Your cutting-in quality can make or break a top-quality painting job.
Also referred to as trimming-in, the term relates to the process of painting a thin strip next to trim, molding, transitions between walls and ceilings, and any other area that is too tight for a paint roller to reach.
It is important to make the transition smooth, particularly if there are differences in the colors, so that the rest is simple and the final product looks professional.
Although the task may seem overwhelming to beginners, it is actually quite simple to figure out how to remove a ceiling.
When youre done with our guide, youll have the knowledge needed to cut in like a pro.
What Youll Need
The method you use will determine the tools and materials you’ll need to cut a ceiling.
Though its not the easiest method, the method that produces the best results is to use an angled brush, so thats what well focus on first.
Here’s what you need:
- Small containers
- Paint
Dont skimp on the quality of your paint brush according to The Painted Surface, a high-quality paint brush results in a much better-looking finished product.
Method 1: Angled Brush
The angled brush method of how to cut in a ceiling is the choice of professionals.
Ill be honest it does take a little practice, but youre better off practicing and learning this technique than taking a shortcut. The results will speak for themselves.
Step I: Fill Container With Paint
Fill your container with paint. Its important not to fill it with too much. This step requires approximately one inch of paint.
Step II: Load Brush With Paint
Dip the brush in the container. Paint the brush only a third of the way. You just need to cover about one third of the end of the brush.
Tap off any extra paint alongside the edge of the container. Next, remove any excess paint from the container by painting a light downward stroke on the wall.
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is to use too much paint on your brush.
Step III: Paint A Foot-Long Stroke
Everybody has a different way of putting a ceiling in.
What all experts can agree upon, however, is that you should start with foot-long strokes.
Paint a foot-long stroke on the ceiling right at the edge where it meets the wall. Paint in one direction, then go back and paint the opposite direction.
Experts, including The Family Handyman recommend that you hold the paintbrush with a pencil grip. The narrow edge of your brush is used for cutting into ceilings.
Step IV: Smoothen Out Your Brush Marks
After youve created a foot-long stretch of paint with the narrow edge of your brush, use the wide edge of the brush to smooth out any brush marks.
Sweep the brush back and forth a few times as needed to create the smoothest appearance possible.
Step V: Continue And Use The Roller
Repeat steps three and four until you cover about three feet of the ceiling.
From here, you have several options. You have the option of continuing to cut along the wall or around the room.
Another option is to cut small sections of ceiling three feet long and use a roller to smoothen these areas.
Working in three-foot sections at a time is often the best bet for beginners as it ensures you wont let the paint dry before you go over it.
Method 2: Caulking The Transition
Using an angled brush to cut in a ceiling is the method of choice for professionals.
But there are a few other methods that can be easier for beginners to learn. One of these is caulking the transition.
The method consists of applying caulking with a caulking gun around the transition between the ceiling and the wall before painting.
Caulking the transition is the most time-consuming method by far but it can create some of the crispest results.
Step I: Apply Tape
A strip of painters tape should be run along the wall at a distance of 1/20 cm from ceiling. Another strip should be run along the ceiling at a distance of 1/20 cm.
Step II: Run Caulk
Use your caulking gun to run a bead of caulk in the space between the two pieces of tape.
The bead of caulking should run around the entire length of the ceiling, essentially cutting it in.
To smoothen the caulking, wet your finger with some water. Dont worry about it if it smears onto the tape.
Step 3: Take Off Tape And Paint
Peel off both pieces of tape from the wall immediately after smoothing out the calking. You can now use a roller for finishing painting the ceiling or walls.
Method 3: Ceiling Paint Tool
A number of gadgets and devices have hit the market lately with the intention to make it easier for beginners to learn how to cut in a ceiling.
This ceiling paint tool is considered one of the most effective, according to Gildan.
You just need to paint the pad and line it up with the walls.
Then, apply it to the transition between ceilings and walls. It will create a perfect line of paint without brush marks.
Last Thoughts
It’s not hard to see how cutting a ceiling can be intimidating at first.
But its actually a simple project, even for beginners when you know what youre doing and you use the right tools.
Once youre doing with your interior painting job, check out these fun DIY painted furniture projects.
