Since I started redesigning my studio space, I’ve been using all sorts of tricky DIY techniques that I forgot that I knew how to do! I learned many of these Tips, Tricks, & Tools while working for many years in the entertainment industry. I’ve worked as a scenic painter & sculptor here in L.A. and have worked on stuff ranging from Disneyland Rides, Movies, Commercials, & Giant Stage Sets.
So I thought, “Why not share a few of these totally time-saving ideas with you!!” So here is a new series that I’ll be posting!
DIY Tips, Tricks, & Tools:
How To Peel Masking Tape Off!
Have you ever pulled off masking tape & then it starts to peel off the paint you just pain-stakingly spent the time to perfectly apply?
Here is the pegboard I made for my new studio space. I taped off about 2″ of the edge to paint a nice black boarder around the entire thing. After Masking off the edge, I sprayed 2 coats of Kilz Primer, then 3 coats of Aqua Spray Paint on. Once completely dry, I started to peel off the tape….
So don’t just pull off the tape really fast. Alot of time, especially if you are painting with acrylic or Latex paint, the paint creates a “skin” when it dries. When you pull the masking tape straight up, you are pulling up the “skinned” paint with it. You will spend time touching up the bits that tear off with your tape.
The proper way to pull off tape is to peel a little bit up, then fold it back on itself & peel SLOWLY off at an angle AWAY from the painted surface.
Folding it back on itself means that as you pull off the tape, make sure the unsticky sides are in constant contact. You could even pull away & down.
This technique tears the paint along the taped line rather that pulling up the paint.
Extra Tips:
*If you find that the paint is still pulling up a little, use an Exacto knife to cut any stubborn paint along the masking line.
*Be sure to thoroughly burnish the tape down. You can use a credit card or the back of your finger nail to help.
*A SUPER-SECRET Trick that I learned to help prevent seeping paint… If you find that no matter how much you burnish the tape down, it still leaks, try this… After applying the masking tape, brush on a thin coat of clear Matt-Medium, Mod Podge, or other Clear Acrylic Medium. This will seal the tape & if the clear medium leaks through, no one will notice!!
