Use a paintbrush to cut edges and save time.
Painting can be a chore so it is wise to use the same shortcut professionals employ in cutting an edge. Painting contractors often don't have the leisure to apply yards of tape, inch by inch. Instead, they use a paintbrush to "cut" a straight edge around trim and wall or ceiling joints. With a good brush and a steady hand, you to can finish a top-quality job in record time.
Instructions
1. Pour several inches of paint into your cutting bucket. Use this separate bucket to avoid contaminating the whole gallon of paint by dipping into it. Dip the brush into the paint bucket deep enough so that the paint comes about halfway up the bristles.
2. Lift brush out of paint and slap each side gently against the inside of the bucket above paint level. Two or three taps on each side is sufficient to push the paint into the interior of the bristles, loading the brush, yet keeping it from dripping.
3. Hold the handle of the paintbrush vertically in your hand, index finger pointing toward the tip of the bristles, just as you would hold a pen or pencil. Start at the far right if using your left hand and the far left if using your right. This allows you to hold your hand in a more natural position and still be able to watch the line you are cutting.
4. Place the uppermost edge or point of the paintbrush one-quarter inch from the line where the ceiling meets the wall. Apply enough pressure to cause the bristles to bend and the paint to ooze out until it just touches the joint of ceiling and wall. Slant your hand slightly toward the wall and begin to draw your arm toward you horizontally, keeping your brush in contact with the wall and your eye on the cutting edge of the brush as the paint flows out.
5. Adjust the angle at which you hold the brush and the pressure you're using to maintain a steady, straight line. Renew the paint on your brush as needed. Brush from wet paint toward dry wall to produce the straightest edge.
6. Proceed to cut in around the top of walls, doors, windows and above baseboards. Smooth the outside edge of wet paint as you go to create a band about 3 to 4 inches wide. Roll into this band when you paint the walls, thus obtaining a uniform finish by covering any brush marks from the cutting-in process.
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