Guide
Masking done right: how to get clean paint lines.
Whether the paint line works is decided before you pick up the roll. With the right tape and six steps it works indoors and outdoors.
Which tape for which surface?
For smooth surfaces use EDGE GOLD, for wallpaper and delicate surfaces indoors EDGE VIOLET, for render, concrete and facades outdoors EDGE RED.
The adhesion has to suit the surface. Too weak, and paint can bleed under the edge. Too strong, and the tape can pull off wallpaper or fresh paint.
| Surface | Tape | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Glass, windows, metal, plastic, lacquer (indoors and outdoors) | EDGE GOLD | 1.5 N/cm to steel, UV-resistant for up to 16 weeks* |
| Wallpaper, plasterboard, fresh paint, delicate surfaces (indoors) | EDGE VIOLET | 1.02 N/cm, deliberately low adhesion, indoors only |
| Render, concrete, masonry, facades, balconies (outdoors) | EDGE RED | 2.0 N/cm, fibre-reinforced, UV-resistant for up to 16 weeks* |
*“Up to” according to the data sheet (test method ATST007, average value), not a guaranteed period. Actual adhesion time depends on surface, weather, paint and temperature. Remove the tape while the last coat is still wet, at about 45°.
All surfaces including “not suitable” are in the table: which masking tape for which surface?
Clean edges in 6 steps
Check the surface, pick the tape, apply it, press the edge on, seal it on rough surfaces, then paint and remove the tape while wet.
- 1
Check the surface
The surface must be clean, dry, dust-free and grease-free. On uncertain surfaces, stick a piece of tape in an inconspicuous spot first and pull it off again (adhesion test). That shows you whether paint or wallpaper comes away.
- 2
Pick the tape
Choose the tape by surface and location (table above). For fine lines on windows 19 or 25 mm is enough; for facades and wide protective strips use 38 or 50 mm.
- 3
Apply
Lay the tape on in sections and guide it straight along the line you want.
- 4
Press the edge on
EDGE GOLD and EDGE RED: press the edge on firmly with a spatula or squeegee. EDGE VIOLET: apply without pressure and smooth the edge with a fingertip only.
- 5
Seal the edge
On rough or textured surfaces, first paint a thin coat of the base colour along the tape edge. If any of it seeps under the tape, it matches the surface. Then apply the new colour.
- 6
Paint and remove
Paint away from the tape into the surface. Remove the tape right after the last coat while the paint is wet: at about 45°, without jerking, EDGE VIOLET slowly and evenly.
The most common problems and how to fix them
Most mistakes happen when pressing the edge on, with the surface, or with the timing of removal.
Paint bleeds under the tape
Press the edge on more firmly (GOLD and RED) and seal it with the base colour on rough surfaces. Outdoors on render or concrete use EDGE RED: it is made for rough textures. More in the guide paint bleeding under tape.
Paint tears off with the tape
Remove the tape while the paint is wet. If the paint has already dried, score the edge first with a sharp knife.
Wallpaper or paint comes off
The adhesion is too high for the surface. On wallpaper and fresh paint use EDGE VIOLET with its deliberately low adhesion. Let fresh paint dry for at least 24 hours.
Adhesive residue on the surface
Remove the tape right after the last coat and do not leave it on longer than necessary. UV resistance tells you how long the tape withstands sunlight, not how long it comes off cleanly. Also check that the tape suits the surface.
Practical tips
Mark straight lines first, paint away from the tape and store rolls properly.
- Mark long lines first with a spirit level or laser. A pencil line is enough as a guide.
- In room corners, mask the ceiling first and then the wall.
- Paint away from the tape into the surface. That pushes less paint under the edge.
- Working with heat? According to the data sheets EDGE GOLD withstands up to approx. 100 °C for 20 minutes and EDGE RED up to approx. 150 °C for 60 minutes.
- Store rolls at 18 to 21 °C, at no more than 65 % humidity and out of direct sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
When should I remove masking tape after painting?
Right after the last coat, while the paint is wet. The paint then usually breaks cleanly at the tape edge.
Why does paint bleed under my tape on rough render?
On rough render small gaps remain under the tape. Use a tape made for rough textures (EDGE RED), work it into the texture with pressure and seal the edge with the base colour.
Can I put tape on a freshly painted wall?
Yes, with EDGE VIOLET, once the paint has dried for at least 24 hours. Its adhesion is deliberately low (1.02 N/cm to steel).
Which tool do I use to press the edge on?
For EDGE GOLD and EDGE RED a squeegee or spatula, firmly. For EDGE VIOLET no tool: smooth the edge lightly with a fingertip only.
Which is better: gold tape or ordinary crepe tape?
Washi gold tape has a thin, smooth backing and usually lies flatter than crepe paper tape. That helps with sharp lines. For rough masking jobs crepe is often enough.
