Professional Tips and TricksIn my 40 years as a house painter and contractor, I've gathered many tips and practices that are now part of my every day routine. Some of these tips simply make my work faster or more efficient. Other tips help produce higher quality results. I'm certain that homeowners painting their own dwellings will benefit from these suggestions. Less-experienced contractors may also find my suggestions helpful, so over the coming days and weeks I hope to provide this information freely via my Twitter feed. Why am I sharing this hard-earned experience? It's my belief that generosity of knowledge and practice brings benefits to the giver and the recipient. I hope you'll call on me the next time you require a professional house painter.
You can access previous tips and keep up-to-date by "following" me on Twitter. Tip: Masking tape tip #2: Press the edge of the masking tape down very firmly with something smooth and unyielding—for example, your fingernail (if your nails are long enough). Apply about 18 inches of tape at a time, burnishing the edge before proceeding. You do NOT need to tear off the tape every 18 inches, as I recently saw a "professional" painter do—making it virtually impossible for her to efficiently remove the tape later. You can also use the edge of a steel putty knife to press down the edge of the tape after you've lightly attached it. Getting a firm bond to the surface and pressing the tape firmly are the most important tips in applying masking tape. Copyright ©2011 by Nathan Harms |
