What to do about paint seeping under the masking tape?

Questions & AnswersCategory: Painting Tool Use and CareWhat to do about paint seeping under the masking tape?
Steve asked 10 years ago

I have been having trouble with the paint seeping under the blue masking tape. I work the edges well to get a good seal but the paint still makes it under. It doesn’t seem to matter whether I’m taping the wall to paint the trim or the trim to paint the wall. Is it just because the walls are textured?

I got so frustrated with it today that I just gave up and painted free-hand. It took me a lot longer and I do have a little touch-up to do but probably less than I’d have to do if I had used tape.

I thought about using Frog tape but it is more expensive and I’m on a tight budget. Is this tape as good as the maker claims?

2 Answers
Crowder Painting answered.

Frog Tape does work and quite well. I use it when ever I need a truly crisp line. An alternative is to apply your blue tape then apply a little caulking to the edge. The caulking will seal this edge eliminating the bleed through.

Anonymous answered.

If you back paint your edge with the color your taping over, you will seal your edge of your stripe and get a crisp line, also this will give you a longer window of time to get the job done than caulking will. Don't wait to long to pull your tape