In between working on the screened porch, we have also been doing more work in the laundry room and phase 2 is getting done. I’m about to get my laundry room sink and countertop installed in there and that is pretty exciting.
First things first, the room needed painting and I’ll be sharing more about that soon. I went in and taped off the baseboards using my fave green tape, FrogTape with Paint Block. It helped in not getting paint on the freshly painted floors.
I went around the entire perimeter of the room, taping it off and getting the baseboards ready to paint.
Even with a steady hand, it’s hard not to get paint on the floor when it’s that close.
Adding these baseboards has really finished off this space so much.
So, now it’s ready to paint the final coat on the walls and trim boards.
Corner where the toilet will go.
I’m doing a decorative stencil in here too, above the washer and dryer. FrogTape is great for holding stencils in place too.
Do you tape walls and floor when you are painting? I don’t always tape around the ceiling line, but on baseboards, it does help so much to tape it off and not have to worry so much about splashing paint anywhere. I’m a pretty good cutter-in, but can use the extra help at times.
How about you?
Note: This post is sponsored by FrogTape with Paint Block technology. It’s my favorite tape to use and I’m a FrogTape Blog ambassador, getting compensation to share my experiences using their tape. All opinions are my own.
I HATE taping off — takes soooooooooooo much time. A necessary evil, though.
On a related note, I always try to use pre-primed moldings. It saves a step and the wood doesn’t soak up as much paint. Also, those knots will have to be sealed or they’ll bleed through — another step (ugh!)
Of course, if you’re going to be staining the baseboards, just ignore everything I said!
Looking forward to seeing the finished project — that stencil will be FABU!
Hey Shona
Can’t wait to see it finished. I’m definitely a “taper” as it makes life so much easier. Like you, I’m a pretty good cutter-inner (is that a real word??), but taping speeds things up and allows for a slightly less steady-handed approach.
Sharon@The Restful Nest
Rhoda! Not Shona!! Was just talking to Shona as I was typing my comment – sorry!
I’m not a good taper !!! The moldings – you’re right they add so much! And I can’t wait to see the stenciled wall!!! I’m about to stencil my pantry and a wall in the guest room so I’ll give the frog tape a try! xo
Sadly, Rhoda, I don’t, lol. I almost prefer cleaning up my drips and accidents of paint after I’m done, than trying to tackle adding painter’s tape in a straight line beforehand. Your new changes look exciting … will stay tuned for the reveal!
No, I never use tape. I hold a straight edge along the trim and if any paint gets through, I wrap a damp rag, (piece of old t-shirt), around a butter knife and go along the trim to remove wet paint…this Works amazingly well!
Another non-taper here. For me it’s easier to cut in clean to the floor and wall.
But tape does come in mighty handy when the baseboard is already finished and you are rolling the wall above it. Even good quality paint can drip or splatter a bit, so the tape saves labor and gives you a better job.
For the record, as a professional housepainter, I recommend painting trim before walls. It’s just easier to cut into the finished trim than the other way around. Floors should come last. But I know you wanted that floor down and those walls done, Rhoda!
Looking forward to that stencil. I know it will look gorgeous. You must be enjoying that porch, finished or not, now that Spring has come to Atlanta.
I used to years ago but it took forever…I’ve been painting for so many years that I find in unnecessory…I recently used a tapered paint brush along the trim and it worked great…as long as I took my time, I didn’t have to use my dampened rag much for corrections…can wait to see your stencil…I would love to try something like that in my “small” laundry room…good luck!
I loathe taking the time to tape off but always regret it when I don’t. It says time and frustration in the long run, I guess.
The worst part about painting is the prep work but I find it’s the most important part and you turned me on to the green tape, it’s all I use now and worth every cent. I guess I’m obsessive about a clean line!
Ah, you’re speaking my language this week, Rhoda! Frog Tape is my best friend (I’m painting my guest room)… I usually cut in against the ceiling, but I do tape off trim to keep those lines clean. Wish me luck!
Can’t wait to see the stenciling ~ xo Heidi
We tape off always, I think it gives a fresh clean line.
Cynthia
Rhoda I love the way you get in there and get things done! The stencil is going to be amazing in there,
Happy Thursday,
Kathysue
Can’t wait to see the end result! We have an offer in on an old farmhouse that is pretty good condition but needs some love. I’ll be clicking through your blog for some good tips! Here’s another painting tip: Even though taping usually gets a clean line, sometimes a little bleed does come through. After taping off, if you do a light coat just along the tape line of what you’re painting with the color that is adjacent to it, it will be 100% crisp and straight. It is an extra step but well worth it in the long run. I don’t know about you but when I know there’s a flaw, I always look at it! Haha!! Can’t wait till the next post!
I never use tape for painting walls and trim but there have been times, after the fact, that I have thought it would have been easier if I had. I do use it for other things though, like marking the spaces between nail holes when hanging pictures and shelves!
I’m a great taper-offer and I can work fast. I tape everything off, while my husband chomps at the bit to get to the painting. He’s very impatient and often drips, bumps and spills onto where he shouldn’t, so it’s imperative I tape. I’m a perfectionist, so I like a clean line. I’ve never used Frog Tape because it’s so pricey. I use just regular painter’s tape.
I’ve been in the process of repainting all our baseboards and we have carpeting. I tape and use a straight edge shoved down in the carpet, to pull it back while I paint. A slow process, since I insist on doing it alone (husband won’t take the care, the way I do). Ugh! If anyone has a better suggestion, I’m all for it!
🙂
I’m a Green Frog Taper…It’s good stuff!
I don’t use the tape at all. And that’s because I DON’T paint…..my husband DOES! He definitely loves and uses Frog Tape. Got a funny story on that. I was going to the store and hubby asked me to pick up some more tape. When I got there, I couldn’t find it quickly so I asked for some help. I told the store attendant guy, “I need some of that, you know, Toad Tape stuff.” Thankfully, he figured it out. LOL!
Kathy! That’s hilarious, thanks for sharing.
FROG TAPE is the way to go… it is worth every penny! Now… for the serious comment……
I CAN’T WAIT for the laundry room to be done! It is going to be LOADS of FUN to see it!! 🙂
~Nancy from OHIO
When you do a blog on the stencil project would you mention if you let each large square dry before doing the next? I’m getting braver watching you do things.
I learned the hard way: Use GREEN and never buy the BLUE tape again. The blue painter’s tape pulled off exactly what I was trying to protect. I was soooo upset! What especially sucks is that it was stained and now I have to try to match the stain again.