Paint bleeding under the tape? How to get sharp lines.

Why does paint bleed under the tape?

Because a gap remains between the tape edge and the surface, and paint seeps into it.

• Rough or textured surface: small gaps remain under the tape.
• The edge was not pressed on (with EDGE GOLD and EDGE RED).
• The tape does not suit the surface.
• The surface is dusty, wet or greasy.
• The paint was brushed against the tape edge instead of away from it.

How do I stop paint bleeding?

Choose the right tape, work clean and dry, press the edge on properly, seal the edge on rough surfaces and paint away from the tape.

1. 1

   Choose the tape by surface

   EDGE GOLD for smooth surfaces, EDGE VIOLET for delicate surfaces indoors, EDGE RED for rough surfaces outdoors. See the table by surface.

2. 2

   Prepare the surface

   Clean, dry, dust-free and grease-free.

3. 3

   Press on correctly

   EDGE GOLD and EDGE RED: press the edge on firmly with a squeegee or spatula. EDGE VIOLET: apply without pressure, smooth the edge with a fingertip only.

4. 4

   Seal the edge

   On rough or textured surfaces first paint a thin coat of the base colour along the tape edge. Anything that seeps under has the colour of the surface.

5. 5

   Paint away from the tape

   Apply the new colour away from the tape into the surface.

6. 6

   Remove while wet

   Right after the last coat, while the paint is wet, pull the tape off at about 45°.

What helps on rough render and woodchip?

Outdoors on rough render, work EDGE RED into the texture with pressure; indoors on woodchip use EDGE GOLD with a sealed edge and an adhesion test.

Is there a tape that paint never bleeds under?

No tape guarantees an edge without bleeding; what matters is the surface, the pressure and sealing the edge.

A thin washi tape lies flat. That helps, but it does not replace preparation.