Do Professional Painters Use Tape?

Painter's tape can make a DIY project easier to manage with less risk of mistakes. But will professional painters use painter's tape? Let's take a look below.

Whether or not a professional painter will use painter's tape will depend on the painter and the project. Some experienced professional painters prefer to use an angled brush on their projects. In addition, some surfaces make it difficult for painter's tape to adhere to.

Like other professionals, each painter has a specific process for painting. In this article, we will take a closer look at whether or not professional painters use painter's tape. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about painting projects and painter's tape, so read on!

Will Professional Painters Use Painter's Tape?

Prepping a window for painting - taping off glass with blue painter's tape.

Whether you are a professional painter or looking to paint your walls, painting is a tedious task. To help have a successful project, many painters will resort to using painter's tape.

Painter's tape is a great way to protect surfaces that shouldn't be painted. However, not all professional painters will use painter's tape on client projects.

This could be due to a number of factors. First, applying painter's tape is time consuming, and the more projects a painter can finish, the more money they will make.

Instead, a professional painter will use a "cutting in" method which involves using an angled brush. This means no painter's tape, and the work is done freehand. For experienced painters, this is an easier method and yields a better finish.

Other professional painters may use a combination of painter's tape and freehand. This can completely depend on the surface they are painting.

Some surfaces are difficult for painter's tape to stick to, and it's easier to freehand the surface. For example, rough or bumpy surfaces are best to be done freehand. For exterior surfaces, a professional painter will typically use painter's tape to mitigate the risk of overspray onto unwanted areas.

Lastly, inexperienced or apprentice painters will use painter's tape until their skills improve. When first starting out, it's best to take your time and do the best job possible. This will lead to good reviews, referrals, and new clients.

For DIY projects, it's best to tape before you paint. Unless you have a steady hand and a lot of experience painting, painter's tape will ensure a clean finish.

Young man painting wall with roller

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Professional Painter?

Building contractor painting grey wall with roller brush, copy space text. Construction worker renovating house. - Do Professional Painters Use Tape?

 

Typically, it can cost $50-100 an hour to hire a professional painter. However, costs can range widely depending on a few factors. Let's take a look at them below:

Size Of Project

The painting project's size can cause the project's price to fluctuate tremendously. While a 10X12 room may only cost $400-500, a home exterior will be in the thousands of dollars.

It may be best to tackle small projects yourself, depending on your free time and confidence. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Prep Work

The amount of prep work a professional painter will have to do prior to painting will also factor in costs. For example, the cost will increase if a home exterior needs surface fillers, sanding, and power washing.

You can always save yourself money by doing the prep work yourself. However, you need to be sure that the prep work is done to the painter's expectations. If not, you wasted your time and still will need to pay the labor hours for prep work.

Type Of Paint

No two paints are created equal. The paint finish and brand will both determine the cost. For example, a high-gloss paint from Farrow & Ball is going to be more expensive than a satin paint from a generic brand.

If you are unsure what paint to use, ask your painter what they recommend. They should give you different quotes based on the type of paint finish and brand.

Quality Of Work

Like other contract companies, painting companies can vary in quality. A newer painter that is trying to get new clients may do a job cheaper than a reputable painting company.

While this doesn't necessarily mean that the paint job will be of lower quality, it's still a good idea to ask for references. References can be from a previous client or from their mentor.

There are also companies out there that care more about quantity than quality. Companies that work fast so they can move on to their next job may produce poor work. Whereas an established painting company that cares about its local reputation will take the time to do a quality job.

Which one you decide to choose will depend on your interest in the project. For example, if you need a shed painted and you couldn't care less about the quality, then go with the cheaper option.

Whereas a complete interior or exterior paint project is something you should take more time to consider before making a decision.

Region

The going rate for a paint project will change from state to state and city to city. For example, hiring a professional painter in Los Angeles will be more expensive than in a small town in Montana.

This is due to the cost of living, goods, and supplies in the area. If costs are higher in the area, painters will need to charge a higher rate to cover their expenses.

This is something to consider if you are looking to purchase a home in a pricier market. Check with the appraiser to understand the current condition of the paint. If the appraiser recommends the exterior or interior of the home is painted soon, it's best to have it written in the buy/sell agreement.

A contractor or painter on a ladder doing exterior paint work, sanding, trim work and repairs on a house, condo or building with wood siding. Blue sky background.

Is Hiring A Professional Painter Worth It?

This is a tough question, as it depends on your project, budget, free time, and painting experience. It can be well worth it if you have the budget to hire a professional painter. A professional painter will have the right tools and experience to quickly get a quality job done.

If you don't have the budget but free time, it may be worth tackling the project yourself. Of course, you will need to purchase the painting supplies, but they will come at a fraction of the cost compared to a professional painter.

Lastly, what you need to be painted will also factor in. It may not be worth hiring a professional if you only need one bedroom or an old shed painted. However, a big painting project such as an entire home is something that is best left to the pros.

At the end of the day, weigh the pros and cons before deciding on hiring a painter.

Should Painter's Tape Be Removed Between Coats?

If you have decided to use painter's tape, you may wonder when is the best time to remove it. In this situation, the walls need multiple coats; then, it's best to wait until the last coat has dried.

If you take the painter's tape off between coats, it will need to be reapplied before the next coat. This increases the risk of ruining your lines and placing the tape in areas it shouldn't be.

Take your time to place the painter's tape right the first time. This will save you a lot of time and headaches throughout the project.

Male hand removes strong masking yellow tape

What Type Of Painter's Tape Should I Use For My Project?

The best type of painter's tape to use is the one that fits the criteria of your project. There are several different types of painter's tape on the market.

For example, if you paint your home's exterior, it's best to get weatherproof tape. This will ensure the tape sticks to the surface and can withstand the elements.

Interior projects are lower maintenance and don't require as much protection. Nonetheless, you should still choose a quality painter's tape for the best results.

Painter's tape is relatively inexpensive, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your project. Plus, you will have it for future projects.

Will Painter's Tape Pull Off Fresh Paint?

There is a risk of the painter's tape pulling off the paint. However, this usually results when the paint isn't fully cured.

The surface should be completely dry and cured from top to bottom before removing the tape. You should also take your time when removing painter's tape.

Ripping the tape off will increase the risk of damaging your painting surface. Instead, peel the tape off at a 45-degree angle allowing a clean line.

Lastly, don't wait too long after the paint has dried to remove the tape. The longer the paint sits, the more it will bind to the dried paint. This can cause the paint to pull off with the painter's tape.

Hand removing blue painter's tape from edge of refinished furniture paint job.

Final Thoughts

Overall, painter's tape is a useful tool that professional painters or homeowners can take advantage of. Whether or not painter's tape is used will depend on the type of project and the painter's experience.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

How To Tell If Painter Did Two Coats

Can You Use Painters Tape On Carpet?

How To Not Get Paint On Ceiling When Painting The Walls [4 Tips]

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