When to Remove Your Caulked Masking Tape? Painting HACK

Should you pull the tape when the paint is wet or dry? Should I pull the tape when the paint is wet or dry? Corner + Roller: paintlifesupply.com / FrogTape: t.ly/WDCz
Game Changing Tools: t.ly/kszs
Music: bensound.com/royalty-free-music
📌Due to factors beyond the control of The Idaho Painter (or Chris Berry and the Paint Life crew), We cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. The Idaho Painter and Paint Life assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. The Idaho Painter recommends safe practices when working on any structure and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of The Idaho Painter, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from use or improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not The Idaho Painter.
Joshua 1:9

[@cheeto.1]

Thank you KZbin University & Our Professional Tradesmen Professors for teaching us for free.

[@0lddragracer426]

I'm a retired California Painting Contractor Chris. I don't work anymore, but I find myself watching all your video's and learning all over again, and enjoying it. I should have moved to Idaho way back, and went to work for you for a while. Keep your video's coming, I still love to paint!

[@renzo4296]

This method works very well, I've been a residential painter for 22 years and some of my mentors use to do this and it's was a great technique, I've used this technique also, sometimes I use the other color, if I'm doing an accent wall I'll put tape on the adjacent walls, seal my tape with the other wall color and let it dry , then I'll go over it with my accent wall color, I always cut in against the ceiling though cause a technique for crisp straight lines is to go a dime's width onto the ceiling, your wall color will always be consistent and disappear up behind the ceiling. Another technique for brushing is to always start from dry to wet, I always start at one end , dip, tap, and distribute the paint, cut in and lay it off holding your brush almost vertically one direction, I'll dip, tap, distribute again and cut in then lay it off the same direction, this way your brush strokes are always going the same direction, always remember to, go a brush width so your roller ensures to go up to the brush line, Idaho painter is a great mentor and my mentors 22 years ago practiced these proper techniques. Thank you very much. Sincerely Lorenzo gig harbor WA.

[@swimmerstevieg]

Thank you Chris. This will go down as one of your classics like way back in the day explaining how to set up and clean the titan 440 with the 4 pieces of trim! Nicely done!

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks Steve!

[@Void-gn9zm]

I just started painting and I’ve been watching your videos and have learned so many awesome tips. My mother in law could care less if she had straight lines or not in her living room. She just wants it painted. But I’m super OCD and a bit of a perfectionist. So these videos help getting the job done the right way.

[@mrcwoodworks4523]

Leave your ocd aside a good job is a job well done

[@jerrydimmitt6539]

Did not see the link for paint brushes or tape as stated across screen during the video. You guys are amazing and have saved us a ton of money, time and have changed the quality of the work of our remodel.

[@johnwaynebrooks]

Chris is getting better and better at making videos, good job chirs!

[@mikebowman6454]

I like that you finally started to mention that you have textured walls in your area. I always thought this method made no sense as we don't have texture around here. But I can see how it is helpful with textured walls, mind you I still think it would be easier to just use the trim paint over the tape first to seal the tape before using the wall paint. Then you don't have to be concerned with making sure you peel the tape immediately.

[@phillamoore157]

WOW....I'm smack in the middle of an LVP/baseboard project, and painting the top of the molding, and not getting the white trim paint on my newly painted walls is a nightmare. So, this is worth its weight in gold. Absolutely wonderful advice!

[@lesleyfryer5401]

OMG what a brilliant tip to caulk then paint! Really saved our paint job of textured wallpaper looking a real mess when painted dark gray up to the trim. Took a lot of time but so worth it, many thanks from the UK

[@dpazicni]

I use this method when painting an accent wall. Gives me a perfect straight line. I use clear caulking. I also use this method when I want a straight line down the edge of door frames that are painted a different color.

[@donnapeers4440]

You make it sound easy. I hope I can do this. I am moving and I know I will be painting walls. I like the clean edge very much. Very professional. You are the ones who came on when I put in “how to paint walls”. When looking for a video on how to do this. You have my attention. I am very fussy. Thank you for explaining it. Donna Peers.

[@Pokekid269]

This method has changed my game. It has reduced my touch ups by 90%. It is also extremely effective when you have to cover a prior painter’s sloppy work. You can cover their mistakes and leave a straight line!

[@stevenrod7]

Great, video Chris, I've managed to get straight lines on heavy knocked down finish with Frog tape just on occasion do I need to caulk. My method is to really press down on the edges making sure no air and space is left.

[@joelchoquette5674]

Just what I needed to know as I was starting my bedroom painting today. 👍

[@blackestkittycat]

Thank you! I’ve never had total success, making a clean line with frog tape. I can’t wait to try it.

[@Idahopainter]

Its the best

[@sengvue998]

Thanks for all the great tips and tricks I’ve learn so much from your channel keep up the great work!

[@tracybealeify]

Omg..the. More I watch the more I realize how much I don't know....next to brush choices. Thanks again legend :)

[@MT-tx2xd]

Love your videos Chris. Thanks for your sharing information.

[@super_slo]

LOVING the close up explanations of your techniques! Thanks!

[@bigvegass]

I jacked up a room with the caulking method. I see why now. Thanks for this video.

[@DanielKurland]

My buddy used blue tape when caulking my countertop, so I taped when caulking my tub. I wasn't sure how long to keep the tape on. Your video answered my question. Thank you.

[@ednagale]

Great video, Chris. Very well explained and really appreciate the close ups. Also like the straight forwardness.

[@tokyohugh4114]

straight and steady all the way. Many thanks. You have a great team

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks

[@palmerpalmer1538]

This truly is the best method keeps paint splatter off of the trim and more

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Chris, it would be interesting to see a comparison of a smooth wall and light textured wall where the customer wants a stripe painted on the wall. But, use the tape method & caulk method, vs tape with no caulk but also use be a short nap roller, 1/4- 3/8" nap. Roll lightly, do not load it up heavy, don't excessive roll. Then compare time between the two, including any masking and caulking. Plus compare quality. Nice video.

[@rodwhite9737]

I am on a big bathroom job, I will be using this technique. Thank you so much. Cheers! and have a good day.

[@danielwharton4088]

don't forget the paper work.

[@hildamcevoy5882]

Thank you for such clear videos for a complete beginner!

[@Idahopainter]

You are welcome

[@dannyl2598]

Thank you for all of this great information. I am not a painter by trade but I am a small business owner and I also learn from comments that you make about operating a successful business. I would really like to see you do some videos that pertain to small business in the construction trade's. We really appreciate your willingness to help others.

[@arianejohn1831]

You have a beautiful spirit ✨✨✨ keep up the good work! 🙏🏼

[@ensurepaintingplusllc]

Much better explanation on this video great job, I believe most people got lost on what kind of cualking/tape to use and when to pull the tape👍🏻 Aslo great tip on the sheen of paint when using this method, as this won't work efficiently with all paint Sheen's👍🏻All The Best, Derek

[@jacoballen1086]

In Colorado i deal,with a variety of different textured walls. I always tape caulk and use a damp rag to clean my caulk line. Then allow it to set up, then paint. Pull and crispy clean line 👌

[@7treefreedom940]

Jacob Allen just curious, how much pressure are you using to clean? Are you trying to clean to where there’s no more caulking on the actual tape? I’m having trouble knowing how much to leave on.

[@bradleysimon5364]

Thank you Chris. Love your Chanel and all the valuable information you offer the paint world for free. Your very inspirational person. Watching your Chanel this last summer and working for someone else has inspired me to go back to working for myself and start up my own company Kalispell Painter. Hopefully I’ll be able to take some time off and take a trip down to Boise and spend some time in your institution and work on mastering some of my weaker skill sets as a professional painter and have some new services I can add to what I can offer my customers. Can’t wait to purchase your big kits to add to my company. Such an time saving service for just a couple hundred that would take me years to put a comparable bid packet together from scratch. I did it all once before when I was a general remodeling contractor in Spokane which I ended up loosing every aspect of my business to a house fire last year and the disappointment of loosing years of work constantly modifying my Bid packet I had developed over time from scratch and was a big part of holding me back from going back into business for myself. Thank you for offering to share your hard work and knowledge you have put into your amazing bid packet.

[@brentwachtertastic]

I work as a scenic artist and either use a plastic squeegee burnisher along the tape edge or burnish and paint a thin coat of clear. Careful to pull the tape down and away. If need be use a blade if it starts to bridge. Usually several coats are needed so the masking stays on between coats. Bridging occurs more when we use vinyl masks for a specific shape. Of course this is for specific jobs that are more detailed than normal house painting.

[@doyleredwine1683]

Loving your vids bro. Great job!

[@zpepe]

Great work...Been following you for a long time! Very good stuff, lots of value and knowledge dropping. I'm not in the US but you guys are my go to for anything pertaining to painting and marketing. I would love to know, how doing these videos has impacted your business...From what I see, it looks like it's had a significant (albeit indirect) impact. Either way, it is well deserved and I'm genuinely great-full for your help.

[@gregcochennet385]

Looks great I’m in the middle of a bathroom remodel right now. I’ll give it a try

[@nnnn-vh8kt]

Awesome!! this is just what I needed for my project

[@bobbiejofouts1708]

Well, since you encouraged us to comment, I will. Thank you for this information. I'm simply a homeowner who would rather paint the inside of her own house than pay someone. For curiosity's sake, I'll look up "level 5 finish" and "sun valley texture". I find your info helpful. I've seen some of your other videos that have also helped me. I'd recommend anyone wanting to learn painting strategies to start by watching you.

[@Idahopainter]

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate it🤙

[@mikeoxlong2867]

Learned the caulking tape trick for straight lines back in 1998 in So Cal. My foreman called it, "laser lines." Usually only use it on bull nose, for color change lines.

[@user-lf7en6rf8m]

Simply amazing info. Thank you, love the paint life👍

[@Idahopainter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@aidsvh]

@@Idahopainter Please share how to go about this when doing more than one coat of paint.

[@drew480az]

Lightweight spackle works just as well if not better. Faster also.

[@neddyboy01]

I painted a chevron pattern on my daughters wall. It is a knock down texture. I used frog tape and wet all the edges with a damp rag as it says on the instructions of the box. I painted 2 coats of paint and when I pulled the tape I had bleeding everywhere. I had to fix it all with an artists brush. It was only after this that I found out that frog tape has a tape especially for texture wall (it's a red tape). I bought that and tried it doing a geometric heart on her wall, it worked perfect.

[@drobgyn5615]

Wow, second I saw that line - I knew this was a golden tip.

[@mikemason2976]

Instead of caulking, why not 'seal' the tape lines with a quick layer of the same color of wall.. Then paint your alternate color. Any bleed would be the same color as wall, so when you pull tape, no worries about caulking and shrinking, etc.

[@gort3969]

Trouble with that is sometimes u wouldn't be painting any other walls

[@romanivanovich1301]

Hi, good video, clear explanation and new painting technology idea, good luck!)

[@cptrestlesssteven6469]

Been using this process for over a decade also. The two factors I use to influence the challenges you mention are as follows. 1. Not all caulks are created equally. Some dry faster than some others dry slower which you can use to your advantage. 2. Some caulks have greater flexibility when you have larger gap issues. But as you demonstrated I can use just about any quality caulk.

[@noyb154]

have you considered using matte clear acrylic medium instead of caulk? that's what artists do when masking a canvas.

[@cptrestlesssteven6469]

@@noyb154 I will have to try that next time. Especially if it's longer work time? Might need too edit. Thanks for mudding through that quagmire of spell check failure. Lol

[@SunnyvaleTrailerParkSupervisor]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@yucelycarvajal8991]

Thank you for this video. We actually used caulking before tapping the wall and painting when we used two tone in our room. The frog tape is amazing! Wish I could add pictures of our straight lines! Beautiful 👌🏼

[@Idahopainter]

Your welcome and great to share ideas and work to encourage others!

[@joshuareed3999]

I have not experienced the clear caulk cracking on me. I typically use Benjamin Moore Regal or Aura products in a matte finish and have experimented with different caulks. This method is great when used over new trim work in my opinion. We always use Big Stretch caulk (white) on new trim, spray trim and doors with BM Regal Semi, then brush and roll walls as discussed here. Adding that second layer of clear caulk and laser straight lines is a plus in my opinion! Thanks for the continued tips and other great content!

[@Idahopainter]

Your welcome! Thank you for sharing!🤙

[@jeepredboyrascallivefaceyo92]

great video once again

[@ABBas94677]

If you’re using frog tape you can use a damp rag to swipe over your tape before painting to activate the seal.

[@childofgod5115]

Cool trick thanks Chris.

[@dubloduce]

You don't need expensive tape or caulk to get clean lines. Use regular painter tape and brush a coat of the base color on and let it dry before you paint your stripe color. Viola perfect lines.

[@labornoting]

Awesome site, love the merchandise, just joined. Thanks!

[@chriswroads]

Wet sponge over the caulk will keep the texture uniform and its easy to clean up after you wipe it

[@renzo4296]

I commented on this recently but did want to say that I've finally used frog tape, a good friend of mine, we begun painting together 22 years ago and are still friends and he went out on his own about 5 years ago and successfully made it, anyway he uses frog tape sometimes and last weekend I helped him with a big interior repaint he's been working on and he was using frog tape and I really liked the results, super cool stuff, I'm use to cleaning my surface with a duster, taping it, and knifing it down with a five way and it's always worked but frog tape does work well.

[@artv4nd3l4y]

Just wanted to say thank you for your videos, there is really no other channel on here that has the same kind of quality content. It is crazy to see some of the daunting jobs you guys tackle like 30ft ceilings and crown molding around everywhere... It's funny when I talk to someone they say "oh yeah scaffolding would be needed", and I tell them well if you have the right tools it can be done. It is not easy painting what you guys do, exterior on the roofs it's pretty intense. Most videos on here are about painting a 100 sq ft room, lmfao this is another level entirely of painting.

[@ChristopherPowell7]

Thanks man, that is great!

[@BelleGrace9554]

Wow! Pretty smart. Thank you!🙏🏼

[@K5310]

I'd love to know how you do it with one coat only? I've always had to do two coats , I have dark brown walls, and wanted to go light color this time... so I have to paint at least two layer. Or do you recommend to to paint the dark walls over with primer, do not use tape, then use the tape for the 2nd, actual final paint coat?

[@steve8803]

Use a paint AND colour that's marketed as one coat.

[@mond0133]

Love your videos brother!

[@Here-2-Learn]

On flats u can use the other color that your taping over let it setup nthen paint the 2 nd color on top of it flat doesn’t skin up like a gloss

[@MMPRECISIONPAINTING]

I always pull my tape A.S.A.P. when using this method. I try to stay away from it when using flats, but on heavily textured walls it's so tempting. I've found that if you wipe as much of the caulking off as you can, then you generally don't have cracking. I also like to use Big Stretch. I find that it doesn't shrink nearly as bad. I pay more for it, but the end product is well worth it. My logic is, I'm going to use the absolute best products from start to finish, even if it cost a couple $100 extra dollars. Customers are always happy and never a call back.

[@perzperez6316]

What is the best?

[@roberthatcher2773]

Excellent tutorial, thanks from UK!

[@Idahopainter]

Thank you for watching and sharing🤙

[@thewizardsclassroom6909]

It does work great. However most people will ask what if you have to second coat?

[@javillospina]

Eres lo máximo, gracias por tus consejos. Aprendo es para hacer trabajos en mi casa y me pasa lo que dices con la aplicación de la silicona queda la linea perfectamente recta. Mil gracias

[@wildacresconstruction5493]

Having a wet rag to keep your hands clean helps.

[@FreddyStarman]

awesome video. very comprehensive. Thanks.

[@andresfelipemoscosohernand2371]

Great video! Very informative. Thanks a lot man.

[@Idahopainter]

Your welcome🤙Paint life!

[@ziggiesaquaticexotics8270]

I do believe y’all are the ones who originally taught me the frog n caulk method and man I’ve been using it for years now and many many jobs and the clients love that shit man it makes my jobs look ten times better love y’all your all so very smart and nice makes me wanna move to Idaho I live in Florida and the folks here are total ass hats bother it fringes me mad I tell ya

[@Idahopainter]

lol, glad it works good for you

[@ensignj3242]

Great tip. Thanks.

[@mandyg.3004]

Hi :) Love your videos and have a couple of questions if you have time to answer.. In the UK i cannot find clear caulking anywhere and there are quite a few ranges. What caulk would you recommend in the uk market. 2nd question is. Also in the UK our walls are mostly smooth not textured. Would that be even easier to do using this technique or would you change anything like a cheaper tape or maybe even just tape on its own.? Thanks

[@ben03511]

Great videos. Something I’ve done is seal tape brushing on clear acrylic, just gotta use same sheen finish as base coat.

[@Idahopainter]

That works too

[@WASF2024]

I would love a one sentence answer for tubs. When caulking tubs, when do we remove the tape? When it's wet or dry? Thank you!

[@leefottler4744]

Amy Lynn ...Wet.

[@josehagevoort1895]

Thank you for the great info.

[@Idahopainter]

Glad to help

[@airborn6966]

Thanks alot!!! Now i know why you use caulk

[@Sgtmajorsir]

I let the caulk dry and pulled off the blue painters tape and the caulk started to come off like Saran Wrap and started to tear. Thank you for this video. Now I know not to let it dry. It was very interesting how it came off though.

[@robdodd4591]

Used this method, made perfect join between our grey wall and our blue chimney breast, but now my wife thinks I am a keen decorator :( (Thanks for the great advice though, I am so impressed)

[@johnhubbard3485]

Black Lightning Vinyl Gloves, try them they resist cuts/tears like your wearing light leather. Found them 10 years ago and never found there equal. Excellent video, as a GC I have to do paint on some projects and I hate it, you make it almost easy.

[@RichardDowd]

Thank you very much from a very soggy England!

[@larryseibold4287]

wouldn't the caulking technique work just as well with the CP 199 as with the more costly Frog tape?

[@traviswiggins864]

I use this trick when cutting in windows against rough stucco.

[@trevorkerr8381]

Great in depth explanation Good job

[@juggernot79.]

Absolutely 💯 it works. Done it over 100 time n home owner r mind blow how well n darn perfect line

[@Idahopainter]

You bet

[@kosinskiarek]

If you have a new drywall, primed and painted. You are ready to caulk the baseboards. Do you put the tape, caulk, paint and peel the tape right away? What if you have lots of square footage? I put all of my tape first, filled and sanded the nail holes, caulked. When I painted some of the done trim I got lots of peeling. Now i'm half way thorugh, and wonder should I remove all that caulked tape? Fix all the peel off which I anticipate. Then try to use your method which is mask, caulk, paint and peel? I was trying to divide this job since I could not do it all one day but it seems like I created a big mess for myself. Thank you for your help in advance!

[@VideoCoach28]

Great info !!!!! Thanks.....

[@MeLrOsE429]

I REALLY enjoyed this.... I have no life... 😂 Makes me want to go paint just to try it out.

[@tomdavis9402]

You’re videos are very good thanks

[@Idahopainter]

Your welcome thanks for watching🤙

[@pebbliescraig3062]

Great video this will be my first time painting my living room do I remove the tape before the paint or the caulking dries

[@K5310]

Hi , instead of calk , can this be used to seal ? 16 oz. White Siliconized Acrylic Polymer Easy Caulk Aerosol Can?

[@RogerClubv]

I'm a huge fan. Thx for the informative video on tapping and clauking. How do you feel about using a large aluminum shield to avoid this process entirely?

[@calebplanck9162]

We used to do the same thing but used glaze instead of caulk. I like the caulk though because you always have it on the job site.

[@Idahopainter]

Me too

[@mikeylarson6074]

For tool cleanup as you go I use Baby Wipes from Costco. Just the right size and always damp. BUT for tools only! After all its a baby wipe.

[@briant7148]

Awesome video as always. Off topic here but anyway to do a video on changing the guard and tip for the Graco 360 vsp hand held sprayer to fit the 310 fine finish tip with 6 inch extension? Graco manual says to not touch the guard so possibly can't be done, but the gun just throws way to much paint and overspray for interior work with the tips provided. Thanks

[@saddle1940]

What happens if you wet the frog tape instaed of chauk? Isn't it supposed to expand by itself in the presence of water?

[@julianballeto4010]

Fantastic Advice. Can you suggest how to do the this between ceiling and wall ? Should the wall or ceiling be done first ? Hard to mask the ceiling .

[@courtneytrask7821]

If you pull the tape when wet, then would it be crazy to roll the wall first and cut in the trim last? I’m thinking the tape gives a bit of protection against drips on the baseboard. Right? Or weird? I give my trim cut in a quick roll with a 4 inch roller to mask brush strokes anyway. Time for an experiment!

[@GailWhimsy]

I like this. Thank you.

[@luluperezfacio9236]

So can you do that same method to do the walls without having to cut by hand and get better lines around the ceilings? Hope I said that right? Where does the tap go? Can’t figure this one out?