, professional finish. To help you avoid the former and accomplish the latter we’re sharing our favourite tips for cutting in paint.

With splat’s sound advice, find the best way to cut in paint for your level of experience and learn at your own pace – obviously, while having a whole load of fun!

what do we mean by “cutting in”?

For those unacquainted with the term, “cutting in” simply refers to the method used to paint around the edges of a room to achieve clean lines and a flawless end result. It’s all about blending in those hard-to-reach areas that your roller simply can’t touch. This means anywhere the wall you are painting meets another surface such as the ceiling, chimney breast or trim will be cut in.

when might you need to cut in paint?

Without sounding too much like a romance novel, always. Yep, you should always cut in your paint when dealing with tight areas and clean lines. Whether it’s those charming window frames, the soft curves around fixtures, or the delicate embrace of your trim, cutting in ensures your paint job exudes elegance and precision.

This might sound a bit tricky, but we promise you it’s something anyone can learn. After all, painting and decorating is for everyone. Plus, it’s the DIY task that Brits do the most, so why not jump on the bandwagon?

A non-exhaustive list of areas that require cutting in includes:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Corners
• Edging around floors
• Door frames
• Window frames
• Accent walls
• Built-in shelving
• Staircases
• Furniture and cabinets
• Touch-ups

let’s cut to the chase: what’s the best way to cut in paint?

So is there a method of cutting in paint that trumps all the rest? The short answer is no.

While certain DIYers might favour one method over the other, there’s no one way of cutting in that rules them all. It’s more about finding a rhythm and techniques that work for you.

For example, where DIY novices begin to struggle is cutting in paint along ceilings, two-toned walls and other features that dictate a perfectly level line of paint. This might call for painter’s tape and an angled brush.

In contrast, an experienced painter might achieve an equal or better finish without the need for tape and using a straight-edged brush. Hence why we’ve included both methods.

where to start with cutting in paint: the preparation

Although the technique might differ slightly, the preparation is the same. Before you start cutting in your paint make sure you have taken the following steps.

Gathering equipment

Commence by gathering the necessary equipment and supplies. For any project requiring cutting in you will need:

• Paint!
• Painters tape (optional)
• Paint brush
• Paint roller
• Paint kettle and/or dipping pail
• Dust sheets or other protective equipment
• Soapy water or sugar soap
• Rag or cloth
• Stepladder
• Overalls

What type of brush do I need for cutting in paint?

Cutting in and painting edges requires a high-quality, specialist paint brush that can squeeze into any nooks and crannies. Fortunately, we have plenty of those at splat!

We’d recommend getting your hands on one of our 1.5″ or 2″ angled splushes. These bad boys are responsibly sourced with European beech handles and a recycled metal ferrule, making them a more ethical choice than your average tool. Plus, the bristles are top-notch, allowing for a velvety smooth finish when you get to applying your paint.

More experienced DIYers might be able to cut in with a straight-cut brush, but why make it more difficult for yourself? Either way, remember to clean them properly to extend their lifetimes, and using a white spirit alternative if you want to extend the planet’s while you’re at it.

Protecting the room

To cut in paint without errors, start by clearing the room of furniture and artwork, protecting the floor with a suitable dust sheet, old rags or blankets – avoiding single-use plastics if you can. Make sure the space is accessible, well-lit and well-aired, you’ll thank us later!

preparing the surface

Now, let’s get to prepping the surface. Begin by cleansing the walls using a solution of soapy water or some sugar soap to get rid of any greasy marks and dust, so it becomes suitable for painting.

While you’re at it, inspect the wall closely for any gaps or holes, and proceed to fill them in with a suitable sealant or filler. After it’s all patched up and dried, sand the filled areas to achieve a smooth and even surface. (You might need a mist coat if there is any bare plaster.) Then set up the equipment you will need like a stand for your paint, brush, roller and pallet.

how to cut in with tape: the beginner’s method

Our first and simplest method for cutting in paint is ideal for novices.

step 1

To protect adjacent areas such as edges and skirting boards from any paint splatters, carefully apply your painters tape, so it lies perfectly level along the join or edge. This will create clean, well-defined lines and prevent paint from seeping in where it’s not desired.

step 2

Mix your paint thoroughly and transfer a small amount into a kettle or dipping pail, around an inch or so. This will prevent you from accidentally dipping your brush in too deep, reducing dripping and clean up – both things you want to avoid here.

step 3

Load the brush by tapping on the side of the paint kettle, so you have a fair amount of the bristles but not too much. Usually, this will only be the bottom third of the brush as there’s no need to go overboard.

Pro tip: If you apply a little too much, dab it on the side of your paint can or kettle.

step 4

Your best bet is to start in a corner or somewhere that isn’t too visible and work your way out. Gently press down on the brush to create a slight fan effect and use a sweeping motion to progress toward your desired line.

During the initial pass, approach the line closely and proceed in a straight path until the paint is exhausted. You want to leave a couple of centimetres between these strokes and the edge.

To continue the line, repeat this process every two or three strokes. Periodically, return to smooth out the painted area, being cautious not to cross over the line. If you notice a minor gap, there’s no need to worry, as it will be concealed during the second pass.

step 5

Now you can go back in with the second pass. Begin at the corner of the ceiling, trim or other feature. Position your brush to align with the edge, using only the tip as you smoothly guide it along the edge to fill in the gaps.

This technique will enable you to gather the excess paint that may have settled slightly below, resulting in a uniform line that doesn’t come into contact with the adjacent surface.

If you find yourself running low on paint, apply another line just below and continue the process, delicately trailing the paint along that edge. Afterwards, you can feather out the edges in preparation for applying the main coat of colour with a roller.

In this approach, precise painting skills aren’t the be-all and end-all because the tape serves as the safeguard, ensuring clean lines.

step 6

Ready for the final steps? Use your paint roller and apply paint over the cutting in section to seamlessly merge both areas. Keep in mind that you should aim for the cut in section to be inconspicuous.

Continue systematically around the room, addressing one section at a time. Be sure to cut into the corners where two walls intersect, even if your intention is to paint both of those walls. The confined space might not allow for the use of a larger paint roller in those tight corners.

Make sure to remove the tape promptly once you’ve completed your top coat, before the paint has a chance to dry. Then all you have to do is wait for that dry paint!

how to cut in without tape: the intermediate method

Our second method for cutting in paint doesn’t require tape, but it does require more precision!

Achieving precise cutting-in requires a steady hand, but our brushes are designed to simplify the task when dealing with corners or intricate areas. The splush pro brush is your best bet here! Load the brush with paint attentively, ensuring it holds an ample amount of paint, as we instructed above. Then, position the brush on the wall a few centimetres away from the edge you intend to paint. Keep in mind that the thin edge of the brush should be used to paint along the edge, granting you the utmost control.

Gradually move the brush toward the edge at an angle, starting to paint down the edge. This approach allows you to monitor how the brush spreads the paint and grants you greater control as you approach the edge. Finally, smoothly paint along the edge. When you sense that the brush is running low on paint, remove any remaining excess paint from the wall, preparing it for reloading.

Again, it’s advisable to work in smaller sections, around 1 meter in length. Once you have finished your first section, proceed to step 6 (above) and roll out the rest of the coat.

bonus tips: how to master the brush

For optimal brush control, grasp it in a manner like a table tennis player holds their paddle. Employ your index finger against the narrower side of the bristles to enhance your movement.

The key here is precision, so ensure that your hand stays comfy and you don’t strain yourself. Especially if you have a substantial amount of painting ahead, it’s important to avoid any fatigue cropping up midway through the task.

help! i’ve got picture framing where i cut in the paint

You’ve put in the donkey work and have cut in your paint. While it’s drying, you disappear into the kitchen for a well-deserved cuppa, but when you return… What a disaster! The brushed areas are showing up darker than the rest – like a picture frame.

Sounds like you? Then take a deep breath: there are many ways how to fix picture framing on your painted walls, and it’s not so difficult.

how to avoid picture framing when painting

As we’ve covered, small, angled brushes are used to cut in corners and edges and to paint along the trim lines. But they’re not infallible. Where these methods meet, you raise the risk of bumping into a picture framing problem.

Usually, the causes are one of the following:

• An uneven application of the paint
• Poorly mixed paint
• A disparity in film binds from the brushed vs. rolled paint
• Allowing the cut in area to dry before rolling on the remainder of the coat

To prevent picture framing you should maintain a “wet edge” at all times; in other words, make sure that the leading edge of a freshly painted area stays wet as you work on the adjacent and overlapping sections. This will help prevent visible lap marks, lines and other inconsistencies where the newer paint overlays it.

Other key tips include applying the paint extra carefully so that you’re not pressing harder than you need to and spreading the paint too thin. The same goes for applying paint to the brush: if the paint is too heavy and starts running, lighten the load of the brush – and remember to fade those areas out! You’ll want to overlap your brush or roller strokes slightly with the previously painted area to ensure a seamless transition.

don’t cut corners, cut paint

Ta-da! That’s all we’ve got time for on cutting in paint. While this is only the tip of the iceberg, we hope that you find the best way to cut in paint that works for you and your next project. Remember, it’s a marathon and not a sprint – a steady hand and keen eye goes a long way.

Whether you’re touching up a ceiling, adding an accent wall, or tackling an exterior project, mastering the art of cutting in will serve you well. Now get out there and start cutting in!

For more projects to try out this new skill with, check out our DIY paint and decorating blog.